Like most spiders with similar morphology, the Black House Spider (Badumna insignis) can unleash a venomous bite lethal to its insectivorous prey but not humans whom they are timid to and rarely bite. These spiders are identified by their robust bodies, a dark brown or black carapace and legs, charcoal grey abdomens plus velvety hair coverings. As a member of the family Desidae, the Black House Spider creates a web, however, the web is messy-looking and funnel-shaped. It is also called Common Black Spider and endemic to the urban areas of Australia, preferring logs, rock walls, window frames, and trunks.
Male and female Black House Spiders vary in size. The female Black House Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.22”-1.85” (31-47 mm), body length of .47”-.71” (12-18 mm), body width of .16”-.24” (4-6 mm), and body height of .18”-.28” (4.5-7 mm). The male Black House Spider has an overall legspan length between .95”-1.54” (24-39 mm), body length of .35”-.59” (9-15 mm), body width of .12”-.2” (3-5 mm), and body height of .14”-.24” (3.5-6 mm). The common lifespan of the Black House Spider is between 1-2 years.
Like most spiders with similar morphology, the Black House Spider (Badumna insignis) can unleash a venomous bite lethal to its insectivorous prey but not humans whom they are timid to and rarely bite. These spiders are identified by their robust bodies, a dark brown or black carapace and legs, charcoal grey abdomens plus velvety hair coverings. As a member of the family Desidae, the Black House Spider creates a web, however, the web is messy-looking and funnel-shaped. It is also called Common Black Spider and endemic to the urban areas of Australia, preferring logs, rock walls, window frames, and trunks.
Male and female Black House Spiders vary in size. The female Black House Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.22”-1.85” (31-47 mm), body length of .47”-.71” (12-18 mm), body width of .16”-.24” (4-6 mm), and body height of .18”-.28” (4.5-7 mm). The male Black House Spider has an overall legspan length between .95”-1.54” (24-39 mm), body length of .35”-.59” (9-15 mm), body width of .12”-.2” (3-5 mm), and body height of .14”-.24” (3.5-6 mm). The common lifespan of the Black House Spider is between 1-2 years.