Here in Australia we have a large amount of venomous and poisonous spiders.
One of the most recognizable being the Redback Spider with it's dark black to brown glossy body, and distinctive red stripe or blaze along its back.
Mostly nocturnal hunters, the Redback spider has a tendency to live near or within homes.
Preying on small insects and animals that wander into its somewhat haphazard web.
Interestingly enough the Redback is one of the few species of spider to display sexual cannibalism and will happily consume their mate after breeding. I imagine being able to store the sperm for up to two years means not so much of an issue with finding another male for a time.
If you have been bitten by this particular spider you may have such symptoms as,
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches and agitation in severe cases.
One story I was told regarding a nest of these spiders was an individual with dreadlocks who had a tendency to avoid washing his hair, as this was giving him headaches. And ultimately anytime they adjusted their hair, or moved about.
Turns out they had a nest of thousands of baby Redback spiders in there, and every time they disturbed the nest. They were biting and envenoming him repeatedly, causing the above issues.
Now I'm not sure if this is an urban legend, or a myth, as I did not know them personally. But it doesn't seem an impossibility as this breed of spider does like to lay it's eggs in a warm moist environment.
Thanks for tuning in.
Remember to check under the toilet seat.
Doctor out.
