Redback spider

The redback is a small but venomous spider native to Australia, now found in parts of Asia and New Zealand. The female is striking, with a glossy black body and a bold red stripe, while males are tiny and less colorful. Like its cousin the black widow, it packs a powerful bite.

• Females grow to about 10 mm long, while males reach only 3–4 mm.
• The female's abdomen has a red-orange hourglass mark underneath.
• They sometimes hitch rides in shipping crates to new regions.