White-Tailed Spider
Lampona cylindrata
Distribution
Australia-wide.
Venom toxicity
The bite of a white-tail spider may cause nausea and burning pain followed by swelling and itchiness around the site of the bite.
In some rare but dramatic cases, a severe allergic reaction, blistering or ulceration of the skin, similar to gangrene, has been reported in the media and linked to the bite of a white-tail spider. However, this cause/effect relationship has not been proven conclusively to the satisfaction of some scientific researchers. Bacterial infection of the wound caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans carried on the fangs of the white-tail spider, may be a contributory factor. In any case, first aid and medical attention should be sought, if bitten, as and when any adverse health effects are observed.
Spider identification
Adult size varies 12 to 20 mm in body length - grey to black in colour with a white section on the end of it's tail.
Habitat
Prefers cool moist location - commonly found in garden mulch areas. In summer, it often wanders into buildings, particularly bathrooms, to escape the heat.
