Black House Spider

Appearance

• This species is a robust spider, with a body length of 1-1.5cm.
• Carapace and legs are dark brown to black, and the abdomen is charcoal grey. The dorsal pattern of white marking is sometimes indistinct.

Life Cycle

• The female constructs several white silk egg sacs, which are secured within the web retreat. The female stays with the eggs until they hatch. The spiderlings then disperse.
• The spiders mature during the summertime and live for about two years.

Habits

• Black house spiders create untidy-looking webs (lacy sheets with funnel-like entrances). They are found on tree trunks, logs, rock walls and buildings (also in window frames and crevices).
• Also commonly found in urban areas, Black House Spiders build webs in dark corners of windows, verandas, sheds and fences.
• The female spider never leaves her web, unless forced to, but keeps on repairing it – old webs can look grey and woolly from the constant additions of silk.
• Poisonous, but no fatalities.