As an Australian pest control company, we are totally aware of the ongoing joke on the internet that everything in Australia is trying to kill you. Well, we have to admit that Australia is the home to a lot of deadly animals, one of which the spider. With over 10,000 different species roaming around the continent, spiders are the most widely spread venomous creatures in Australia.
That’s why we are going over the most common house spiders in Australia. Some dangerous, some not that much and they all look scary. One is pretty cute actually, find out which.
The Australian Recluse Spider
Okay, we know we started with a terrifying and potentially dangerous spider. Please don’t blame us that we sometimes enjoy cool animals!
The Australian recluse spider can be quite dangerous. We can’t decide if it’s venom is very scary or absolutely horrifying, but it can cause damage to the blood and skin. However, the good news is that recluse spiders aren’t really that aggressive towards humans and are not inclined towards biting.
They also have pretty small fangs which may also be the reason why they don’t attack people.
Size: Between 6 and 20 millimetres
Where it lives: All across Australia
Dangers: It has potentially deadly venom. Most bites are minor and aren’t accompanied by necrosis; however, some cases have ended badly. You must visit a doctor immediately and if possible, collect the spider.
The Melbourne Trapdoor Spider
Although this spider isn’t dangerous to people, it sure looks like it is. The Melbourne trapdoor spider can grow to 3 cm without the leg span, which makes the trapdoor spider a pretty big species.
The most important stuff that you need to know about the Melbourne Trapdoor spider is that even though it’s pretty scary, it’s also harmless to us humans.
The female spider is bigger than the male, and this type of spider can vary in colour. It can be dull brown, black, and golden in colour.
The trapdoor spider often can be mistaken with a funnel-web spider or mouse spiders. That’s why it’s recommended to be handled with caution if you come by one on your property.
Size: 1.5 cm to 3 cm body length
Where it lives: All across Australia
Dangers: The Melbourne trapdoor spider is not deadly to humans. It can be mistaken with a funnel-web spider, which is, so it’s a good idea to visit a doctor (if you can catch the spider) if you are bitten. If you bang heads with this species and you end up with a bite swelling, redness and pain are common.
The Golden Orb Spider
The golden orb spider can be found in places like Asia, America, Africa and Australia. We, here in good ole Stralia can brag that the biggest species of golden orb spiders ever found was in our speck of land. Usually, they are about 12 cm, including leg span.
Also known as a banana spider, the venom of this little creature is potent, however, not deadly to humans. It can cause redness, pain, and blisters that will go away after about 24 hours.
Size: 4.8 to 5.1 cm
Where it lives: All across Australia
Dangers: This type of spider has a potent spider similar to the one of the Black Widow Spider; however, it’s not as strong. The venom is nonlethal to humans. Symptoms include pain and blisters. They should disappear within 24 hours.
The Australian Jumping Spider
Commonly mistaken for an ant, the Australian jumping spider is a small black spider that usually moves slowly, but when hunting is capable of very agile jumps. The venom of this spider is totally harmless to people.
What is most interesting in this species is that they have one of the best-developed eyesight among the insect world.
The easiest way to recognise the Australian jumping spider is by their eyes. They always have 4 eyes with the middle ones being larger than the outer eyes. This set of four eyes gives the jumping spider a 360-degree view.
Size: From 3 to 20 mm
Where it lives: All across Australia
Dangers: Nonlethal to humans. Often sighted in or around homes.
The Wraparound Spider
And here, we come to the cute one. We don’t know if it’s only cute to us, or if it’s pleasing to everyone, but you have to admit there is something special in this little fellow.
First discovered around 1886, the wraparound spider takes its name from its ability to wrap its body around trees and branches to camouflage itself.
The wraparound spider is 5 to 8mm big, depending on if it’s a male or female. Both have concave bellies that allow them to shape themselves to a certain shape.
The fact that the wraparound spider isn’t venomous to humans, makes it even cuter.
Size: From 5 to 8 mm
Where it lives: All across Australia
Dangers: Has the amazing ability to change its form in order to hide. It’s not venomous to humans.
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