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Questions and Answers
What is the typical body length of a New Zealand white-tailed spider?
What is the typical body length of a New Zealand white-tailed spider?
What is the primary habitat of the New Zealand white-tailed spider?
What is the primary habitat of the New Zealand white-tailed spider?
What is the primary source of food for the New Zealand white-tailed spider?
What is the primary source of food for the New Zealand white-tailed spider?
What is a common symptom of a New Zealand white-tailed spider bite?
What is a common symptom of a New Zealand white-tailed spider bite?
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How do female New Zealand white-tailed spiders reproduce?
How do female New Zealand white-tailed spiders reproduce?
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What is a common misconception about the New Zealand white-tailed spider?
What is a common misconception about the New Zealand white-tailed spider?
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Study Notes
Identification
- The New Zealand white-tailed spider (Lampona cylindrata) is a species of spider that belongs to the family Lamponidae.
- It is characterized by its white tip on the end of its abdomen.
- Body length: 12-18 mm, leg span: up to 20 mm.
Habitat and Distribution
- Found in New Zealand, particularly in gardens, homes, and urban areas.
- Prefers dark, moist environments, such as under rocks, logs, and vegetation.
Behavior
- Nocturnal, spending most of the day hiding in sheltered areas.
- Hunts at night, using its excellent eyesight to catch prey.
- Feeds on small insects, such as flies, beetles, and ants.
Venom and Bites
- Venom contains a compound called lamponine, which is not highly toxic to humans.
- Bites are generally not painful, but may cause minor symptoms such as:
- Redness and swelling
- Itching or blistering
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Serious reactions or necrotic lesions are extremely rare.
Reproduction
- Female white-tailed spiders lay eggs in a sac, which is usually white or yellowish in color.
- Eggs hatch after 2-3 weeks, and the spiderlings go through several molts before reaching adulthood.
- Males perform a complex courtship dance to attract females.
Interesting Facts
- White-tailed spiders are often mistaken for the false wolf spider (Tegenaria spp.), which has a similar appearance.
- They are not aggressive and will not attack humans unless provoked or threatened.
- Despite their reputation, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that their bites cause necrotic lesions.
Identification
- Characterized by a white tip on the end of its abdomen.
- Belongs to the family Lamponidae.
- Body length: 12-18 mm, leg span: up to 20 mm.
Habitat and Distribution
- Found in New Zealand, particularly in gardens, homes, and urban areas.
- Prefers dark, moist environments, such as under rocks, logs, and vegetation.
Behavior
- Nocturnal, spending most of the day hiding in sheltered areas.
- Hunts at night, using excellent eyesight to catch prey.
- Feeds on small insects, such as flies, beetles, and ants.
Venom and Bites
- Venom contains a compound called lamponine, which is not highly toxic to humans.
- Bites may cause minor symptoms, including redness, swelling, itching, blistering, mild pain, or discomfort.
- Serious reactions or necrotic lesions are extremely rare.
Reproduction
- Female white-tailed spiders lay eggs in a sac, which is usually white or yellowish in color.
- Eggs hatch after 2-3 weeks, and spiderlings go through several molts before reaching adulthood.
- Males perform a complex courtship dance to attract females.
Interesting Facts
- Often mistaken for the false wolf spider (Tegenaria spp.), which has a similar appearance.
- Not aggressive and will not attack humans unless provoked or threatened.
- No scientific evidence supports the claim that their bites cause necrotic lesions.
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Description
Learn about the characteristics, habitat, and behavior of the New Zealand white-tailed spider, a species of spider that belongs to the family Lamponidae.
