Latest news with #Steatoda
1News
02-07-2025
- Science
- 1News
How to identify NZ's latest spider arrival — the noble false widow
Ecologists are calling for Kiwis to report sightings of one of the world's most invasive spiders with a "potentially sinister bite" known to cause serious infections. The noble false widow spider — named for its resemblance to the notorious black widow — had its first confirmed sighting in Porirua November last year. Watch spider expert explain the threat on TVNZ+ Massey University evolutionary ecologist Steven Trewick told Breakfast more confirmed sightings were needed to understand just how widespread they were in Aotearoa. He said while small, they could be identified by their spherical bulbous bodies and long thin legs — similar to black widow and native Katipo spiders which the noble false widow was related to. "That might be the kind of spider that freaks spiderphobes out the most," Trewick said. The spider appeared to thrive in urban environments, particularly around gardens and outdoor furniture. They were also fast runners, although Trewick said they were more likely to be running away than aggressively towards people. "If they are accidentally cornered or you lean on one, that is where you might get a bite." The noble false widow was originally from the Canary Islands and Madeira, with it also becoming well established in the UK, Europe and North America. In an arachnophobe's worse nightmare scenario, some UK schools have been forced to temporarily close in recent years due to infestations. So far in New Zealand, the spider has been found in Wellington, Christchurch, Nelson, Northland and Waikato. However, Trewick believed they were likely to be much more widespread, hence his call for sightings. "It's up to the people to get their phones out when they spot a spider in the backyard, take a picture of it and post it to Trewick detailed the potential outcome for humans bitten by a false widow spider. "Although considered less dangerous than black widows, the venom of Steatoda nobilis (noble false widow) contains similar toxins." He said of particular concern was its venom's association with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. "Infections resulting from bites don't always respond to treatment, and that's a significant medical concern." Mild symptoms included swelling, redness and pain; however, some cases had been linked to more serious symptoms such as tissue necrosis, nausea, hypotension, impaired mobility and secondary bacterial infections that might be resistant to standard antibiotics.
1News
01-07-2025
- Health
- 1News
Spider with 'potentially sinister bite' establishes in New Zealand
One of the world's most invasive spiders with a "potentially sinister bite" known to cause serious infections — some resistant to antibiotics — has officially established a population in New Zealand, an evolutionary ecologist says. The noble false widow spider or Steatoda nobilis — named for its resemblance to the notorious black widow — had its first confirmed sighting in Porirua late last year. Massey University evolutionary ecologist Steven Trewick led the efforts to confirm the identity of the spider by comparing its physical features and analysing DNA of the Porirua sample. Since the initial sighting, the noble false widow spider had been confirmed in Christchurch, Nelson, Northland and Waikato. Trewick said the species was already thriving in Kiwi backyards, favouring gardens, fences, outdoor furniture, and the undersides of plant pots and tarpaulins. ADVERTISEMENT "Although considered less dangerous than black widows, the venom of Steatoda nobilis contains similar toxins." He said of particular concern was its venom's association with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. "Infections resulting from bites don't always respond to treatment, and that's a significant medical concern." The spider was not aggressive but would bite defensively. Mild symptoms included swelling, redness and pain; however, some cases had been linked to more serious symptoms like tissue necrosis, nausea, hypotension, impaired mobility and secondary bacterial infections that may be resistant to standard antibiotics. The spider was not aggressive but would bite defensively. (Source: Massey University) Trewick said humans often facilitated the spread of invasive species but not all environments allowed them to flourish. ADVERTISEMENT "Climate conditions play a big role for cold-blooded creatures like spiders, but as we've found out, the noble false widow has found New Zealand's cities quite comfortable." It remained to be seen how the spider would impact native wildlife but the arrival reflected broader global trends, Trewick said. "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."
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Venomous noble false widow spider confirmed established in New Zealand
Venomous noble false widow spider now present across New Zealand The noble false widow spider ( Steatoda nobilis ), one of the world's most invasive arachnids, has officially established itself in New Zealand. First confirmed in Porirua in November 2024, the species has since been recorded in Christchurch, Nelson, Northland, and Waikato, indicating widespread urban colonization. The spider, originally native to the Canary Islands and Madeira, has previously spread to Europe and both North and South America. According to experts, it now appears to thrive in New Zealand's urban environments. It is commonly found in gardens, around outdoor furniture, and particularly beneath plant pots, tarpaulin, and in fence crevices. Males are typically observed at night on exterior walls or at ground level. Also read: Health emergency: Dengue fever outbreak declared in Rarotonga, New Zealand Professor Steven Trewick, an evolutionary ecologist at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, led the confirmation effort. He compared physical features of collected specimens and conducted DNA analysis on a sample obtained in Porirua by Gavin Picknell. Live Events 'Although considered less dangerous than black widows, the venom of Steatoda nobilis contains similar toxins,' said Trewick. '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.' Medical risks linked to noble false widow spider bites The noble false widow spider is venomous but not generally considered aggressive. Bites typically occur in self-defense and may cause localized symptoms including redness, swelling, and pain. However, more serious medical effects have been documented in some cases. A spokesperson from Massey University reported that some bite incidents have resulted in tissue necrosis, nausea, hypotension, impaired mobility, and secondary bacterial infections. Notably, some of these infections may be resistant to standard antibiotics, raising concerns within the medical community. Also read: China facing new Covid-like pandemic? Here's everything we know about it so far The spider's venom contains neurotoxins similar to those found in black widow species, although typically less potent. Nonetheless, its presence in populated regions and proximity to human activity has prompted health and ecological monitoring. Citizen reports aid research into Steatoda nobilis spread Researchers encourage the public to participate in tracking the spread of Steatoda nobilis through the iNaturalist NZ platform. Suspected sightings can be uploaded with photos, enabling scientists to better understand the range and behavior of this invasive, venomous spider . Ongoing monitoring will help assess the long-term ecological and public health implications of the noble false widow spider's establishment in New Zealand.
