The Most Common Household Spiders in Australia
Spiders are a common sight in the Australian environment and are often found in the homes of humans. However, not all spiders are harmful. Only about 50 species are known to be dangerous, and the majority are harmless. There are over two hundred different types of spiders that are commonly seen in Australia. These include black house spiders, daddy long legs, white-tail spiders, and huntsman spiders. While most are harmless, some of them are venomous and have been known to cause some serious poisoning.
Black House spiders are widely distributed throughout southern and eastern Australia. They are also commonly seen in urban areas. A black house spider bite can cause vomiting, swelling, and pain. Their webs are mainly dark brown or Gray. Although they are primarily nocturnal, they can be found at any time of day, including night-time. The female spider builds a loose web in a sheltered spot. The sticky threads help to catch the prey.
White-tailed spiders are also found in Australia. These spiders are usually found in leaf litter and underneath rocks and barks. They have two pairs of light-coloured spots on their backs, and a reddish-grey abdomen. This type of spider lays eggs in a disc-shaped egg sac. After they hatch, the female builds a loose web in a secluded area.
Daddy long legs spiders are smaller than other spiders. These spiders are passive and are often found in dark, undisturbed places. Normally, they prefer to eat insects, though they are sometimes preyed upon by other spiders. At the end of their lifespan, males die. Females, on the other hand, can live up to three years.
Wolf spiders are nocturnal hunters. Their body length is 1.5-3cm. They are found everywhere in Australia but are normally found in leafy debris or decaying ground matter. During the day, they can be found in gardens.
The Huntsman spider is a member of the Heteroploidies family. It is Australia’s most feared spider. It is commonly found in the bush or around buildings. They can be quite aggressive and may bite people. If they are in a hurry, they can run away at speed. In addition, they are often seen falling from a car windscreen. Some people even find it useful to keep this spider as a pet.
Redback spiders are another common large spider in Australia. These spiders are cousins of the Black Widow. They can also be found in floorboards and under flowerpots. They have a distinctive red stripe on the rear dorsal area. Though their bite can be painful, the typical symptoms of a redback spider bite don’t require medical attention.
Mouse spiders are closely related to trapdoor spiders. They are squat creatures with large fang sheaths in the front of their head. Generally, they are seen in the garden or in burrows near water. Like funnel web spiders, they mainly eat insects and small frogs. But like funnel web spiders, mouse spiders are venomous.
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