 The
katipö spider, Latrodectus katipo,
has the reputation of being dangerous as it is
the only native spider poisonous to humans. All spiders have
venom that kills their prey, but only a few species
in the world have venom that is poisonous to humans. - The katipö lives in coastal areas and is usually
found under driftwood and hiding in clumps
of grasses growing on sand. It is now an uncommon species,
and much of its natural habitat has been modified
by
human activities.
- Only the female is capable of biting and will do
so only while protecting her eggs or herself.
- The fully grown female has an black, round abdomen
the size of a garden pea. There is a bright
red stripe all the way down the back, and a red hourglass
underneath.
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