red-back spider: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Biological/Informal (Australian)
Quick answer
What does “red-back spider” mean?
A venomous Australian spider, Latrodectus hasselti, characterized by a prominent red stripe on the female's abdomen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A venomous Australian spider, Latrodectus hasselti, characterized by a prominent red stripe on the female's abdomen.
By extension, any spider resembling the red-back, sometimes used for other black widow relatives. Metaphorically, a hidden danger in a familiar environment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'red-back spider' is recognized as an Australian species. In the US, 'black widow spider' is the more common local analogue, though 'red-back' is understood. Spelling: UK favours hyphenation 'red-back'; US may use 'redback' or 'red-back'.
Connotations
In AU/UK: Direct association with Australia, backyard danger. In US: Exotic, Australian curiosity.
Frequency
High frequency in Australian English; low to medium in British English (in relevant contexts); low in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “red-back spider” in a Sentence
[subject] was bitten by a red-back spider.A red-back spider [verb, e.g., lurked, built a web] in the shed.The [noun, e.g., shed, toy] harboured a red-back.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red-back spider” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The red-back spider infestation was concerning.
- He had a red-back spider bite on his ankle.
American English
- The redback spider venom is potent.
- She studied redback spider behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in risk assessment for Australian operations: 'Biosecurity measures include red-back spider control.'
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, toxicology papers: 'The neurotoxin of the red-back spider, α-latrotoxin...'
Everyday
Common in Australian conversation about garden hazards: 'Check the kids' play equipment for red-backs.'
Technical
Precise use in arachnology and medical contexts regarding bites and antivenom.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “red-back spider”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “red-back spider”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red-back spider”
- Misspelling as 'redback spider' (common but hyphenated form is standard in dictionaries).
- Using 'red-back' for any spider with red markings.
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'Red-Back Spider' (only in formal taxonomic contexts).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are close relatives within the same genus (Latrodectus) and share similar venom, but the red-back (Latrodectus hasselti) is a distinct species primarily found in Australia.
The bite is medically significant and can cause severe pain, sweating, nausea, and muscle weakness. While painful and requiring medical attention, fatalities are very rare since the development of antivenom.
In Australia, they are commonly found in dry, sheltered places like sheds, under outdoor furniture, in mailboxes, and among logs or rocks in urban and rural areas.
Yes, they have been accidentally introduced to other regions like New Zealand and Japan, and are sometimes found in isolated populations elsewhere through global trade.
A venomous Australian spider, Latrodectus hasselti, characterized by a prominent red stripe on the female's abdomen.
Red-back spider is usually technical/biological/informal (australian) in register.
Red-back spider: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd bæk ˈspaɪdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd bæk ˈspaɪdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a red-back in the woodpile (AU, rare): A hidden danger or treacherous element.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RED stripe on its BACK = RED-BACK. A red warning sign on its body.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS HIDDEN / THE FAMILIAR IS TREACHEROUS (e.g., 'a red-back in the suburb').
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the red-back spider most commonly encountered?