Lampona species are difficult if not impossible to tell apart with the naked eye. Most Lampona murina in eastern Queensland before Platnick's revision in 2000 were thought to be the common L. cylindrata , widespread elsewhere in Australia. L. cylindrata is the typical "White-tailed Spider" wrongly suspected of necrotising anrachnidism (flesh eating sores). Toxicologist Geoff Ibister has published more than 10 papers demonstrating the inaccuracy of this urban myth. As L. cylindrata lives with humans, bites are not uncommon. However, the venom of Lampona species does not lead to necrotising arachnidism and most people suffer only minor pain and local inflammation if anything at all. Ants, bees, hairy caterpillars and bacteria infection are more likely suspects of serious reaction. The sensationalising emails circulating the Internet are bogus. L. murina is found in nearly all habitats in easern Queenland around buildings and in suburban parks and gardens. ♀ 13mm ♂ 10mm
Female 6710 in alcohol, from above
Female 6710 in alcohol, facing
Female 6710 epigynum
References
- Platnick, N 2000 - A relimitation and revision of the Australasian ground spider family Lamponidae (Araneae, Gnaphosoidea). Bulletin of the AMNH 245. (56MB)
- Australasian Arachnological Society - Debunking an urban myth: The bite of the White-tailed Spider (Lampona spp.) does not seem to cause skin ulcerations!