New Zealand Katipo Spider
Latrodectus katipo
EndangeredAbout 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.
How to Identify New Zealand Katipo Spider
New Zealand Katipo Spider (Latrodectus katipo) belongs to the order Araneae, family Theridiidae. Adults typically measure 6-10 mm body.
New Zealand Katipo Spider Habitat
New Zealand Katipo Spider is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Oceania (New Zealand). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
New Zealand Katipo Spider Diet and Feeding
New Zealand Katipo Spider has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is New Zealand Katipo Spider Found?
New Zealand Katipo Spider can be found in Oceania (New Zealand), where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where New Zealand Katipo Spider can be found
Is New Zealand Katipo Spider Dangerous?
New Zealand Katipo Spider is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
New Zealand Katipo Spider Role in Nature
New Zealand Katipo Spider plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like New Zealand Katipo Spider are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Katipo Spider
What does New Zealand Katipo Spider look like?
The New Zealand Katipo Spider typically measures 6-10 mm body.
Where is New Zealand Katipo Spider found?
The New Zealand Katipo Spider is found in Oceania (New Zealand) and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does New Zealand Katipo Spider eat?
The New Zealand Katipo Spider has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is New Zealand Katipo Spider dangerous to humans?
The New Zealand Katipo Spider is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is New Zealand Katipo Spider endangered?
The New Zealand Katipo Spider is currently classified as Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about New Zealand Katipo Spider?
Despite being closely related to the black widow and redback spiders, no human deaths from katipo bites have been recorded in New Zealand.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). New Zealand Katipo Spider (Latrodectus katipo). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-katipo-spider
MLA:
"New Zealand Katipo Spider." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-katipo-spider.