Australia is home to some of the most venomous spiders in the world. There is an estimated 10,000 species inhabiting a variety of ecosystems. Although being bitten by a spider is less likely than being stung by a bee, it is still helpful to identify various spiders and be cautious.
Here is a list of the most commonly found spiders.
Huntsman spiders
Description: Large, black spiders with a leg span of up to 15cm. They are reluctant to bite and more likely to run away when approached.
Location: Huntsman spiders are widespread in Australia. Commonly found in homes, hiding inside curtains and cupboards.
Threat: Their venom is not considered dangerous for humans. Despite their intimidating size, huntsman spiders can be an ally in the house; they help with pest-control by eating smaller insects.
Funnel-web spiders
Description: While species vary from only 1.5-4.5cm in size, funnel-web spiders have very large fangs that secrete fatal venom.There are about 40 species of funnel-web spiders in Australia, but only six have been reported to be dangerous. They can be quite aggressive when threatened.
Location: Most commonly found in forests as well as populated urban areas. They prefer humid, sheltered areas.
Threat: These spiders produce large amounts of highly toxic venom and have large fangs to inject it. Their venom attacks the human nervous system and alters the functioning of all organs. The Sydney funnel-web spider is the deadliest spider in Australia, and possibly the world.
Trap door spiders
Description: These spiders are named after their habit of camouflaging the entrance of their burrow to trick their prey into falling inside. They measure about 1.5-3cm in length While most spiders live for about one year, trap door spiders can live between five and 20 years.
Location: Found commonly throughout Australia’s natural or urban environments.
Threat: Trap door spiders are not considered highly dangerous. They cause minor symptoms of pain, nausea, lethargy and illness.
Redback spiders
Description: Only 1cm in size. Redback spiders are identified by the well-known red stripe on their back.
Location: They are found throughout Australia in a variety of common household areas.
Threat: Their venom affects the nervous system, which is potentially dangerous for humans, but their small fangs make many of the bites ineffective. Approximately 2000 Redback spider bites are reported every year, of which only 250 require anti-venom.
Australian tarantulas
Description: Tarantulas are intimidating due to their large size and hairy legs. Their bodies are about 6cm in diameter, with a leg span of up to 16cm. They are sometimes referred to as whistling or barking spiders, named for the sound produced when they rub their front limbs against their jaws. Females live for about 12 years and males about five.
Location: Four species are found throughout Australia. Typically found more in natural locations than in urban areas.
Threat: Tarantulas are not fatal to humans, but their large fangs inflict painful bites that cause nausea, vomiting and high fevers. Several cases have been reported of fatal bites to dogs.
Common garden orb weaver spider
Description: These spiders measure between 1.5cm and 3cm. They are nocturnal and will mostly hide during the day, resting with their legs withdrawn under the body.
Location: These spiders are commonly seen in many gardens throughout Australia. They weave large webs between trees, hedges and washing lines.
Threat: While their bites are not associated with harmful effects, these spiders have a reputation for being aggressive. While other spiders will run away, these spiders will actually attack and bite when they feel threatened.
What to do in the event of a spider bite
The general symptoms to watch for are:
- Pain at the bite site
- Tingling around the mouth
- Profuse sweating
- Copious secretions of saliva
- Abdominal pain
- Muscular twitching
- Breathing difficulty
- Confusion
Treatment
- Keep the person rested, reassured and under observation
- Call 000/112 immediately
- Follow the basic life support guidelines (DRSABCD)
- Apply Pressure Immobilisation Technique – Apply a bandage over the bitten area as tightly as you would for a sprained ankle and immobilise the limb. Extend the bandage up the limb. Only use the pressure immobilisation technique for funnel web spider and snake bites. This technique should not be used for redback spider bites.
- Do not use a tourniquet
- Do not cut, suck or wash the bite site
- Constantly observe the person for signs of anaphylaxis