watch your back from red-back

since last week, there was an eight-legged freak scare across dubai. newspapers, tv and other publications are reporting the sightings of the red-back spiders.


image: Museum Victoria Australia

red-back spider, redbacks or lactrodectus hasseltii is potentially a poisonous spider with a red stripe marking on the body. they are related to the notorious black widow spider but smaller in size. a native of australia, it is highly venomous and when bitten, it is characterized by intense pain and around the bite area.

redbacks are believed to be brought here from australia 10 years ago. there is one reportedly bitten as of now. one expert say it's now common here in the uae. aside from redbacks, there are also other poisonous creatures found here.

for more information check out these sites:
- Museum Victoria Australia
- Australian Museum Online
- Wikipedia

hey, is that spider who bit peter parker? maybe, i should try one also...