logo
#

Latest news with #StevenTrewick

Ominous sign for Australia's cities after deadly discovery in New Zealand
Ominous sign for Australia's cities after deadly discovery in New Zealand

Yahoo

time02-07-2025

  • Science
  • Yahoo

Ominous sign for Australia's cities after deadly discovery in New Zealand

The rapid spread of a deadly invasive spider in New Zealand has sparked a warning to Australia. Not only are noble false widow spiders venomous, some populations harbour antibiotic-resistant bacteria on their fangs. Massey University evolutionary ecologist Professor Steven Trewick has been leading efforts to track the city-dwelling spiders since they were first detected on the North Island late in 2024. He believes it's possible the species has also made its way to Australia in small numbers, but with invasives, there's frequently a lag between arrival, expansion of territory, and it eventually being documented. 'You may already have it, but it's just not recognised. Of course, that's a really fundamental issue with species invasion,' Trewick warned in an interview with Yahoo News Australia. 'If alien monsters turned up and started eating people, we'd notice very quickly, but with something rather subtle like this, we don't.' Related: 🕷️ Noble false widows taking a big bite out of British and Irish wildlife The first sighting of the spider in New Zealand occurred in Porirua, just north of the capital Wellington. But they've since been detected at multiple sites on the sparsely populated South Island, including Christchurch and Nelson. Because they've spread so widely, Trewick suspects they breached the country's borders a long time ago. When his students first identified them, it caused a sensation on iNaturalist, a global social networking site where hobbyists and professionals share locations and pictures of plants and animals. 'The experts were saying we don't have that species, so it can't be that species,' Trewick said. 'Once a few people became convinced, they started looking back over photographs from the past on iNaturalist and realised there's more of a backstory to them.' White-tailed spiders and redback spiders have already invaded New Zealand. With the arrival of the noble false widow spider, locals are worried their country is becoming just as dangerous as Australia. But Trewick isn't particularly concerned about the potential harm directly caused by the spider, his interest is that British populations are known to carry bacterial strains associated with antibiotic resistance. "We're not going to be savaged by spiders to any great extent, it's really the microbial resistance that's going to get us," he said Although he admits this is 'potentially worrying' from a scientific perspective, he also finds it 'morbidly fascinating'. 'If it's another vector for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to spread around the planet, then that's a concern that's much bigger than the spider itself,' he said. He's now working to determine whether New Zealand noble false widow spiders also carry dangerous microbes on their fangs The species has shown an ability to adapt to urban areas, thriving in harsh environments where non-venomous native spiders struggle. How it became exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria remains a mystery. But it could have been from eating small prey that have encountered human sewerage or drainage systems. And there's also the possibility it entered a hospital where resistant bacteria are known to be concentrated. Along with climate change, Trewick believes the other big problem the world needs to focus on is the 'unseen invasion and expansion' of microbes. He wasn't surprised by the rapid spread of Covid-19 or the ongoing problems caused by avian influenza, that's resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of birds and mammals. 'We're just not paying attention to the problem until it rears up and everyone is shocked at the audacity of a virus or bacteria getting in our face,' he said. ⛏️ Reason tradies faced 'absolute challenge' fixing deceptively simple old hut 📸 Rare colour footage of extinct Australian animal seen again after 90 years 🍗 Woman jailed after disturbing find inside 62,000kg of Thai food sent to Australia Australia's department of agriculture (DAFF) did not directly address questions from Yahoo News about whether the spider is a threat to this country. In a statement it said there are a number of "measures in place" to manage biosecurity. Invasive invertebrate species are a growing problem and regularly breach Australia's borders, often leaving federal and state governments unable to contain them. The varroa mite has had a severe impact on honey production, fire ants are marching down Australia's east coast, while over in Perth the shot-hole borer has killed thousands of trees and crippled the local plant trade. In 2023, a bed purchased from Harvey Norman by a Tasmanian woman was discovered riddled with China fir borers. In that case, the woman identified them as being suspicious, and they were contained. DAFF asks anyone with information about unusual items that could breach biosecurity to contact it on 1800 789 636. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.

How to identify NZ's latest spider arrival — the noble false widow
How to identify NZ's latest spider arrival — the noble false widow

1News

time02-07-2025

  • 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.

New venomous spider makes New Zealand home
New venomous spider makes New Zealand home

RNZ News

time01-07-2025

  • Health
  • RNZ News

New venomous spider makes New Zealand home

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

Spider with 'potentially sinister bite' establishes in New Zealand
Spider with 'potentially sinister bite' establishes in New Zealand

1News

time01-07-2025

  • 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."

Venomous noble false widow spider confirmed established in New Zealand
Venomous noble false widow spider confirmed established in New Zealand

Time of India

time01-07-2025

  • 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.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store