Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2157928

Redback Spider

Latrodectus hasselti

Also known as Australian Black Widow, Jockey Spider

Redback spiders construct messy, tangled cobwebs in dark, dry retreats such as under garden furniture, inside sheds, or beneath logs. Female redbacks display dramatic sexual cannibalism, frequently consuming the much smaller males during courtship. Extremely adaptable to human disturbance, these nocturnal predators feed on ground-crawling insects, small lizards, and other arachnids trapped in their sticky anchor lines.

VenomousNocturnalArachnid
Redback Spider reference1 / 7
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—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Insects
  • Small Lizards
  • Spiders
Predators
  • Cellar Spider
  • White-tailed Spider
  • Birds
ThreatsPesticide application, habitat clearing, competition
HabitatsUrban structures, gardens, dry forests, shrublands
Life span1–3 years (females), 6–7 months (males)
Classification
  1. FamilyTheridiidae
  2. SpeciesLatrodectus hasselti
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Highly venomous bite causes severe pain and latrodectism; avoid handling and wear gloves near webs.
Why it is dangerous
Injects latrotoxin venom that causes intense local pain, nausea, sweating, and systemic muscular dysfunction requiring emergency medical treatment.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by a shiny black pea-sized abdominal body featuring a bold stripe of red or orange along top.
What to do
Do not handle under any circumstances; use a broom to clear webs or call pest professionals if necessary.
Responsible observation
  • Wear Thick Gloves: Always wear protective leather gloves when clearing debris or moving potted plants.
  • Inspect Dark Corners: Check under outdoor chairs, outdoor toys, and shed ledges before placing hands there.
  • Leave Webs Intact: Observe from a safe distance without reaching directly into sticky retreats.
Related species
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