Triatoma rubida vs New Zealand Katipo Spider
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Triatoma rubida | New Zealand Katipo Spider |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Triatoma rubida | Latrodectus katipo |
| Order | Hemiptera | Araneae |
| Family | Reduviidae | Theridiidae |
| Size | 18-22 mm | 6-10 mm body |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southwestern United States, Mexico | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Triatoma rubida
A reddish-brown kissing bug found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It frequently enters homes and its bite can cause severe allergic reactions.
Did You Know?
It is the most commonly reported triatomine species entering homes in Arizona.
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.