Black House Spider
Scientific Name: Badumna insignis
Size: Total Length 19mm
What does it look like?
The Black House Spider appears dark brownish or greyish to blackish, with a white flecked pattern on the dorsal surface. The female has a large bulbous abdomen, while the male’s is thinner and tapering towards the tip.
Where is it found?
Occurs throughout subtropical Australia, from south-eastern Qld to south-eastern Vic and Tas, and Adelaide region SA and Perth region WA.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Black House Spider is found in dry forests and woodlands, but also around windows and wall crevices in houses and other structures, on garden trees, around rock walls and logs, where it builds large intricate woolly webs on the surface, with a funnel retreat. It feeds on flies, moths, bees and beetles. Bites in humans, although uncommon, can result in serious symptoms, including severe pain, inflammation, sweating, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Dangerous Creatures of Australia
