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The red-back spider (Lactrodectus hasselti) is a potentially dangerous spider now found throughout Australia. The
red-back is thought to be native only to Western Australia, but
was transported along with fruit and other produce during the 19th century to the eastern states; prior to this point the deserts covering
central Australia had proven to be a natural barrier. Red-back spiders are now found in all but the most inhospitable
environments in Australia.
The red-back spider is related to the black widow spider
found in North America and other regions but is smaller. The female
red-back has a round body about a centimeter long, with long, slender legs. The body is a deep black colour, often (but not
always) containing a red line or small red dots on the abdomen. The male red-back is
three to four millimeters long and is light brown in colour with white markings on the upper side of the abdomen.
A related species is the brown widow spider, first located in Brisbane, Australia
in 1987.
A successful bite from a female red-back injects a neurotoxin into the blood stream. Individuals bitten often describe the bite as extremely painful. Despite this
(and in contrast to common belief in Australia) deaths from the red-back have been rare: A single death has been reported since
the introduction of antivenin in 1956. It is, however, recommended to seek
medical attention following a bite. This is particularly true for children, the elderly or those with serious medical conditions
since the bite could be much more life threatening to these groups.
Contrary to common belief, bites from male red-back spiders are also occasionally dangerous, as reported by the Queensland Museum.
About 250 people are bitten each year across Australia. Since the female red-back is slow moving and rarely leaves its web,
most bites occur as a result of a person placing a hand or other body part too close to the web, such as people reaching into
dark holes or wall cavities.
Most Australians dislike the red-back spider, even far more than other dangerous spiders, thanks in part to its poor
reputation. In reality it is far less dangerous to the general population than a number of other dangerous spider species native to Australia.
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