Bitten or unwell? Call 000 for severe symptoms. For poison advice in Australia call 13 11 26.

Spider Identifier Australia

Identify Australian spiders in a few quick taps.

A simple, visual spider identifier for Australia. Choose location, size, colour, web clues and behaviour to narrow down common possibilities.

Start identifying Dangerous spiders

Quick identifier

What did you see?

Step 1 of 4Simple clues, better suggestions.

Where are you in Australia?

How big was it?

What colours or marks stood out?

Where was it or what was it doing?

Start here

Dangerous Australian spiders to check first

These are the spiders the identifier treats with extra caution when the clues fit.

Visual chart

Australian spider identifying chart

Compare common Australian spiders by size, colour, danger level, web type and where they are usually found.

Medical emergency potentialSydney funnel-web spiderGlossy, robust, dark spider associated with silk-lined burrows around the Sydney region and nearby eastern NSW.Medical emergency potentialAustralian funnel-web spidersA group of dark, mygalomorph spiders from eastern Australia, often linked with silk-lined retreats and burrows.Medically significantRedback spiderSmall black spider, usually female, with a red stripe or hourglass marking and a messy web in dry sheltered places.Medically significantMouse spiderStocky ground spider; males may have a red head or pale patch depending on species, and can be confused with funnel-webs.Painful but usually not life-threateningWhite-tailed spiderDark, cigar-shaped wandering spider with a pale spot at the tip of the abdomen, often seen indoors at night.Usually low riskBlack house spiderDark, sturdy house spider that builds messy lace-like webs around windows, walls, fences and crevices.Usually low riskBrown house spider / cupboard spiderSmall brown comb-footed spider in messy indoor webs, sometimes confused with redbacks or false widows.Usually low riskHuntsman spiderLarge, flat, long-legged spider often seen on walls, ceilings, tree bark and inside cars.Painful but usually not life-threateningBadge huntsman spiderHuntsman-type spider with more distinct underside markings and a defensive colour display.Painful but usually not life-threateningWolf spiderFast ground-running hunter, often mottled brown or grey, sometimes carrying an egg sac or spiderlings.Painful but usually not life-threateningTrapdoor spiderStocky ground spider associated with burrows, often mistaken for funnel-webs when wandering.Usually low riskGarden orb-weaverRound-bodied spider that builds classic circular orb webs in gardens, especially at night.

Photo clue

Identify spider by picture

A clear picture helps if it shows the body, legs, colour, size reference and web or hiding place. A photo is a clue, not a confirmed diagnosis.

Web clue

Identify spider by web

Messy corner webs, round orb webs, funnel retreats and silk-lined burrows all point toward different spider groups.

Bite clue

Identifying spider bites Australia

Bites are hard to identify without seeing the spider. Seek prompt medical advice for severe pain, sweating, nausea, breathing trouble or suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite.

Common searches

Spider identifier Australia FAQ

How do I identify a funnel-web spider?

Look for a dark, glossy, robust spider often associated with a silk-lined burrow or funnel-like retreat in eastern Australia. If a bite is suspected, treat it as urgent.

Can I identify spider by picture online?

A photo can narrow the possibilities, but location, size, web type and behaviour make identification much more reliable.

Are brown recluse spiders in Australia?

Many people search brown recluse after seeing a brown spider, but Australian species are more likely. This site prioritises local Australian spiders.