New Zealand Katipo Spider (Latrodectus katipo)

The New Zealand katipo spider is a small, venomous spider native to New Zealand. It is known for its distinctive coloration, with females exhibiting either a black or red abdomen. The red katipo females, found in the South Island and the lower half of the North Island, have a black abdomen with a pronounced red stripe bordered in white. In contrast, the black katipo females, found in the upper half of the North Island, have a black abdomen with pale, yellow, or cream-colored markings.

Katipo spiders are typically found in sand dunes. These spiders primarily feed on ground-dwelling insects and are known for their irregular, tangled webs spun among dune plants or other debris.

The Australian redback spider (Latrodectus hasseltii) was introduced to New Zealand in the early 1980s and has established itself in limited areas, particularly in drier regions such as Central Otago and New Plymouth. The redback spider poses a threat to the native katipo spider by not only competing for the same habitat and prey, but also interbreeding, leading to a decline in katipo populations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at info@brycephotography.co.nz