The Avondale area of Auckland, New Zealand, is home to a rather large, yet harmless, spider: the Avondale spider. This impressive arachnid is actually an Australian huntsman spider that made its way across the Tasman Sea in the early 1920s. The first recorded sighting was in 1924, and it’s believed they arrived unintentionally in shipments of imported wood, possibly used as railway sleepers. Interestingly, these spiders have largely remained within the Avondale region, hence their local moniker, the “Avondale Spider.” In their native South Australia, these huntsman spiders are quite common and are even welcomed residents in homes, valued for their natural pest control abilities.
Habitat and Habits of the Avondale Spider
Avondale Spiders are nocturnal creatures, preferring to spend their days hidden away in dark, dry, and secluded spots. In their natural Australian environment, they thrive under the loose bark of wattle trees, often living in sizable colonies. When they find their way into human environments, they seek similar conditions, making homes in attics, underneath corrugated iron roofing, behind wall-mounted pictures and bookcases, and within sheds and garages. These are all ideal places for them to remain undisturbed during daylight hours.
Diet and Hunting Prowess
One of the most captivating aspects of Avondale spiders is their hunting behavior. They are ambush predators, often seen sitting perfectly still on walls, patiently waiting for unsuspecting prey. Once an insect comes within range, they exhibit remarkable speed, rushing to capture it. They are efficient eaters, quickly consuming their prey by sucking out the bodily fluids and discarding the indigestible outer parts. Their preferred meals consist of common household pests such as moths, flies, cockroaches, and earwigs, making them a natural form of pest control.
Size and Appearance: Dispelling Fear
The initial reaction upon encountering an Avondale spider is often one of surprise, and sometimes even fear, primarily due to their size. These spiders are capable of moving incredibly quickly when disturbed, which can startle people. A fully grown adult Avondale spider, with its legs fully extended, can reach an impressive span of up to 200 millimeters, or approximately 8 inches across. Despite their intimidating size, it’s important to remember they are considered harmless to humans.
Avondale Spider Life Cycle
Mature male Avondale spiders become more frequently seen indoors, especially between January and March. This period marks their mating season, as they actively search for females. Female Avondale spiders are prolific egg layers, capable of producing up to 200 bright green eggs. These eggs are housed within an oval-shaped, papery white egg sac, roughly 25 mm (1 inch) long and 12 mm (1/2 inch) wide. The female spider exhibits maternal care, guarding her egg sac diligently. After about 4 to 6 weeks, she will open the sac to help her spiderlings emerge. She continues to care for her young for a few months before they disperse to live independently. Interestingly, young spiderlings will sometimes cooperate to feed, sharing prey that is too large for a single spiderling to manage on its own.
