New Zealand / Black House Spider

Black House Spider

Structure, Appearance and Characteristics

• Body size (approx): Female 15-18mm, Male 8-10mm
• Black or very dark in colour.
• Hairy.
• Have an indistinct feint patter of lighter hairs on the body and legs.
• Normally timid and retreats when approached.
• Web is very lacy and can appear funnel-shaped with one or more entrances.
• 1 generation per year.

Habitat

Commonly found in the corners of windows, doors eaves, under guttering and on brick walls.

Pest Status

Webs can be unsightly on structures. Can bite – however they are rare and usually occur when people attempt to move the webs without taking adequate precautions. The bite can cause sever pain, numbness, headache, giddiness, nausea, vomiting, sweating and muscular pain.