Size range:

• Small to medium-sized spider. Body length about 8 mm

Distribution:

• Katipo is a New Zealand native, closely related to the Australian Redback
• North and South Island

Life History:

• Found only near the seashore, under drift wood or associated with coastal grasses
• Makes a small sticky web to snare beetles and other crawling insects
• Bite is poisonous. Antidote is available at hospitals

This spider , which is related to the black widow family of spiders is only found in sandy coastal areas in New Zealand. Care needs to be taken as often no footware or minimal clothing is worn at the beach which makes the skin more exposed.  The Katipo may be more active during nocturnal hours, and is usually found inhabiting grassy sand dunes.