The behavioural ecology of Latrodectus hasselti (Thorell), the Australian Redback Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae): a review

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 9 years ago

Abstract - Aspects of the biogeographical history and behavioural ecology of the Australian Latrodectus hasseIti provide support for the endemic status of this species. Cannibalism, prey stealing and short instar lengths are growth strategies for female spiders whereas early maturation, small size, hiding and scavenging are useful survival tactics for males. Moreover male complicity is an important component of sexual cannibalism which is shown to be a highly predictable event. Latrodectus hasseIti males hybridize with female L. katipo (a New Zealand species) and fertile Fl and F2 generations imply genetic relatedness. Hence, it is likely that L. hasselti and L. katipo evolved from a common ancestor in ancient Pangaea, a feasible explanation only if L. hasseIti is endemic to Australia. It is concluded that L. hasseIti would have been able to persist in outback Australia for millions of years, with its intraspecific predatory habits aiding subsistence and the evolution of sexual cannibalism providing a way of coping with infrequent meeting and mating opportunities.