When found inside, they are typically near a source of moisture such as a bathroom or laundry because they desiccate easily.
The black hunting wasp has been recorded capturing large spiders such as native tunnelweb spider Porrhothele antipodiana.
In a DVD commentary, Jackson says Shelob's appearance is mostly based on the New Zealand tunnel-web spider, which he hates.
Porrhothele antipodiana is attacked when it stands and faces the wasp with the first two pairs of legs held towards its attacker and upwards.