White-tailed (Lampona cylindrata & Lampona murina)

Discover the intriguing world of the white-tailed spider, known scientifically as Lampona murina and Lampona cylindrata. Both these spiders hail from the Lampona genus, which means ‘to shine’. Originally from Australia, they’ve also been spotted in New Zealand.

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

• Size: Females are average 0.7 in (18 mm) while males are 0.4 in (12 mm) with an average leg span of 1.1 in (28 mm).

• Color: Both the species have similar colorations with a dark red to gray body, and banded legs in deep orange and brown shades. The abdomen is gray and has four white spots and at times there is another white spot near the spinnerets.
• Other Characteristic Features: The body is cigar-shaped.

Photo Credit: Tom Musson

Eggs

Around 80-100 pinkish eggs are there in a single disc-shaped sac. The female waits and takes care of them until they hatch.

Spiderlings

Upon hatching, the juvenile spiders are dispersed into the air and start looking for food on their own.

Photo Credit: Daniel Kluza

The Web

They do not make any web and directly hunt down the prey.

Photo Credit: Damien Toman

Are White-tailed Spiders Venomous?

Yes, white-tailed spiders are venomous. However, their venom isn’t considered highly dangerous to humans.

Can White-tailed Spiders Bite?

Yes, white-tailed spiders can bite. While their bite might cause discomfort, it’s usually not severe for most people. In the worst-case scenario, the biting could result in vomiting, headache, and malaise but nothing more than that.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of White-tailed Spider

The ecological importance of the white-tailed spider is significant. As natural predators, they control the population of other spiders, such as black house spiders and daddy-long-legs, maintaining a critical balance within their ecosystem. This predatory behavior exemplifies the prey-predator dynamics where the white-tailed spider plays a pivotal role in the food web. 

Natural Predators: Natural predators of white-tailed spiders include birds, reptiles, and larger mammals. These predators are essential in keeping the white-tailed spider population in check, preventing them from becoming too numerous, which could lead to a decrease in their prey species and a possible imbalance in the ecosystem.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: In the context of prey-predator dynamics, white-tailed spiders are both predators and prey, demonstrating the intricate interdependence within natural food webs. Their hunting strategy of actively seeking out and capturing prey reflects their role as an apex invertebrate predator within their ecological niche. However, as prey to larger animals, they contribute to the diet of those predators, thus playing a dual role in their environment.

Relationship with Humans: The relationship between white-tailed spiders and humans is generally unobtrusive, as these spiders tend to avoid human interaction. Despite being venomous, their bites are not considered highly dangerous to humans, often resulting in mild discomfort rather than severe health issues.

Their presence in gardens and homes can be beneficial, as they help control the populations of other more problematic spiders. Nonetheless, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid close encounters, as their bite, while not lethal, can cause unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting and headaches.

Quick Facts

Did You Know

• The scientific name ‘murina’ implies mouse gray while the other species’ scientific name ‘cylindrata’ refers to the cylindrical body.
• The term white-tailed spider can be applied to a wide range of spiders.

In summary, the white-tailed spider serves as a pivotal organism within its habitat, contributing to the ecological balance through its predatory habits.