Meet The Redback Spider, One Of The Most Dangerous Arachnids Out There

If you happen to be in Australia and come across a redback spider, you definitely want to keep your distance.

These fun-filled creatures are responsible for the majority of serious spider bites in the outback, and the females are usually the culprits.

There isn’t much to worry about when it comes to the males, as their bites only result in short-lived discomfort. However, if you are the victim of a female redback, you’re not only in for a world of pain, but your nervous system will be affected as well.

The redback spider is so named because of the red stripe on its back. It also has a red hourglass on the underside of its abdomen, which could cause some to mistake it for the black widow, its relative.

Though these spiders are native to Australia, they can also be found in New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

Unfortunately, they like to live in spaces where we often reach our hands, including mailboxes, sheds, decks, and even underneath toilet seats.