REDBACK SPIDERS... highly venomous... can be deadly
Venom toxicity - the Red-Back Spider can inflict a painful bite which can be fatal, especially to the young and elderly. An effective anti-venom was developed in 1956. About 250 people receive the anti-venom each year.
Nerve poison - Only a small amount of venom can cause serious illness, as the poison attacks the nervous system. Systemic envenomisation usually results in headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pyrexia, hypertension and in severe cases, paralysis.
Painful - The pain around the bite area can be excruciating. First aid and medical attention (ambulance) should be sought as soon as possible, if bitten.
Area of distribution - Australia-wide.
Spider Identification - size varies greatly - the male can be tiny, with the abdomen of the female growing to the size of a large pea. Red-Back Spiders do NOT always have a "red" marking.
Habitat - prefers dry habitats - often found in out-houses, letter boxes, undersides of seats, in rubbish, such as empty cans, in the sub floor and other dark areas. Electric lights attract their prey - moths, flies, mosquitoes and other insects.
MORE INFORMATION
Dangerous Spiders in Australia
FREE Spider Identification Chart
DANGEROUS SPIDERS