Across cultures, killing a spider is often considered bad luck— the Irish and Scots even share a proverb: “If you wish to live and thrive, let a spider run alive.” Yet when a potentially deadly arachnid crosses your path, the impulse to squash it is hard to resist. The black widow spider, with its iconic red and orange markings, is a prime example of this fear.
Black widows belong to the genus Latrodectus, which contains 31 species that appear on every permanently inhabited continent. One of those species, Latrodectus katipo, is found only in New Zealand and is protected by law.
In Māori tradition, the katipō—meaning “night‑stinger”—holds a place of reverence because New Zealand’s native fauna contains very few dangerous animals. Folklore portrays the katipō as both a creative force and a malevolent presence, underscoring its cultural importance.
Recognizing this value, the New Zealand government incorporated the katipō into the Wildlife Act 1954. While the original act protected most vertebrates, a 1980 amendment added a seventh section that listed terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates as animals, bringing the katipō and the Nelson cave spider under its umbrella.
According to the Department of Conservation, the katipō’s conservation status is “At Risk – Declining.” Scientists attribute the population decline largely to climate change, which is a leading driver of habitat loss in New Zealand.
Under Section 67F of the Wildlife Act, harming or possessing a katipō can result in imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to NZ$100,000, or both. While the penalty is severe, there is no publicly available record of a conviction for the deliberate killing of a katipō, highlighting challenges in enforcement.
New Zealand has the highest proportion of species at risk globally, with over 4,000 species listed as threatened. Critics argue that the Wildlife Act’s focus on individual cases limits its effectiveness, calling for broader measures such as habitat protection.
Black widow bites are rare in terms of fatality. Globally, only a handful of deaths have been confirmed despite thousands of bites each year. There are no recorded fatalities from the katipō species in New Zealand.
Katipōs are generally reluctant to bite; they often flee, feign death, or even release a warning silk. Many bites are “dry,” delivering little or no venom. Even when venom is injected, severe reactions are uncommon.
When a bite does occur, symptoms start with localized pain that intensifies over hours and can spread. Possible systemic signs include difficulty breathing, intense cramps, vomiting, and profuse sweating. While the experience is unpleasant, prompt medical care—often including antivenom—can effectively manage symptoms.
Given the low risk of serious harm and the katipō’s protected status, the safest and most respectful approach is to leave the spider alone. Let it live, and you’ll be supporting New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.
Image: Studiocasper/Getty Images
