New Zealand Katipo Spider vs Cochineal Scale Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Katipo Spider | Cochineal Scale Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Latrodectus katipo | Dactylopius coccus |
| Order | Araneae | Hemiptera |
| Family | Theridiidae | Dactylopiidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm body | 2-5 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
New Zealand Katipo Spider
New Zealand's most venomous spider, found only on coastal sand dunes. Although an arachnid, it is one of New Zealand's most iconic invertebrates. The name katipo means night stinger in Maori. It is now critically rare due to habitat loss.
Did You Know?
Despite being closely related to the black widow and redback spiders, no human deaths from katipo bites have been recorded in New Zealand.
Cochineal Scale Insect
The source of carmine dye — one of the most important natural red pigments. Farmed on prickly pear cacti in Mexico since Aztec times. Still used in food and cosmetics today.
Did You Know?
Cochineal was so valuable in the 16th century that it was the third most valuable export from the New World after gold and silver — a pound of dye could buy a house.