The Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is a venomous spider native to Australia. It is easily recognized by its glossy black body and distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. These spiders typically inhabit dry, sheltered areas, such as under rocks, in woodpiles, or within buildings. Redback Spiders are part of the Theridiidae family and are closely related to the Black Widow spiders. They are known for their web-building skills, creating irregular webs to catch prey, primarily insects. While their bites can be painful and may require medical attention, fatalities are rare due to effective antivenom treatments.