The Australian Widow (Latrodectus hasseltii), also known as red-backed spider, is one of the most famous venomous spiders in Australia. Its distinctive appearance, dangerous venom, and habit of eating males after mating make it one of the most feared arachnids in the world.
📌 What makes this spider special?
✔ The poison is 15 times stronger than cobra venom
✔ Recognizable red "belt" on the back
✔ Females are several times larger than males
✔ The distribution range is expanding, even beyond Australia
✔ Bites can be fatal without medical attention
Let's take a closer look at this dangerous but incredibly interesting creature!
Scientific classification
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Arthropods (Arthropoda)
✔ Class: Arachnids (Arachnida)
✔ Row: Pavuk (Araneae)
✔ Family: Shadow spiders (Theridiidae)
✔ Gender: Latrodectus
✔ View: Latrodectus hasseltii
📌 It belongs to the family of" black widows " (Latrodectus), which are known for their strong neurotoxic venom and characteristic sexual cannibalism.
Appearance and dimensions
🕷 What does an Australian widow look like?
✔ Females:
• Size: 10-15 mm (without legs)
• Colour: glossy black with a bright red stripe on the back
✔ Males:
• Size: 3-4 mm (significantly smaller than females)
• Colour: dark brown or black, often without a red pattern
✔ Paws: long and thin
✔ Body: rounded belly with a distinctive red or orange stripe
📌 This red mark is a warning for predators-a signal of deadly danger!
Distribution area
🌍 Where does the Australian widow live?
✔ Native range:
* Australia 🇦 🇺 (largest population)
* New Zealand 🇳 🇿
✔ It is also found in:
* Japan 🇯 🇵
* South Asia 🇮 🇳
* Oceania
* Cases are recorded even in Europe and the USA
📌 Due to freight traffic, this spider has spread outside of Australia, especially in warmer regions.
Behavior and lifestyle
🌿 How does Latrodectus hasseltii live?
✔ Nocturnal predator - hides during the day, is active at night
✔ Weaves chaotic, small webs - usually near the ground
✔ Likes dry, warm places - sheds, garages, dark corners of houses
✔ A very patient hunter - waiting for the victim to fall into the trap itself
📌 The Australian widow rarely attacks a human, but defends itself if disturbed.
Food
🍽 What does the red-backed spider eat?
✔ Insects (flies, beetles, grasshoppers)
✔ Small spiders
✔ Small lizards (sometimes)
✔ Males (after mating)
📌 The venom paralyzes the victim, after which the spider slowly eats it.
Reproduction and sexual cannibalism
❤️ How does the Australian widow breed?
✔ Mating season-spring and summer
✔ The male creeps up on the female cautiously
✔ After mating, he often becomes her victim
✔ The female lays up to 250 eggs in a cocoon
✔ Young spiders appear in 2-4 weeks
📌 The self-sacrifice of males provides the female with enough nutrients to successfully lay eggs.
Poison and danger to humans
🚨 Is the Australian widow dangerous to humans?
✔ The poison contains neurotoxins (alpha-latrotoxin)
✔ Bite Symptoms:
* Severe pain
• Nausea
* Muscle spasms
* Increased sweating
✔ Deaths are possible without treatment
✔ The antidote was developed in 1956 and saves lives
📌 If you are bitten by a red-backed spider, see a doctor immediately!
How to avoid meeting an Australian widow?
✔ Check dark, dry areas regularly
✔ Wear gloves when working in the garage or shed
✔ Don't touch the web if you see a red spider
✔ Use insecticides in places where you may live
📌 Australian widow-not aggressive, but it's better not to take any chances!
Interesting facts
💡 Its venom is 15 times stronger than that of a cobra!
💡 Males often deliberately "offer" themselves to be eaten after mating!
💡 Can survive for months without food!
💡 The only representative of the "black widows" that is widely distributed outside its native range!
Can I keep it at home?
🏡 Can I have an Australian widow as a pet?
✔ You can keep it, but it is very risky
✔ Need a terrarium with a tight lid
✔ Very dangerous species-bites can be fatal
📌 This spider is not for beginners-only for experienced enthusiasts!
Conclusion
🕷 The Australian widow spider is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. Its poison is deadly, but modern medicine can save lives. It is unique in its behavior, bright appearance, and ability to spread to new regions.
❗ Be careful, because an encounter with this spider may end up in a hospital!
