New Zealand White-Tailed Spider Facts

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.