most major New Zealand hospitals. Antivenom will usually relieve the symptoms of systemic envenoming and is indicated in anyone suffering symptoms consistent with Latrodectus envenoming. Unlike some other antivenoms, it is not limited to patients with signs of severe, systemic envenoming. Particular indications for using antivenom are local then generalised pain, sweating or hypertension. However, good evidence to support the effectiveness of widow spider antivenoms is lacking and studies have cast some doubt on the efficacy of antivenoms in latrodectism. Pain relief agents, such as parenteral opiates, or benzodiazepines may be required as adjunct agents. References External links Katipō spider on the website of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Katipō discussed on RadioNZ Critter of the Week show, 15 April 2016 Latrodectus Endemic fauna of New Zealand Endemic spiders of New Zealand