The Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) are found throughout Australia and not only in outback dunnies. Also known as the Australian black widow, this species of spider is highly venomous that is also found in New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
The adult female Redback Spider is recognised by her spherical black body with a prominent red stripe on the upper side of her abdomen and an hour-glass-shaped red/orange streak on the underside. The male is usually much smaller then the females spider. There are variations on the shape of the red stripe and even in the colour of the stripe and the colour of the Redback Spider itself, with some a pale and brown colouration.
Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT
The following were found in corners outside our home, under the BBQ, and we even found one had spun a web in our laundry.
Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) found in our garden Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) found in our garden Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) found in our garden Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) found in our garden
Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) under the BBQ Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) under the BBQ
Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT
Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT
- Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Theridiidae
- Genus: Latrodectus
- Species: L. hasselti
- Binomial name: Latrodectus hasselti
Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti), Alice Springs, NT