These little blighters are everywhere in Australia. They are most at home in the corners of shed's, garages and verandas where they can whip up an impressive little web and live comfortably away from the prying eyes of us humans. Some, however, have been known to venture into houses and climb into wardrobes (and more notably, people's shoes and clothes) where they will happily attack any infiltrators.
The female is the one you've got to watch out for, her venom can potentially land you in hospital and give you a series of muscle spasms, palpitations, abdominal pain and vomitting for 24 hours after. 14 deaths have been recorded but since the introduction of anti-venom in 1984, nobody has fallen prey to its vicious bite. In fact it's believed that thousands of aussies are bitten each year with only 20% requiring medical treatment. Phew.
Her diet consists of innocent insects that wander into her web. She also has a taste for mice, lizards and dead snakes and is one of the few spiders will eat her own mating partner (presumably after he's delivered the goods that is).
Fin discovered this doomed female in our car port (whilst wandering around without shoes on I might add) so naturally we squished it and then took a pic. We've since introduced a 'shoes at all times whilst outdoors' policy and have started teaching the kids to search their togs before they get dressed in the mornings.
If you look closely at the pic above you can see the trail of venom she excreted during her final seconds of life. Mad to think something so small can puck such a nasty punch. Hats off to you Mrs Redback.
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