Redback Spider

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Redback Spider - Alan Henderson (Minibeast Wildlife)

Latrodectus hasselti

Females have a large circular black body to 1 cm in length, with slender legs and an orange to red stripe on their upper abdomen. The underside of their abdomen has an hour-glass shaped red-orange spot. Immature females are smaller, brown and have whitish markings. The males' body is smaller, 3-4 mm, light brown with the red stripe often less distinct. The male body also has white markings on the upper side of the abdomen, and a pale hour-glass mark on the underside. Juveniles also have white markings on the abdomen.

Details
Type
Invertebrate
Group
Animals
Arachnid - Spider
Biology

Females mature in approximately four months and can live for 2-3 years. The smaller male matures in about 90 days and lives for 6-7 months. The round egg sacs are 1 cm wide, suspended within the web. They are woolly and white, turning brown over time. Each egg sac contains approximately 250 eggs. Spiderlings are cannibalistic and will eat unhatched eggs and other spiderlings.
Distinctive Markings

Black, round body with very obvious orange to red stripe on their upper abdomen.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Theridiidae
Genus
Latrodectus
Species
hasselti
Found in south-eastern Australia, including throughout Victoria.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Spiderlings disperse in the wind to new locations.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Eats mainly insects but can also catch and eat small lizards, male trapdoor spiders and king crickets. They are eaten by Daddy Long-legs spiders and white-tailed spiders.
Habitat

Builds webs in dry, sheltered sites such as amongst rocks, in logs, shrubs, stacked materials, sheds or outdoor furniture and toilets. Found in habitats ranging from bushland to urban areas.
Native Status
Native to Australia