6 Most Venomous Spiders You Can Find In Australia

Seeing the different animals in Australia is really cool because they have some of the most unique creatures in the world. While you can check out many of them in places like parks and zoos, there are some spiders, like Mr. Long Legs, that you should stay away from. Some of these spiders in Australia are very venomous and can give you nasty bites. Here's a list of these scary spiders you should definitely avoid if you're in Australia.

# Sydney Funnel-Web Spider

Considered the world’s most dangerous spider, the Sydney Funnel-Web Spider is a recurring presence in New South Wales, found both in back gardens and bushlands. It’s known for its mighty fangs (that can pierce through fingers and toenails!!) and its foul temper. Funnel-web spider bites are extremely toxic and can cause the human nervous system to shut down, resulting in death in 15 minutes flat.

Luckily, the anti-venom was discovered in 1981 after which fatalities haven’t been recorded. Still, don’t forget to run the other way if you spot one! The venom of funnel-web spiders contains a compound which makes the venom extremely toxic for humans and other primates. It begins with tingling around the mouth, twitching of the tongue, profuse salivating, watery eyes, sweating and muscle spasms. Hypertension and an elevated heartbeat occur which, when combined with respiratory distress may be very severe and potentially lethal.

# Redback Spider

Redback spiders have made headlines in 2016 for killing a young Sydneysider. A Redback spider is highly venomous with a distinctive notable red stripe on its body. It is found throughout Australia (from bushes all the way to urban dwellings) but often makes a home out of sheltered, quiet places like mailboxes or under toilet seats.

There are many reported cases of bites each year but not too many are considered potentially deadly. A small number are treated with anti-venom. Apart from the case in 2016, there has been no reported death because of the arachnid since the anti-venom was made available in 1950.

The bite of a Redback Spider (latrodectus hasselti) is capable of causing death, especially in small children, and any bite should be treated with the utmost caution. A redback spider injects the venom directly on the nerves, resulting in release and subsequent depletion of neurotransmitters. The symptoms include pain (which can become severe), sweating (always including local sweating at bite site), muscular weakness, nausea and vomiting.

# Mouse Spider

The mouse spider (missulena) is usually found in bushes, burrows or slithering its way into suburban backyards. A total of eight species of the mouse spider are spread out across the expanse of the country and are considered one of the most lethal spiders.

They are mostly sedentary and the females enjoy the peace and quiet of their burrows. The male of the species are found wandering around in search of them. Mouse spiders frequently roam around during the day time in the heat.

In most cases, bites by this species cause only minor or moderate effects. Their venom is like that of the funnel-web, but there have been no fatalities linked to their bites. Some mouse spiders have a very toxic venom which is potentially as dangerous as that of the Sydney Funnel-web Spider. However, unlike funnel-web spiders, the mouse spider is believed to use less venom and possibly even “dry bite”.

# Trap Door Spider

These spiders are named after their clever strategy to trick their prey. They hide at the entrance of their burrows to lure their prey into the false security of their lair. Found throughout the country, the trap door spider has mostly harmless bites with minor symptoms. The males are known to bite more than females.

Spiders usually live for only a few short years but these spiders can live up to the age of 20.

The bite of the Trapdoor Spider is of low risk (non-toxic) to humans. While not very dangerous, local pain and swelling may occur if bitten.

# White-Tailed Spider

White-Tailed spiders are named after the distinctive white stripe on its body. Native to Southern and Eastern Australia, it is found both in natural and urban landscapes. These nomadic critters wander by night in search of food which is, in fact, other lesser powerful and dangerous spiders.

They are not known to bite humans that frequently, but bites by two specific species of the white-tailed spider – Lampona cylindrata and Lampona murina – have led to mild symptoms such as localised pain. There has not been any other recorded health risk.

The venom from the white-tailed spider is listed as non-lethal. In most cases, being bitten a white-tailed spider cause a mild reaction, including itching and skin discolouration, which usually resolves after a few weeks.

# Black House Spider

As its name suggests, the Black House Spider is found to live mostly indoors. They are common throughout Australia and have a maximum leg span of around 30 mm. They build tangled webs (that can often become quite messy and extensive) with a funnel-like retreat and wait for their prey to arrive.

Though not too dangerous, the bite of this spider has been described as excruciatingly painful with local swelling. Other symptoms that accompany the bite are nausea, sweating, vomiting etc. Sometimes mild necrosis has caused skin lesions, though this happens only after several bites.

Blackhouse spiders are venomous but are not considered dangerous. Death from the venom of black house spiders is extremely rare. They are timid and bites from them are infrequent. The bite may be excruciatingly painful and can cause local swelling. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating and giddiness are occasionally recorded.