Sporvidder

Sporvidder, also known as the redback spider, is a species of spider native to Australia. It is one of the most venomous spiders in the world, with a bite that can cause severe pain, sweating, nausea, and in rare cases, systemic toxicity. The spider gets its name from the red stripe on its abdomen, which is a distinctive feature.

The female sporvidder is larger than the male, with a body length of up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). The male is significantly smaller, with a body length of about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Both males and females have a distinctive red stripe on their abdomen, which is a warning to potential predators.

The sporvidder is a ground-dwelling spider, typically found in grassy areas, woodlands, and suburban gardens. It is an ambush predator, waiting for prey to pass by before striking. Its venom is primarily hemotoxic, meaning it destroys tissue and causes internal bleeding.

First aid for a sporvidder bite includes cleaning the wound, applying a pressure immobilisation bandage, and seeking medical attention. Antivenom is available in Australia but is not widely used due to the rarity of severe reactions. Prevention of bites involves wearing protective footwear, gloves, and long sleeves when working in grassy areas, and being cautious when handling firewood or rocks.

The sporvidder plays an important role in the Australian ecosystem as a predator of insects and other small arthropods. Its venom is also being studied for potential medical applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. However, due to its venomous nature, it is not commonly kept as a pet.