If you live in Australia, chances are you’ve encountered a black house spider at some point in time. These arachnids are one of the most common spider species found in Australia.

Black house spiders (Badumna insignis) can be found in many habitats, including gardens, forests, and urban areas. They typically make their homes in sheltered areas, such as under eaves, in outdoor furniture, or in the cracks and crevices of walls.

Despite their name, black house spiders can be brown or grey in colour. However, they all share the distinctive feature of a shiny, black head area.

Female black house spiders are bigger than males, reaching around 18 millimetres in body length, while males only grow up to 12mm. Females build nests and lay eggs, while males search for mates.

Black house spiders are known for their venomous bites, but they are unlikely to be fatal to humans. If bitten, symptoms may include pain, swelling, and itchiness around the bite area.

In the wild, black house spiders primarily feed on insects like cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes. However, they can also be spotted eating other spiders and small animals.

While they may seem like pests, black house spiders are actually beneficial creatures to have around. They help keep the population of other insects in check and prevent infestations.

Despite this, some people still feel uncomfortable when they see black house spiders inside their homes. To keep them from coming inside, experts suggest sealing cracks in walls, windows and doors, and ensuring that there is no clutter around your property where spiders may settle.

Black house spiders are one of the most recognizable spider species in Australia. While they can be a nuisance to some, they play an important role in ecosystems and can be observed in many locations and conditions throughout the country.