Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Females are the larger of the two sexes, with a body length of up to 20mm. Males are more slender and smaller, typically measuring around 12mm.
Coloration: The cephalothorax and legs are dark reddish-brown to grey or black. The abdomen is a uniform dark grey or slate colour, appearing satin-like. The most prominent feature is a distinct, opaque white or cream-coloured spot at the very tip of the abdomen. Juveniles may have additional paired white spots along the sides of the abdomen, which usually fade as they mature, leaving only the characteristic tail spot.
Key Features: The combination of the slender, cigar-shaped body and the single, well-defined white spot at the posterior tip of the dark grey abdomen is the key distinguishing feature. The dark reddish-brown to black legs and carapace are also characteristic.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: A female may produce several egg sacs during her lifetime. Mating can occur at any time of year when a mature male encounters a receptive female.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
After mating, the female Lampona cylindrata constructs a specialised egg sac. This sac is a disc-shaped or pillow-like structure made of bright white, papery silk. She typically lays between 50 and 100 pinkish eggs within it. Unlike many other spiders, she does not guard the egg sac. Instead, she will secure it in a hidden, sheltered location, such as under bark, in a leaf curl, or within a crevice in a wall or piece of furniture, and then abandon it. The development of the eggs within the sac is dependent on temperature and can take several weeks.
Larval Stage
Upon hatching, the spiderlings remain inside the egg sac for a short period. They are pale, largely immobile, and consume their remaining egg yolk. They will undergo their first moult within the relative safety of the sac before emerging.
Pupal Stage
Once they emerge from the egg sac, the spiderlings (there is no pupal stage) are tiny, independent hunters. They look like miniature adults, often with more pronounced abdominal spotting. From this moment on, they are nomadic predators, hunting for prey small enough for them to overpower. They grow by periodically shedding their exoskeleton (moulting). This process happens within a temporary silken retreat they spin for the occasion.
Adult Stage
The lifespan of a Whitetailed Spider is thought to be up to two or three years, which is relatively long for an active hunting spider. They reach sexual maturity after multiple moults over a period of many months. Adults of both sexes continue their nomadic hunting lifestyle. They do not have a permanent burrow or web, instead resting during the day in temporary silken sacs spun in any suitable crevice.
Reproduction Rate
A female may produce several egg sacs during her lifetime. Mating can occur at any time of year when a mature male encounters a receptive female.
Generations Per Year
Due to their lifespan of over a year, generations overlap significantly. It is possible for more than one generation to be produced in a year under optimal conditions, but it doesn't follow a strict annual cycle.
Development Time
The full development time from egg to adult can vary significantly based on temperature and food availability, but it typically takes many months to over a year.
Seasonal Cycle
Whitetailed Spiders are active year-round. However, they are more commonly seen indoors during late summer and autumn as they seek cooler environments, and again in winter as they seek warmth. Encounters increase when their primary prey, such as Black House Spiders, are also abundant.
Environmental Factors
The key environmental factor for this species is the availability of prey and shelter. Their distribution is closely tied to the distribution of their preferred spider prey. Humidity is also important, as they prefer less arid conditions.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Indoors: Behind furniture, in closets, in folds of clothing or curtains, and in bedding.
- Outdoors: Underneath bark, rocks, and leaf litter.
- In garden sheds, garages, and woodpiles.
- In and around the webs of other spiders, particularly Black House Spiders.
- Any dark, dry, and sheltered crevice.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Common in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. Also found in southern parts of Queensland and Western Australia.
Climate Zones
- Temperate
- Subtropical
- Mediterranean
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Extremely common in urban and suburban environments, often more so than in natural bushland, due to the high concentration of prey (other spiders) and shelter (human dwellings).
Native Range
Native to southern and eastern Australia.
Introduced Range
It has been accidentally introduced to New Zealand, where it is now widespread.
Introduction History
A native Australian species.
Current Spread
Widespread and very common within its preferred climate zones. Its range is stable.
Limiting Factors
Its distribution is limited by arid conditions. It is largely absent from the dry interior and the tropical far north of Australia.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Primarily nocturnal. This spider is an active hunter that roams at night in search of prey. During the day, it rests in a temporary silken retreat constructed in a dark, sheltered crevice. It does not build a web to catch food.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
A specialised carnivore with a strong preference for other spiders.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- No credible evidence of disease transmission.
- The myth linking them to necrotising arachnidism has been thoroughly debunked by scientific studies.
- Studies have failed to isolate any flesh-eating bacteria (like Mycobacterium ulcerans, which causes Bairnsdale ulcer) from their fangs or venom.
- The bite itself is the only health concern.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
Some individuals may have a minor allergic reaction to the venom, leading to more pronounced itching or a weal-like swelling, but this is uncommon.
Contamination Risk
Low. As they are clean hunters, the risk of them contaminating food is negligible. They do not carry pathogenic bacteria on their fangs.
Vulnerable Populations
- Anyone is at risk of a bite if they accidentally press the spider against their skin.
- People who leave clothes on the floor are at higher risk.
- Bites are more common indoors than outdoors.
- Individuals with a specific sensitivity to insect/spider venoms may have a stronger local reaction.
Symptoms of Exposure
- Initial bite may be painless or feel like a sharp pinprick.
- Localised burning or stinging pain at the bite site, which can last for a few minutes to a couple of hours.
- An itchy, reddish, or swollen lump may develop.
- On rare occasions, nausea, headache, or general malaise may occur but usually resolves quickly.
- The symptoms are typically less severe than a bee sting.
Transmission Methods
- Envenomation through a defensive bite. This happens almost exclusively when the spider is trapped in clothing, bedding, or otherwise pressed against human skin.
- They do not seek out humans to bite.
Risk Severity
Low. The health risk is minimal and widely overstated. There are no confirmed cases of necrotic ulcers or any other serious medical outcome from a Whitetailed Spider bite.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$220-$450 for a general spider treatment targeting common household spiders, including Whitetailed Spiders.
Prevention Costs
$40-$100 annually for DIY surface sprays and sealing drafts.
Diy Treatment
$20-$60 for a can of insecticide and some sticky traps.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None.
Garden Damage
None. In fact, they are beneficial in the garden by controlling other spider populations.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
A sighting could cause alarm, but they pose no specific threat to food service operations.
Retail Impact
Could be a nuisance if found in changing rooms or stock, leading to customer complaints.
Reputation Damage
Due to their fearsome reputation, a visible presence in a hotel room or rental property could lead to significant guest anxiety and negative reviews.
Operational Disruption
Minimal. A sighting might cause a brief work stoppage.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
A highly beneficial predator that helps to control populations of other spiders, including potentially more harmful species like Redbacks.
Economic Loss
None. Their presence is economically neutral or slightly positive due to natural pest control.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Minimal. Costs are usually limited to over-the-counter pain relief or antiseptic creams. The widespread fear has led to some unnecessary doctor visits, contributing to minor, avoidable healthcare system costs.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
The cost of regular professional pest control services is the main economic impact for concerned homeowners.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- Seeing the spiders themselves is the most common sign. They are often seen on walls and ceilings at night, or in bathrooms and laundries.
- Finding their temporary silk shelters, which look like small, messy tubes of silk in corners or crevices.
- A decrease in the number of other spiders (like Black House Spiders) and their webs around the home could indicate a Whitetailed Spider is hunting them.
- Finding their distinctive disc-shaped, papery white egg sacs hidden in dark places.
- Spotting them inside clothes that have been left on the floor.
Physical Evidence
- The spiders, alive or dead.
- The white, disc-like egg sacs.
- Shed skins (exuviae) left behind after moulting, often found near their daytime retreats.
- The absence of other spider webs that were previously present.
Behavioral Signs
- Observing a dark spider actively roaming walls at night.
- Seeing a Whitetailed Spider attacking another spider in its web.
- Disturbing one from its daytime hiding spot, causing it to flee rapidly.
- Finding one in the bath or sink in the morning, where it has become trapped overnight.
Seasonal Indicators
- Increased sightings indoors during late summer and autumn as they seek refuge from heat or follow prey indoors.
- Sightings can also increase during cold winter weather as they seek warmth.
- They are generally active year-round, so sightings are possible at any time.
Early Warning Signals
- An increase in the population of other spiders, like Black House Spiders, will inevitably attract Whitetailed Spiders to your home.
- Finding a single Whitetailed Spider is a sign that the environment is suitable and more could be present.
- Noticing them in sheds or garages is often an early warning before they move into the main house.
- Bringing in firewood or cardboard boxes from outside can be a source of introduction.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Most importantly: Do not leave clothes, towels, or bedding on the floor. Shake out any items before use.
- Reduce clutter indoors to minimise hiding places. Keep closets and storage areas tidy.
- Regularly vacuum, especially in corners, along skirting boards, and behind furniture.
- Control other spider populations. Remove webs of Black House Spiders and Daddy-long-legs from around the house, as this is their food source.
- Store firewood outside and away from the house.
Exclusion Methods
- Seal cracks and crevices in walls, around window and door frames, and along skirting boards.
- Install insect screens on windows and ensure they are well-maintained.
- Use draft excluders or weather strips on the bottom of external doors.
- Seal around pipe and utility penetrations into the home.
- Inspect items brought in from outside, such as boxes, plants, and camping gear.
Landscaping Tips
- Clear away leaf litter, rocks, and woodpiles from against the house foundation.
- Trim back vegetation and trees that touch the house, as these act as bridges for spiders.
- Move woodpiles and compost bins away from the house.
- By controlling other spiders outside, you reduce the likelihood of Whitetailed Spiders being attracted to the area.
- Wear gloves and shoes when gardening.
Monitoring Strategies
- Place sticky traps (blunder traps) along walls in bedrooms, closets, and behind furniture to monitor for their presence.
- Perform regular visual inspections of common hiding spots.
- Shake out shoes, boots, and stored clothing before wearing.
- Be extra vigilant when you notice an increase in other spider activity.
- Check bedding before getting into bed at night.
Environmental Modification
- Reduce external lighting that attracts the insects that other spiders feed on, thereby reducing the prey available for Whitetailed Spiders.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and laundries to make the environment less attractive.
- Fix any water leaks that may be creating damp conditions favored by spiders.
- A tidy, uncluttered home is the best environmental modification for preventing Whitetailed Spiders.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
A professional pest controller can apply a residual surface insecticide to skirting boards, behind furniture, in roof voids, and around the external perimeter. This is effective for controlling their movements and killing them on contact. It also eliminates their food source (other spiders).
Biological Control
No commercial biological control options are available.
Physical Control
A thorough vacuuming of the house, paying attention to cracks and crevices, is a very effective physical control method. Direct capture (e.g., with a jar) or killing of individual spiders is also effective.
Integrated Approach
IPM is the best strategy. This includes a professional treatment to reduce numbers, combined with homeowner actions like sealing entry points, reducing clutter, managing prey spider populations, and ongoing monitoring with sticky traps.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
The most effective 'natural' remedy is a vacuum cleaner. Sucking up the spiders and their egg sacs is a direct and chemical-free way to remove them. Peppermint oil and other natural deterrents have little to no proven effect.
Home Made Traps
Sticky traps, available from hardware stores, are excellent for both monitoring and control. Place them in areas where spiders are seen.
Deterrent Methods
The best deterrent is to make your home unattractive to them by removing their food source (other spiders) and their hiding spots (clutter).
Mechanical Control
A direct strike with a shoe or a rolled-up newspaper is a time-honoured and effective method for single spiders. The vacuum cleaner is a less messy alternative.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Professional treatments are highly effective, often reducing spider populations by over 90%. Consistent homeowner prevention methods are crucial for long-term success.
Timeframe
A professional spray will provide control for several months. Reducing the prey population will have a lasting effect.
Follow Up Required
An annual spider treatment is recommended for houses prone to infestations.
Seasonal Considerations
Treatments can be effective at any time of year. A treatment in spring can prevent populations of prey spiders from building up, making the home less attractive in summer and autumn.
Application Techniques
- Internal surface spraying along skirting boards, under furniture, and in corners.
- External perimeter spraying around the foundation, windows, doors, and eaves.
- Dusting of roof voids and sub-floor areas with an insecticidal dust.
- Direct application of an aerosol insecticide onto a visible spider.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
A professional pest controller can apply a residual surface insecticide to skirting boards, behind furniture, in roof voids, and around the external perimeter. This is effective for controlling their movements and killing them on contact. It also eliminates their food source (other spiders).
Biological Control
No commercial biological control options are available.
Physical Control
A thorough vacuuming of the house, paying attention to cracks and crevices, is a very effective physical control method. Direct capture (e.g., with a jar) or killing of individual spiders is also effective.
Integrated Approach
IPM is the best strategy. This includes a professional treatment to reduce numbers, combined with homeowner actions like sealing entry points, reducing clutter, managing prey spider populations, and ongoing monitoring with sticky traps.
Professional Treatment Costs
$220-$450 for a general spider treatment targeting common household spiders, including Whitetailed Spiders.
Treatment Success Rates
Professional treatments are highly effective, often reducing spider populations by over 90%. Consistent homeowner prevention methods are crucial for long-term success.
Treatment Timeframe
A professional spray will provide control for several months. Reducing the prey population will have a lasting effect.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Activity increases as temperatures rise. They hunt the growing populations of other spiders. Egg sacs laid over winter will begin to hatch.
Summer Activity
Peak hunting season. They may be driven indoors to escape extreme heat. This is a common time for indoor encounters.
Autumn Activity
Another peak season for indoor sightings as they follow prey indoors and seek stable temperatures. Mating activity continues.
Winter Activity
They remain active, especially inside heated homes. They will hunt other spiders that are overwintering indoors. They may be found in warm places like linen closets or behind appliances.
Breeding Season
Can occur at any time of year, but often peaks when conditions are warm and food is plentiful.
Peak Activity Period
Infestations are most commonly reported in late summer and autumn, which corresponds to when people are bitten most often (e.g., in beds or clothes).
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
They are intolerant of high heat and will actively seek out cooler, darker refuges, such as homes, on hot days.
Humidity Effects
They prefer environments that are not too dry, which can draw them into more humid parts of a house like bathrooms and laundries.
Photoperiod Effects
As nocturnal hunters, their activity is dictated by the daily cycle of light and dark.
Weather Patterns
Heatwaves are a major driver for them to move indoors. They are less influenced by rain than ground-dwelling spiders.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Considered a significant domestic pest due to its common presence indoors and its (medically unfounded) fearsome reputation. It has no official regulatory status.
Control Regulations
Standard regulations for the use of residential pesticides apply. All products must be registered with the APVMA and used according to the label.
Professional Requirements
Professional pest controllers must be licensed in their respective state or territory to apply chemical treatments.
Environmental Considerations
While a common pest, it is a native species that preys on other spiders. Inside the home, control is warranted. Outside, they are part of the natural ecosystem. Chemical use should be targeted to avoid harming non-target organisms.
Compliance Requirements
- Use of APVMA-approved pesticides only.
- Strict compliance with label directions for use and safety.
- Licensing for professional applicators.
- Careful application to avoid contamination of food-preparation surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Whitetailed Spider bite really cause my flesh to rot?
No, this is one of Australia's most persistent medical myths. Decades of scientific research and analysis of thousands of confirmed bite cases have conclusively shown that there is no link between the venom of a Whitetailed Spider and necrotic arachnidism (flesh-eating ulcers). The bacteria responsible for such infections, like *Mycobacterium ulcerans*, have never been found on their fangs or in their venom. A typical bite from a Whitetailed Spider results in symptoms that are usually less severe than a bee sting: localised pain, redness, and swelling that resolve within 24 hours. While any break in the skin can potentially become infected with bacteria from the environment or the victim's own skin, the spider's bite itself does not cause necrosis. The fear surrounding this spider is based on misinformation, not scientific fact. If you are bitten, the correct first aid is simply to clean the area with antiseptic and apply a cold pack to relieve pain and swelling.
If I have Whitetailed Spiders, does it mean my house is dirty?
Not at all. The presence of Whitetailed Spiders is not an indicator of a dirty or unhygienic home. In fact, it's an indicator of something else: you have other spiders. Whitetailed Spiders are specialised hunters, and their primary food source is other spiders. If they are in your house, it's because they have found a reliable food supply. The most common prey are Black House Spiders (*Badumna insignis*), which often build their lacy webs around window frames, and Daddy-long-legs spiders. Therefore, finding a Whitetailed Spider simply means your house provides a good hunting ground and plenty of shelter. While reducing clutter can limit their hiding spots, their presence is more a sign of a healthy (or at least present) ecosystem of other spiders than it is a reflection of your housekeeping.
What is the most effective way to get rid of Whitetailed Spiders?
The most effective way is a two-pronged Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. First, you must remove their food source. Go around your home, inside and out, and clear away the webs of other spiders, particularly Black House Spiders and Daddy-long-legs. A vacuum cleaner is excellent for this. Second, you target the Whitetailed Spiders themselves and prevent their entry. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any spiders you see. Place sticky traps along skirting boards and under furniture to catch them as they roam. Seal up entry points like gaps under doors and cracks in walls. For a more persistent problem, a professional pest control treatment is very effective. A technician can apply a residual insecticide to key areas, which will not only kill Whitetailed Spiders but also eliminate their prey, making your house an unattractive place for them to be in the long term.
How can I avoid being bitten by a Whitetailed Spider?
Avoiding a bite is straightforward because these spiders are not aggressive and only bite defensively when trapped. The overwhelming majority of bites occur when a spider has hidden in clothing, towels, or bedding. The number one rule is to not leave clothes and towels on the floor. Before getting dressed, shake out your clothes, especially if they've been in a pile. Similarly, check your shoes before putting them on. Before getting into bed, it’s a good habit to pull back the covers and check for any unexpected visitors. When gardening or working in a shed, wear gloves. By being mindful of these few simple habits, you drastically reduce the chances of ever trapping one against your skin, and therefore, you drastically reduce your chance of being bitten.
Why do I keep finding Whitetailed Spiders in my bathroom?
Bathrooms and laundries are two of the most common places to find Whitetailed Spiders indoors. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, these areas often provide a humid environment, which these spiders prefer over very dry conditions. Secondly, they are full of excellent hiding places, such as behind the toilet, under the lip of the vanity, in piles of towels, and around the drains. Most commonly, however, spiders found in a bath or sink in the morning have become trapped accidentally. As nocturnal hunters, they roam your house at night. The smooth, steep sides of a bathtub or sink are like a pitfall trap for them; once they fall in, they can't get a grip to climb out again. So, finding one trapped there is simply evidence of its night-time wanderings through your home.
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