The Redback Spider

There was a Redback on the toilet seat when I was there last night.
I didn't see him in the dark but, boy, I felt his bite.

The Redback Spider is one of Australia's most famous, or infamous, spiders. It has earned this reputation through its widespread distribution and nasty bite.

More than 200 Redback Spider bites requiring antivenom are reported every year. Contrary to Slim Newton's famous song, the female is generally the offender.

As the Redback's bite is potentially dangerous to humans, it pays to know a little about this surprisingly common spider's habits and behaviour.