Is the Katipo Spider Endangered?

The katipo spider, Latrodectus katipo Powell 1871 (Family Theridiidae), is an endangered species that is endemic to New Zealand (Patrick 2002).

Is katipo endangered?

The katipō is an endangered species and has recently become threatened with extinction. It is estimated that there are only a few thousand katipō left in about 50 areas in the North Island and eight areas in the South Island, making it rarer than some species of kiwi.

Are katipo and Redback the same?

The katipo (Latrodectus katipo) and the redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) belong to the same genus as the American black widow spider. These two are the only spiders venomous to people in New Zealand. In both species it is the adult females that are capable of biting humans.