Experts surprised as rare spider found nesting in unexpected region

The spider, also known as a "bird-dropping spider", is usually found in warmer areas across Australia's eastern seaboard.

But Inverell resident Barry Croft found the spider, with a sac of eggs, concealed in an olive tree in his backyard in northern inland NSW.

"I was showing my son around the garden when we came across the spider," Mr Croft said.

"We had never seen a spider like this before and when I asked around the neighbourhood, no one else seemed to have spotted this spider."

Mr Croft, 82, used an app on his son's mobile phone to identify the spider.

This squat, black, brown and white spider is usually about 12 millimetres long.

It remains static, huddled on a leaf or branch during the day, with its colouration and posture appearing as a blob of dung to nearby predators.

The spider is often overlooked and usually inhabits fruit trees, since their diet consists solely of male moths.

Female spiders can lay up to 13 sacs containing an average 200 eggs.

Mr Croft said the spider in his backyard appeared to be sitting on a small group of sacs.

"I'm born and bred in Inverell and I've never seen a spider like this," he said.

While the Death's head spider is not considered dangerous, it can give a nasty bite.

First aid treatment is not usually needed, however, if bitten a victim should apply a cold pack to the site to reduce pain and swelling.

New England pest control technician Hedley Brooks said spiders in the area usually burrowed or wove webs.

"I've never heard of this spider, very unusual to have it in the area," Mr Brooks said.

He advised residents to keep an eye out and, if in danger, spray the spider with an insecticide.

Summer months usually see a spike in cockroach numbers, with spider numbers consistent throughout the year, Mr Brooks said.