Latrodectus hasselti, Australia's infamous Redback spider. Although this species is both venomous and common, no human deaths have been reported from redback bites since the development of an effective antivenom in the 1980s.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Latrodectus hasselti, Australia's infamous Redback spider. Although this species is both venomous and common, no human deaths have been reported from redback bites since the development of an effective antivenom in the 1980s.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
This immature widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus)  has built her web across a harvester ant nest entrance where she can easily catch incoming and outgoing worker ants.

Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
This juvenile widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) has set up a web over the opening of a harvester ant nest (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis).

Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
Latrodectus hasselti, Australia's infamous Redback spider. Although this species is both venomous and common, no human deaths have been reported from redback bites since the development of an effective antivenom in the 1980s.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Latrodectus hasselti, Australia's infamous Redback spider. Although this species is both venomous and common, no human deaths have been reported from redback bites since the development of an effective antivenom in the 1980s.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Latrodectus hasselti, Australia's infamous Redback spider. Although this species is both venomous and common, no human deaths have been reported from redback bites since the development of an effective antivenom in the 1980s.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013