Red and Black Spider

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Red and Black Spider - Alan Henderson (Minibeast Wildlife)

Ambicodamus crinitus

A spider 10-12 mm in length, with a bright red body, red and black legs and a black abdomen (sometimes with a bluish tinge).

Details
Type
Invertebrate
Group
Animals
Arachnid - Spider
Biology

During daylight hours In summer, males leave their web and wander in search of females. The egg case looks woolly and is held in the web. The web consists of a few strands built under bark, stones or logs.

Distinctive Markings

Bright red body and red and black legs.

Taxonomy
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Nicodamidae
Genus
Ambicodamus
Species
crinitus
Found across south-eastern Australia, including throughout Victoria.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Due to its colours, this spider is often confused with the Redback Spider and is sometimes thought to be highly venomous. The Red and Black Spider is not venomous.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore.

Habitat

Lives on or close to the ground.

Native Status
Native to Australia