An unwelcome visitor appears to have established itself on New Zealand’s east coast.
Residents of Napier have spotted an unwelcome visitor – the huntsman spider – not once, but twice in the past 12 months.
According to Cor Vink, Associate Professor of entomology at Lincoln University, the Napier suburb of Pandora may be a site of establishment for the spiders after the multiple sightings. He believes they appear to be settling on New Zealand’s eastern coast, most likely due to a warming climate.
If huntsman spiders are in New Zealand to stay, what is the likely impact on native bug species?
Associate Prof. Vink said invasive species could prey on native species, putting them at risk. “The major concern is if they spread into natural areas and start feeding on native insects and plants,” he said.
Huntsman spiders are not the only creatures that are relocating; other Australian-introduced species that appear to be spreading in NZ include the harlequin ladybird, giant willow aphid, magpie moth, and passion vine hopper.
