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Spiders
Spiders are generally considered beneficial insects because of their ability to prey on other insects. In fact, spiders are an excellent natural form of pest control, taking care of vast quantities of flies, mosquitoes and other spiders during their lifetime.
There are however, three species in Australia that give cause for alarm and respect. The deadly Sydney Funnelweb Spider (Atrax robustus), the potentially lethal Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) and the White Tailed Spider (Lampona cylindrata). A fourth, the Mouse Spider may also be responsible for a number of serious bites.
Most other spiders are relatively harmless, however most are capable of inflicting a very painful bite.
The Sydney Funnel Web Spider (Atrax robustus) Often confused with the Trapdoor Spider, the Sydney Funnel web and the Tree Funnelweb Spider are two of Australia’s most toxic spiders. The male Sydney Funnelweb is frequently found wandering at certain times of the year. This is generally during summer and autumn when searching for a female, but also at any other time if habitat is disturbed or after heavy rain. The mature male leaves its burrow (often a deserted cicada hole) and may easily enter houses. Research conducted by Rid Pest Control also suggests that both funnelwebs and white tail spiders are commonly transported indoors with the full basket load of washing off the line. The venom of the male funnelweb spider is five times more toxic than that of the female.The female spends virtually all its life in its burrow, leaving only to catch prey and to mate. The male will die soon after mating however the female will live for some time.
There have been 13 recorded deaths, attributed to funnel web bites. No funnelweb spider bite victim has died since an anti-venom was developed in 1981. (Spider Trivia: One man has been bitten twice)
Symptoms: Pain in area of bite, numbness, nausea and vomiting. Profuse sweating and then collapse. Frothing at the mouth. Cramps and limb pain. Patient may become delirious.
Treatment: Apply a broad flat bandage, extending from the bite to the limb extremity and back to the bite area. Seek immediate medical attention.
Male funnelweb Spider
Further information
http://www.austmus.gov.au/spiders/dangerous/funnelweb/index.htm
The Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)
The female has a shiny black, globular abdomen with two yellow or red markings in a triangle shape. It looks like an hourglass. Males are vastly smaller, and most would not recognise him. The web is irregular, many times found along exterior foundations on slabs, under stones and rocks and especially under sheets of corrugated iron. Tool sheds are another favourite residence. In the days of outside toilets, it was not unheard of for men to be bitten on the genitals as the under side of toilet sets was another favoured home.
Although not aggressive, they will bite if provoked. Over 600 bite cases are recorded throughout Australia each year. The bite feels like a sharp pain, similar to a needle puncture. After 15 minutes to an hour there will be muscular cramps. The venom is highly toxic to humans but effective antivenom is widely available and no deaths have occurred since its development. If bitten you should seek medical attention.
Female Redback Spider
WHITETAILED SPIDER Lampona cylindrata
Dark grey to black with a characteristic white spot on the end of its abdomen. They have a long, cigar shaped body up to about 20mm in length.
Males are wanderers and are frequently found indoors, especially bathrooms and laundries. It is also found outdoors, sheltering under the lose bark of trees and leaf litter. Not overly aggressive, the Whitetail is however no wimp and will bite if touched or trapped inside clothing. Bites are painful and cause localised swelling. Some, localised ulceration may also occur in the area of the bite.
MYTH? Despite much sensationalised publicity, the belief that Whitetailed Spiders are capable of causing extensive nectotising is now not given much credibility.
Whitetail spider
The Mouse Spider Misulena sp.
Believed to be distantly related to the Trapdoor Spider (Myglamorphae sp.)
Commonly encountered, but seldom correctly identified as they are most often confused with the Trapdoor.
They are very stocky in shape with thick, short legs. The female can be up to 3 cm long. Males are usually shorter (1 –2 cm long).
Females are always black in colour, however males seem to vary from black through blue/black to dark brown. Some male varieties have bright red head, jaws and jaw base.
Both the male and the female have very large fangs.
Found widespread throughout virtually all of mainland Australia, excepting the
rain-forest areas.
They live in burrows with a hinged lid. The female seldom leaves her burrow and is rarely seen, whereas the male upon reaching sexual maturity (about 2 years) will leave the burrow and wander in search of a mate.
When disturbed, they are quick to rear up in that distinctive, funnel-web like manner.
Although few recorded serious bite cases have been compiled, they are considered to possess a very venomous toxin. Bite victims are strongly advised to seek medical attention.
Male Mouse Spider
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