Latest news with #iNaturalist.org
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.
Hamilton Spectator
16-06-2025
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
One of Canada's biggest insects known as the ‘toe-biter' can cause ‘excruciating' pain with a jab — Here's where it's been spotted in Ontario
You may want to mind your step the next time you dip into a lake, river or pond, after learning about Canada's biggest aquatic insect, one that can cause 'excruciating' pain. Called the giant water bug, this creature is found in ponds, lakes and marshes across the province. According to the University of Guelph , giant water bugs are flat, oval-shaped creatures, and they can grow to be six centimetres long. Their scientific name is lethocerus americanus, but it is also part of the belostomatidae family. The water bugs tend to hang around weedy areas, and can trap a bubble of oxygen beneath its wings to siphon the air underwater. They have bulging eyes and are aquatic predators, also known as toe-biters. Giant water bugs use their front legs to grab prey — same as a praying mantis does — and use their long, flat hind legs to swim. They eat snails, crayfish, tadpoles, salamanders, insects, and even small fish or frogs, according to an article in A 3cm giant water bug (Belostomatid, probably genus Lethocerus) stabbed its mouthpart into a 10cm garter snake (genus Thamnophis) I apparently startled into jumping incautiously into a rock pool, then hung on for dear life - and was rewarded with a real feast. . It uses its beak to pierce its prey, injecting a digestive toxin to dissolve the prey's interior. Then it sucks up the snack. 'This big bug can inflict an excruciating jab with its legs if stepped upon or picked up, though it almost invariably darts swiftly away from wading human feet,' said. Females lay their eggs either on the backs of the males, or by a plant stem or log above the water, and the males take care of the eggs until they hatch. According to , giant water bugs are found across Ontario, with sightings in many municipalities. Already this year, giant water bugs have been spotted in Cambridge , Peterborough , Bala , Kingston , Prince Edward , South River , Wellington and Midland . And if being a toe biter isn't enough in the water, the giant water bugs also fly. They take to the air at night, and are usually attracted to a light source — similar to moths. Sometimes, the creatures can be mistaken for small bats. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
