A venomous spider hidden in a container shipped from Australia was intercepted recently by the entry-exit inspection and quarantine authorities in Guangzhou, marking the first such high-risk case in Guangdong and the second across China.

A venomous spider hidden in a container shipped from Australia was intercepted recently by the entry-exit inspection and quarantine authorities in Guangzhou, marking the first such high-risk case in Guangdong and the second across China.

Staff members working at the agency said the spider was hidden in the steel frame of the container when the freight arrived at Zengcheng, a district of Guangzhou. They added that they put on latex gloves in capturing the big spider.

The spider turned out to be a redback spider (Latrodectus hasseltii), a species of venomous spider indigenous to Australia, and has established colonies in New Zealand, and Japan. It is a member of the widow spiders (Latrodectus), and is easily recognized by the prominent red stripe on its back.

The redback can be seriously harmful to humans. Its venom is toxic to vertebrates, and it can be lethal to humans if the bite is not treated in a timely manner.

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