Venomous spider with 'sinister bite' spotted in South Island
The noble false widow spider has been sighted in Christchurch and Nelson after first being seen in Wellington last December.
Professor Steven Trewick, an evolutionary ecologist at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University said the spider was not aggressive but may bite in self defence.
"Most bites result in mild symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain.
"However, some have been linked to more serious effects including tissue necrosis, nausea, hypotension, impaired mobility and secondary bacterial infections that may be resistant to standard antibiotics."
The invasive arachnid has been dubbed "Britain's most dangerous spider' after a bite left a man struggling to walk.
Prof Trewick led efforts to confirm the spider's identity by comparing its physical features and analysing DNA from a sample collected in Porirua.
Since the initial Porirua sighting, the spider has also been confirmed in Christchurch, Nelson, Northland and Waikato.
"It appears to be thriving in urban environments, particularly around gardens and outdoor furniture.
"It is most often found under plant pots, tarpaulin and in fence crevices, while males are seen at night on exterior walls or the ground."
Although considered less dangerous than black widows, the venom of the noble false widow (Steatoda nobilis) contained similar toxins.
"Particularly concerning is its association with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Infections resulting from bites don't always respond to treatment, and that's a significant medical concern,' Professor Trewick said.
Originally from the Canary Islands and Madeira, the spider has become well established in Europe, North and South America and now New Zealand.
While the full impact of this spider on native wildlife was yet to be fully understood, Professor Trewick says its arrival reflected broader global patterns.
'This is part of a wider pattern of biodiversity loss and rapid environmental change. Invasive species like this one highlight how globalisation and climate shifts are reshaping our ecosystems, often at the expense of native wildlife.'
Suspected sightings of this spider can be freely uploaded to iNaturalist NZ and help researchers discover the extent of the invasion. - APL
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