New Zealand Katipo Spider vs Dalmatian Spongillafly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Katipo Spider | Dalmatian Spongillafly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Latrodectus katipo | Sisyra dalii |
| Order | Araneae | Neuroptera |
| Family | Theridiidae | Sisyridae |
| Size | 6-10 mm body | 6-8 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Eastern Mediterranean, Balkans |
| Conservation | Endangered | Data Deficient |
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.
Dalmatian Spongillafly
A rare spongillafly described from the eastern Mediterranean region. Associated with clean freshwater habitats harboring sponge populations.
Did You Know?
It is one of the rarest European spongillaflies, known from only a handful of collection sites.