In Southeast Queensland (SEQ), residential areas are home to a variety of spider species, some of which are quite common. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered spider species in SEQ, along with details about their appearance, behaviour, and whether they pose any risks to humans.
Golden Orb Weaver
Appearance: Golden Orb Weavers are large spiders with a distinctive golden-yellow coloration on their abdomen. They have long, slender legs and build large, intricate orb-shaped webs.
Behaviour: These spiders are typically found in gardens, forests, and bushland areas. They are known for their impressive webs, which they use to capture flying insects. Golden Orb Weavers are generally not aggressive and will retreat if disturbed.
Risk to Humans: While Golden Orb Weavers possess venom, they are not considered dangerous to humans. Their bites are rare and usually result in mild symptoms such as localised pain and swelling.
Common Garden Orb Weaver:
Appearance: Common Garden Orb Weavers are medium-sized spiders with a rounded abdomen marked with intricate patterns. They often have a brown or grey coloration and may have stripes or spots on their legs.
Behaviour: These spiders are commonly found in gardens, parks, and other green spaces. They build orb-shaped webs to catch flying insects like flies and moths. Common Garden Orb Weavers are not aggressive and will usually retreat if approached.
Risk to Humans: Common Garden Orb Weavers are not considered harmful to humans. While they possess venom, their bites are rare and typically result in mild, localised symptoms.
Redback Spider
Appearance: Redback Spiders are small to medium-sized spiders with a distinctive black body and a red or orange stripe on the upper abdomen. Females are larger and more venomous than males.
Behaviour: Redback Spiders are commonly found in urban areas, particularly in outdoor structures like sheds, garages, and playgrounds. They build irregular webs in secluded locations and are nocturnal hunters.
Risk to Humans: Redback Spiders are venomous and can deliver a painful bite. While their venom is potent, fatalities are rare due to the availability of antivenom. However, their bites can cause severe pain, sweating, nausea, and other systemic symptoms.
Huntsman Spider
Appearance: Huntsman Spiders are large, flat-bodied spiders with long, slender legs. They vary in colour from brown to grey and may have distinctive patterns on their bodies.
Behaviour: Huntsman Spiders are commonly found indoors and outdoors, often hiding in crevices, under bark, or inside homes. They are fast-moving hunters that do not build webs. Huntsman Spiders are not aggressive but may become defensive if threatened.
Risk to Humans: Huntsman Spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. While their large size and rapid movements may be intimidating, their venom is relatively weak, and their bites are rarely serious, causing only mild pain and swelling.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of spider species found in residential areas of Southeast Queensland. While some spiders may pose minimal risks to humans, it is always important to exercise caution and respect their presence in the environment.
If you encounter a spider and are unsure of its identity or behaviour, it is best to leave it alone or contact us for assistance.
