The White-Tailed Spider is a notorious yet misunderstood creature found across Australia, mainly in the south-east. It has a dark reddish or grey, cigar-shaped body with dark orange-brown, banded legs and a white spot at the tip of its grey dorsal abdomen. Males have a hard narrow plate called a scute on their abdomen. The two common species, Lampona cylindrata and L. murina, share overlapping distributions and look almost identical.
Despite not being as poisonous and most dangerous spiders found in Australia , these spiders have been blamed for severe skin ulceration and even necrosis. The internet has spread horrific myths like the huntsman spider and its bite , leading to their widespread hunting in houses out of fear and panic. While their fangs inject toxins, there is no real proof that their bites cause rotting of flesh or deadly ulcers.
Behavior and Misconceptions
Unlike other poisonous spiders, White-Tailed Spiders are common but not aggressive. They prey on other spiders, helping control harmful species. Despite this, urban legends have made them seem more deadly than they really are. Reports of necrotic wounds from their bites have been controversially implicated, but experts suggest these cases may result from secondary infections.
With a leg span of 28mm, females reaching 18mm, and males 12mm, these spiders are relatively small. Yet, their reputation causes people to chase down and kill them at first glimpse. The claim that they cause necrotic ulcers remains debated, but with no solid evidence, it’s time to rethink our fear of these misunderstood creatures.
White Tail Spider Bite Symptoms
- Mild pain or moderate pain in the affected area
- Swelling and skin irritation at the site of the bite
- Visible red mark or puncture wound from the bite
- Itchiness as the body reacts to the venom
- Discomfort that may last for a few days
- Additional symptoms like headache, nausea, or vomiting in some cases
Temporary and Long-Term Symptoms
- Temporary symptoms such as swelling, itchiness, and skin irritation can appear immediately or within hours
- Severe pain, nausea, or vomiting may take a day or two to show up
- Most symptoms improve with time and proper care
The Pain and Symptoms of a White-Tail Bite
- A White-tail spider bite is painful, with 130 verified bites showing consistent discomfort
- The bite typically causes local redness and swelling
- Most symptoms are minor local symptoms like itchiness and skin irritation
- Local symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with proper care
- Some people mistakenly blame the White-tail for other conditions that may not be related to a bite
- Misdiagnoses in medical reports have led to unnecessary treatments
- Symptoms like nausea, headache, or vomiting are sometimes wrongly attributed to a spider bite
- Correctly identifying the culprit is crucial to avoid unnecessary panic or treatments
Understanding the Effects of a White Tail Spider Bite
- If bitten by a White Tail spider, the symptoms are generally not severe
- White Tail spiders are reluctant biters and usually only bite if provoked or threatened
- The bite feels like a bee-sting with a burning sensation in the bite area
- Swelling and an itchy red mark often follow
- Rare side effects like nausea or headaches may occur
- Symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours, but a small sore or lesion can last 5-12 days
- Myths of necrotic ulcers from White Tail spider bites have no scientific backing
- Most reported symptoms were pain or persistent sores, with only a small percentage suffering from headaches or nausea
- Compared to bee-stings, which cause a few deaths annually in Australia due to allergies, White Tail spider bites are much less dangerous
- Brown Recluse spiders are the only species known for causing necrotic wounds, but they are not native to Australia
How to Treat a White Tail Spider Bite
- Clean the bite area with mild soap and water to prevent infection
- Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling and relieve the burning sensation
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol for mild pain
- Apply hydrocortisone or other soothing creams for itchiness and irritation
- Monitor the bite for red marks, swelling, and lesions, which should improve in 1-2 days
- If symptoms persist or worsen beyond 24 hours, such as severe pain, headaches, or nausea, seek medical attention
- Always err on the side of caution if symptoms don’t resolve quickly
