Some reactions to bites by spiders of the genus Uliodon (Zoropsidae) in southern New Zealand

Abstract

Native huntsman spiders of the genus Uliodon L. Koch 1873 (family Zoropsidae) comprise large, cribellate spiders, 10.7-22 mm long, predominately grey, with two longitudinal rows of 4-5 round spots on the opisthosoma; the inner side of the pedipalp is usually bright orange on live males. The spiders are handsome and are relatively common throughout New Zealand. Three species have been described but a further 20 undescribed species probably occur. Uliodon species can inflict painful bites of variable severity. Often there are no long term consequences; however necrosis may occur around the bite marks leaving scars that persist for over two years. The bad reaction reported by Watt (1971) resembles a few accounts reported to A. Harris at the Otago Museum over the years.