Redback Spider

Identification
Full size - 50 cent piece; leg diameter - pin. Dark brown to black pea-shaped abdomen and legs with distinct red (rarely orange-yellow) stripe down back.

Habitat
Gardens, bark, walls, rubbish, metallic objects. Most prevalent August-May. Most common in dry south and west; rare in urban areas north of Rockhampton. Australia-wide.

Web
Strong, untidy tangled web in areas with sun exposure.

Bite
Nip and run. Effects highly variable, mild to severe (death without antivenom). Typically intense local pain. Early medical attention required (but no tourniquet).