The Latrodectus hasselti, commonly known as the Australian redback spider, is notable for its striking black body with a prominent red stripe on the abdomen. It thrives in urban areas and arid environments. Females are venomous and known for a distinctive web structure. Their diet mainly consists of insects and small animals.

Latrodectus hasselti, commonly known as the Redback Spider, is native to Australia. It is widely distributed across the entire continent, including the mainland and Tasmania.

The Redback Spider thrives in a variety of environmental conditions but is typically found in warm and dry climates. It often inhabits urban areas, rural environments, and natural landscapes, adapting well to human-altered environments.

The spider prefers sheltered, dark, and dry locations such as under rocks, logs, piles of debris, or human structures like sheds and toilets. It builds irregular, tangled webs close to the ground where it captures its prey, typically insects and other small arthropods. The Redback Spider is known for its ability to adapt to diverse habitats, ranging from deserts to urban settings, which contributes to its widespread distribution.