DSC_9122 Red katipo spider (Latrodectus katipo) female amongst beach vegetation. This coastal spider lives in sand dunes, and is found nowhere else. It has disappeared from many coastal areas because human activities have modified its native environment. Although the katipo uses venom to paralyse prey such as beetles, this venom is also dangerous to humans. However the katipo is a shy and retiring spider and the only time one is likely to bite a person is when it is accidentally squashed by someone sitting on on one. Karamea *
DSC_9033 Red katipo spider (Latrodectus katipo) female on beach flotsam. This coastal spider lives in sand dunes, and is found nowhere else. It has disappeared from many coastal areas because human activities have modified its native environment. Although the katipo uses venom to paralyse prey such as beetles, this venom is also dangerous to humans. However the katipo is a shy and retiring spider and the only time one is likely to bite a person is when it is accidentally squashed by someone sitting on on one. Karamea *
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 *
