Jul 4
Avondale Spider
Saw my first Avondale spider.
The so-called Avondale spider, Delena cancerides, is an introduced Australian huntsman spider. The first specimens were found in 1924, probably arriving in imported wood used for railway sleepers. Although large and fearsome-looking, it is quite harmless. In South Australia the species is quite common, and some people encourage them to live in their houses to control insects.
Delena cancerides is nocturnal, hiding in dark, dry places during the day. Around houses they hide in attics, under corrugated iron, behind pictures and in sheds and garages.
July 10th, 2009 at Friday, 7:36 pm
it’s a ruse to stop us from visiting you. And it’s working. AAaaarrrrggghhhhhh!
July 11th, 2009 at Saturday, 12:47 pm
The spider is harmless and has spread much wider than just Avondale now. Maybe all the way to Pakuranga. It is very scary looking though.
May 15th, 2010 at Saturday, 1:31 am
omdzz scaryy spiderrr, we are al;llll sooo scared. im not sure i acan even leave my house anymoree. im sooo scared. im mite die of scaredness.. sooooo scaredd duuddeeee :’