Spiders of New Zealand

[1][2][3] Over 97 per cent are endemic, and the rest have been introduced through human activities or were natural wind-borne introductions.

Very few New Zealand spiders have bites that can cause significant injury to humans, and of these, only one – the katipō – is endemic.

Its more dangerous close relative, the venomous Australian redback spider, has established a foothold in some parts of New Zealand, notably in Taranaki and Central Otago.

Dolomedes aquaticus grows up to 7 centimetres (2.8 in) across and specialises in open, unforested riverbanks, and lives under rocks within 5 metres (16 ft) of the river.

Another species of similar size, Dolomedes dondalei, specialises in forested riverbanks and is also widespread on the mainland.