About Katibo Spiders in New Zealand

Katipo spiders (Latrodectus katipo) are venomous spiders native to New Zealand. They are closely related to the redback spiders found in Australia. The katipo spider is endemic to coastal areas of New Zealand, particularly in the North Island, although they can also be found in some parts of the South Island.
These spiders are known for their distinctive black coloration with red or white markings on the abdomen. Female katipo spiders are larger and more venomous than males. They prefer sandy habitats, such as dunes and coastal shrublands, where they construct silk retreats and webs to catch their prey.
Katipo spiders are venomous and their bites can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms. However, they are generally non-aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. Due to conservation efforts and habitat loss, katipo spiders are now considered endangered in New Zealand.
It’s important to exercise caution and avoid handling or disturbing katipo spiders if you come across them in their natural habitat. If bitten, it is advisable to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

Katipo spiders (Latrodectus katipo) are small to medium-sized spiders with a distinct appearance. Here is a description of their physical characteristics:

  1. Size: Adult female katipo spiders typically measure around 10 to 12 millimeters in body length, while males are smaller, ranging from 4 to 6 millimeters.
  2. Coloration: They have a glossy black body with contrasting markings. The abdomen (opisthosoma) often has vivid red, orange, or white stripes or bands. The coloration patterns can vary, but typically the stripes are present on a black background.
  3. Shape: Katipo spiders have a rounded, bulbous abdomen and a relatively small cephalothorax (head and thorax combined). Their legs are relatively long and slender.
  4. Web: They construct irregular, tangled webs that are often low to the ground or among vegetation. These webs are used for capturing prey.

    5. It’s important to note that the appearance of katipo spiders can vary to some extent, particularly in terms of the specific coloration and pattern on the abdomen. However, their general characteristics of a black body with distinctive markings help differentiate them from other spider species found in New Zealand.

Katipo spiders (Latrodectus katipo) are primarily found in coastal areas of New Zealand. They have a restricted distribution and are predominantly located in specific regions. Here are some key locations where you may find katipo spiders in New Zealand:

  1. North Island: Katipo spiders are more prevalent along the eastern coast of the North Island, particularly in regions such as the Bay of Plenty, the Coromandel Peninsula, and parts of Northland.
  2. South Island: While katipo spiders are primarily associated with the North Island, they can also be found in certain coastal areas of the South Island. The exact locations where they occur in the South Island are comparatively limited, but they have been reported in regions like the Canterbury and Marlborough coastlines.

    3. It’s important to note that katipo spiders are not evenly distributed throughout the coastal areas but have specific habitats within their range. They are often associated with sandy environments, such as dunes and coastal shrublands. It is in these habitats where they construct silk retreats and webs to catch their prey.

Are They Dangerous to Children and Pets?

Yes, katipo spiders can pose a potential danger to both children and pets. Like other species of widow spiders, katipo spiders possess venom that they use to immobilise their prey. While they typically bite humans only when they feel threatened, their venom can cause varying reactions and symptoms.
In the case of children and pets, the risk of a serious reaction to a katipo spider bite may be higher due to their smaller size and potentially weaker immune systems. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, redness, muscle pain, headache, and, in some cases, systemic effects such as nausea or sweating.
If a katipo spider bite is suspected, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment. It is important to inform healthcare professionals about the potential spider bite to ensure appropriate care is provided.

Contact Tom’s Pest Control for Katipo Spider Management

Residents in New Zealand should consider contacting our company, Tom’s Pest Control, for katipo spider management due to our expertise and experience in dealing with local pest issues, including venomous spiders like the katipo. With our deep understanding of katipo spider behaviour and habitats, we can effectively assess and address infestations in coastal areas where these spiders are commonly found.

At Tom’s Pest Control, we implement safe and environmentally friendly pest control methods, minimizing risks to residents, children, and pets while effectively managing katipo spider populations. Our professional inspection services enable our trained technicians to identify potential katipo spider habitats, assess the severity of infestations, and provide tailored recommendations for prevention and control.

We take pride in offering reliable and responsive customer service, ensuring that residents’ concerns and inquiries regarding katipo spider management are promptly addressed, providing homeowners with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are katipo spiders aggressive and likely to bite humans?

Katipo spiders are generally non-aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. It’s important to avoid handling or disturbing them to minimise the risk of a bite. However, if a bite does occur, seeking medical attention is advisable.

What are the symptoms of a katipo spider bite?

Symptoms of a katipo spider bite can include pain, swelling, redness, muscle pain, headache, and, in some cases, systemic effects such as nausea or sweating. If bitten, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

How can I prevent katipo spiders from entering my property?

To prevent katipo spiders from entering your property, ensure that windows and doors have tight-fitting screens and seal any cracks or gaps in walls, windows, and doors. Keep your surroundings clean and minimise clutter to reduce potential hiding spots for spiders. Regularly inspect and remove spider webs in and around your property. If you require professional assistance, contacting a pest control company with experience in spider management can be beneficial.