It is estimated that there are around 10,000 different spider species living across Australia. Australia is known for the large variety of venomous animals that live in the country and is also home to some of the most venomous spiders in the world.
“It's probably because of the urban heat-island effect and prey availability,” says Lowe. “Most invertebrates will grow to larger sizes if they are warmer. They are very sensitive to temperatures.” Urbanisation probably benefits these spiders in several ways, she says.
Australia is well-known for its spiders, but the place isn't overrun with them. While we may have some of the world's most venomous species, you are unlikely to come across one unbless you go looking for one or happen to disturb one hiding away.
Spiders in Australia are a pretty big deal. Not only do we have tons of different spider species, but several of our spiders are potentially deadly.
Australia is home to approximately 10,000 spider species, several of which have a predilection for indoor living. Today, we look at the spiders you are likely sharing your house with, and whether they are cause for concern.
Where do spiders live? Spiders live in almost every habitat on earth. The only places where there are no spiders are the polar regions, the highest mountains and the oceans. A few spider species have invaded the ocean's edge, living in the rock and coral crevices of the intertidal zone.
There are 91 species of spider in Iceland—none of which are poisonous to humans— plus the occasional visitor or migrant. This is a small number, compared with 44,000 species known worldwide.
Which any Aussie will tell you, you absolutely should. But in general, the spiders and snakes keep themselves to themselves. Your most common encounter will be cockroaches, but since they exist in every hot country, from France to the US, roaches shouldn't put you off the Australian way of life.
You can be prepared without making it scary. There are all kinds of dangerous things in Australia. Spiders are only part of it: we have stingers, blue-ringed octopus, stonefish, sharks, snakes…but fear of wildlife isn't a reason not to move here.
A large species of tarantula native to the east coast region of Australia, the whistling spider, is the largest spider in the country. As the largest spider in Australia, whistling spiders can grow a leg span of up to 16 cm (6.2 inches) and a body size of around 6 cm (2.3 inches).
Distribution: Southern and eastern Australia. Size: Black house spiders reach up to 1.5cm long, not including leg span. Habitat: Tree trunks, ledges, rock walls, buildings, window panes and spacious crevices.
So, why are they so big and ugly? Well, scientists believe that their size and appearance help to deter predators. Their large size means that they're less likely to be eaten, while their dark colouring makes them blend in with their surroundings.
The largest spider in the world is Theraphosa blondi, commonly known as the Goliath birdeater, according to National Geographic. This tarantula can reach up to 11 inches in length and weigh 6 ounces; this size is big enough to cover a dinner plate, says Guinness World Records.
Burgess says many common spiders found in Alaska range from the tiny Steatoda Borealis, which is your common cobweb spider, to large orb-weavers like Nordmann's orb-weaver or the Fierce orb-weaver. “All spiders are venomous, but the potency of the venom of Alaska spiders is almost nil,” said Burgess.
Spiders don't like the smells of strong odours such as cinnamon, eucalyptus oil and citrus. Use cinnamon candles and spray eucalyptus and lemon/orange oil in areas where you often see webs. Spiders don't like the smell of citrus, so burning specific candles can help prevent them from wanting to come into your home.
Bites from many Australian spiders can cause localised reactions, with symptoms such as swelling and local pain at the site of the bite, sweating, nausea and vomiting and headaches.
When threatened or provoked, funnel-web spiders will display aggressive behaviour, rearing up on their hind legs and displaying their fangs.
How common is arachnophobia? About 3% to 15% of the population has arachnophobia.
Generally, spiders want to avoid humans and will only bite as a defense mechanism if they are provoked. Many are extraordinary at hiding or camouflaging themselves because they don't want to be seen.
Danger to humans
Black House Spiders are timid animals and bites from them are infrequent. The bite may be quite painful and cause local swelling. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating and giddiness are occasionally recorded. In a few cases skin lesions have developed after multiple bites.
The largest known spider in the world by leg span is the giant huntsman spider, which can be found in Laos. A full-grown giant huntsman adult has a leg span of 12 inches. Giant huntsman spiders do not build a web to catch prey; instead, they hunt for prey. These spiders will bite if disturbed or aggravated.
North Dakota has the fewest Spiders on record with only six. Internationally Spiders live in countries from A to Z.
The spider, which has been named Chikunia bilde, has been found on the Indonesian island of Bali and has surprised researchers with its "unusually tolerant" demeanor towards humans and other spiders.