DSC_4236 Katipo spider (Latrodectus katipo) habitat. The katipo is an endangered, sand dune specialist. It has suffered a dramatically because of to the changes we have brought to the dunes, particularly with our fires and farming. Where native plants like Spinifex, Sand daphne (Pimelia villosa), and Sand coprosma (Coprosma acerosa) remain, is where katipo spiders survive best. Karikari Bay, Northland *
DSC_8659 Red back spider (Latrodectus hasselti) large female guarding an egg sac in her web located just inside the entrance to a rabbit burrow. The white egg sac is surrounded by trapped Cromwell chafer beetles. Although the Red back's bite will sting and feel uncomfortable to humans, it won't kill you. Cromwell chafer Reserve, Cromwell *
DSC_8656 Red back spider (Latrodectus hasselti) large female guarding an egg sac in her web located just inside the entrance to a rabbit burrow. The white egg sac is surrounded by trapped Cromwell chafer beetles. Although the Red back's bite will sting and feel uncomfortable to humans, it won't kill you. Cromwell chafer Reserve, Cromwell *
