Poisonous spider invades New Zealand

The killer spiders came to New Zealand and adapted to the environment in this country, causing a panic for the people.

Poisonous red spider. Photo: ABC

Red-backed spider is a poisonous spider with red stripes on its back. Their venom can be fatal for people. According to AFP , red back spiders have appeared in North and South Island of New Zealand. Scientists say they come from this country from bales of imports originating from Australia.

In a report published in early November, the New Zealand Agricultural Research Institute said red-backed poisonous spiders are able to withstand cold weather and wet winters in New Zealand.

Cor Vink, a scientist at the Agricultural Research Institute, says red-backed spiders threaten native spiders and insects. This dangerous spider species is quite common in cities in Australia and weather patterns suggest that they can also live in New Zealand cities.

The website of the Australian Institute of Toxicology says at least 14 people have lost their lives because of a red back spider bite. Since the red back spider's antidote has been created since the 1950s, no fatal cases have been reported due to their bite.