Photo: Peripitus ยท CC BY-SA 3.0
Missulena species
Mouse Spider Identification in Australia
Stocky ground spider; males may have a red head or pale patch depending on species, and can be confused with funnel-webs.
Medically significantFirst aid / what to do now
- Call 000 immediately for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite.
- Keep the person as still as possible and do not let them walk around.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained and available.
- Splint the limb to reduce movement and wait for emergency help.
- Do not cut the wound, apply a tourniquet, or delay care while trying to identify the spider.
This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
Quick identification
- Stocky body
- Ground-dwelling or wandering male
- Some males have red head/jaws or pale patch
- Can be mistaken for a funnel-web
Danger level
Medically significant
What to check next
Check for a stocky build and ground habitat. Treat bite risk cautiously if unsure.
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent medical help for suspected mouse spider bite, especially with systemic symptoms.
Where it is usually seen
Ground burrows, open ground, gardens and bushland across much of Australia.
Similar spiders
Use the homepage identifier to compare this spider against other Australian spiders by size, colour, location and web clues.