Did you know that the white-tail spider is one of the most venomous spiders in Australia? Although not aggressive, they will generally only bite humans if threatened, like many arthropods. Their venom can cause serious health complications if not treated right away. In this post, we’ll discuss the dangerous spiders with white dots or spotted ground on their tails and how to protect yourself. We’ll also provide tips for identifying white tails, removing them from your home or workplace, and what to do if you are bitten by one.
White-Tail Spiders in Australia
White-tail spiders, with the common name of white-tip spiders because of their distinctive white spot and white markings, are members of the Lamponidae family and are native to southern and eastern Australia. The spider identification of two spider species of white-tailed spiders are Lampona cylindrata ( l. cylindrata ) and Lampona murina ( lampona species ) under the Family Lamponidae and Order Araneae.
The most distinguishing feature of these spiders is the presence of pairs of faint white spots on their abdomen, which are visible on their shiny black body. They also have dark brown-orange banded front and back legs with a span of about 28 mm. Unlike other spiders, the spinnerets are conspicuous. The total body length, including its head (cephalothorax), is about 12mm to 20mm, with females being more prominent.
These orange-legged swift spiders are typically found in dark, damp places such as gardens, cellars, and laundry rooms. They are distributed across Southern and Eastern Australia, from Port Lincoln to Sydney.
In most cases, white-tail spider bites are not severe and can be treated at home. However, some bites can be more serious and may require medical attention.
Are White-Tail Spiders Dangerous?
A white-tail spider is considered dangerous because it can cause severe skin ulcerations in humans, including necrotic ulcers.
An Australian Geographic article also reveals the result of a study made by a spider expert, Michael Gray. He concludes that a white-tailed spider bite’s signs and symptoms follow three patterns: pain only, pain and a red mark, and pain and an irritating red lesion. The same information is mentioned in the articles of an expert in envenomation, Dr. Geoff Isbister. These focused on the idea of dreadful necrotic ulcers from the bites of this species. He also co-authored a scientific study in The Medical Journal of Australia investigating 130 white tail spiders.
Bite cases also cause itchy red marks, significant pain, and discomfort. In some cases, the bite may even lead to death. A white-tail spider bite on dogs will result in irritation, itchiness, and swelling.
According to the Australian Museum, these spiders are commonly found in New Zealand, north-east Queensland to Victoria, and Southern Australia (southeast Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia ).
Meaning of Necrosis
Necrosis is tissue death in the body. It happens when the tissue receives insufficient blood flow, rotting the human flesh. The white-tip and black-house spiders are two culprits of necrotising arachnidism, a condition of tissue necrosis sporadically accompanied by generalized sickness and fatalities.
White-tailed Spider Myth
A research study reported 130 bites, but not one necrotic ulcer developed from confirmed whitetail spiders. There is no proof to support the claim that whitetail spiders are the monsters who create tissue necrosis. Experts have disproved this fallacy, yet the media still reports on it; thus, the anxiety remains.
A misdiagnosis of “necrotic arachnidism,” or a bite from a flesh-eating spider, has been perpetuated. In a research study, however, the workers discovered that all nine patients were wrongly diagnosed. White-tailed spider bites brought on none of the rotting conditions.
Only two Australian spiders are deadly, but the others are interesting. These are the funnel-web and redback spiders. Both are fatal to humans but have antivenom available.
Interesting Facts about the White-tail Spider
There are two prevalent species of jumping spiders in Australia. Lampona murina and Lampona cylindrata . Both species are spread across the country. The white-tail spider has cylindrical, cigar-shaped bodies that are dark reddish-grey. A white patch at the apex of its abdomen serves as its identifying character. The female’s abdomen is usually more prominent than the male’s.
Roving Hunters
The interesting white-tailed spiders are vagrant hunters at night. Their preferred prey is other spiders rather than spinning webs and eating insects. This includes curtain-web spiders, daddy-long-legs, redback spiders, huntsman spiders, wolf spiders, tarantulas, trapdoor spiders, black widow spiders, swift spiders, and black house spiders. Their large mouthparts (chelicerae) allow them to consume more enormous insects.
What do White-tail spiders eat?
The Black House spider, a dreadful stocky black spider about the size of a 20-cent coin; the Brown House spider; and the Redback spider, the White Tail spider’s three favourite meals. While Redback spiders are among the most toxic in the world, blackhouse spiders have severe but not fatal bites. Because the white-tail spiders enjoy hunting, killing, and devouring spiders at night, others would want him nearby.
Favourite Spots
Here are several white-tailed spider habitats. In gardens, these spiders, their egg sacs, and their temporary silk retreats are found behind leaf litter, bark, rocks, and plant debris. While inside the house, it is more likely to come across a white-tailed spider at night and in the summer. White-tail spiders inhabit houses to feed on blackhouse spiders rather than humans.
White-tailed spiders like to hide in the spaces between pieces of cloth, especially those left on the floors. Two-thirds of the bite patients discovered the spiders in bedsheets, towels, and clothing. For those not fond of spiders, shaking out your bedding, clothing, and towels before using them is a good idea.
White Tail Spider Bite
White-tailed spiders are reluctant to pounce. They won’t bite unless provoked. The bite by a white-tailed spider can have one of three outcomes:
- pain alone
- pain and a red mark that lasts less than 24 hours – a red mark appeared following a spider bite in 83% of cases.
- Pain plus an itchy red lesion that lasts between 5 and 12 days
Symptoms When Bitten
If a white-tailed spider has bitten you, you will experience symptoms akin to a bee sting. It can also cause several symptoms, including:
- itchiness
- burning sensation
- pain and swelling at the site of the bite
- redness and inflammation around the bite
- blistering or ulceration at the bite site
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- muscle aches and spasms
- joint pain
In some cases, a white-tail spider bite can also lead to more severe symptoms such as:
- difficulty breathing
- paralysis of the muscles used for breathing
- seizures
What Does a White Tail Bite Look Like?
The site of a white-tail spider bite will have several signs. Around the visible puncture marks will be red marks or skin irritation, as well as swelling. These signs will also be accompanied by a moderate mild to moderate amount of pain and itchiness.
Can a White Tail Spider Kill You?
In truth, the ordinary Australian white-tail spider is relatively harmless to humans. Its venom is considered quite weak when compared to other spiders. It is comparable to the venom of a bee sting. However, as we all know, even bee stings can be dangerous and lethal. So what does this mean? How can a white tail bite be harmless but also life-threatening?
This can happen due to allergic reactions. If a person is allergic to a bee’s venom, or in this case, white-tailed spiders, they might experience anaphylaxis. If the person is not treated within 15 minutes, it can result in death.
First Aid for a White-tail Spider Bite
The first rule is not to panic, even if it could hurt. None of the 130 participants in the 2003 research required hospital admission due to the bite. Since the white-tipped spider doesn’t cause skin damage or ulcers, just basic first aid is needed if the skin is punctured:
- Always wash the area where the victim was bitten. To clean the bite area, apply antiseptic or warm, soapy water. Also, study a white tail spider bites picture treatment to understand how to do it.
- Ice packs are the most popular method of treating bites from white-tailed spiders because they minimize swelling. The most common procedure involves ‘Freezing’ the bite by applying ice to ease discomfort or swelling (not directly onto the skin—wrap the ice in a tea towel or other cloth to prevent cold burns).
- All victims of a white-tail spider must receive a tetanus vaccine.
- If you suspect a spider bite, go to the doctor immediately if the bitten area gets extremely painful, the red blisters look infected, or skin ulcers have developed.
Uses of White Tail Spiders
As generalist predators, spiders play a significant role in the ecology. White-tail spiders are one of the general predators that aid in pest control in your yard.
Their venom is increasingly being turned into innovative human medicines and suitable antivenom.
It is also used to develop new, selective, sustainable pesticides. These pesticides are effective for spiders and other insects but not for men. This selectivity makes spider venom a potent source of novel, long-lasting pesticides and powerful medicines.
Whitetails can be seen roving inside homes, especially in warmer weather. They are avid predators and feed on other kinds of spiders. They do not make webs to trap flies or other flying insects but consume other spiders. Due to this quality, they are more likable than terrifying.
Getting Rid of Spiders
A lot of people would like to get rid of their spider problems completely. So, how can I kill a white tail spider? There are a few ways to kill a white-tail spider, including:
- Using a chemical spray
- Using a physical method, such as squishing the spider
- Applying heat to the spider, such as with a hair dryer or lighters
- Freezing the spider
Whichever method you choose, take precautions to protect yourself from being bitten. It is also essential to ensure the spider is dead before disposing it.
Conclusion
White-tail spiders are found throughout Australia and are commonly associated with webs in dark, hidden places. They are primarily nocturnal hunters that actively seek out their prey, which consists of small invertebrates. These spiders can deliver a painful bite if provoked, but little evidence suggests their venom harms humans.
With proper first aid, most bites will heal without complications. However, some people may experience more severe reactions, such as necrosis or ulceration at the site of the bite. If you suspect a white-tail spider has bitten you, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately.
First Aid for Insect Bites
One of the skills taught at CPR First Aid Cheltenham is handling symptoms of insect bites and any resulting allergic reaction. Another skill you can learn is the pressure immobilisation technique. While not practical for white-tail spider bites, it is helpful for different dangerous spiders. This skill and many others can be learned through various first aid courses such as the HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course. If you want to learn and become certified in a Cheltenham first aid course. You can also try out the first aid course in Melbourne or the first aid course in Adelaide and many other possible locations. Reach out to us, and we’ll gladly guide you on your certification journey from start to finish.