[White tailed spider (Lampona sp)] These little buggers are nasty! Mark and I found and destroyed one today. Not only do I say to spite all spider lovers but I also wanted an excuse to link to this picture :D
White tailed spiders are found in most areas of New Zealand, and are common in urban dwellings. They are readily identifiable by their cylindrical body shape and the presence of a white or grey spot on the end on their abdomen. They are active hunters, preying upon other types of spiders, and may be found roaming inside houses, especially in warmer weather. White tailed spiders have been implicated in some cases of Necrotising Arachnidism (skin breakdown or ulceration following spider bites). The incidence of ulceration or necrosis following white tailed spider bite is not known. The majority of cases appear not to develop ongoing ulceration, although blisters and redness are common.