<\/p>\n
\nThe noble false widow spider.
\nPhoto: Supplied \/ Massey University\n<\/p>\n
A new venomous spider has officially made New Zealand home.<\/p>\n
The noble false widow spider is one of the world’s most invasive arachnids.<\/p>\n
It was first seen last year in Porirua, and has since been spotted in Christchurch, Nelson, Waikato and Northland.<\/p>\n
While bites are rare, infections from their bites don’t always respond well to treatment.<\/p>\n
Researchers say it appears to be thriving in urban environments, particularly around gardens and outdoor furniture.<\/p>\n
It’s most often found under pot plants, tarpaulin and in fence crevices.<\/p>\n
Male spiders can be seen at night on exterior walls or the ground.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nThe noble false widow spider.
\nPhoto: Supplied \/ Massey University\n<\/p>\n
Massey University evolutionary ecologist Steven Trewick says its association with antibiotic-resistant bacteria is particularly concerning.<\/p>\n
“Although considered less dangerous than black widows, the venom of Steatoda nobilis contains similar toxins.”<\/p>\n
It’s not an aggressive spider, but it will bite in defence.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of a bite include swelling, redness and pain.<\/p>\n
Though some spider bites have been linked to tissue necrosis, nausea, hypotension, impaired mobility and secondary bacterial infections that may be resistant to standard antibiotics.<\/p>\n
Researchers are asking people to upload suspected sightings of this spider to iNaturalist NZ to help them discover the extent of the invasion.<\/p>\n