Photo: Johan C.G. Fagerholm ยท CC BY 3.0
Mygalomorph groups
Trapdoor Spider Identification in Australia
Stocky ground spider associated with burrows, often mistaken for funnel-webs when wandering.
Painful but usually not life-threateningFirst aid / what to do now
- Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
- Call 13 11 26 or seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, spreading, infected-looking, allergic, or you are unsure what bit you.
This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
Quick identification
- Stocky ground spider
- Burrow-associated
- Often brown or dark
- May wander after rain or during mating season
Danger level
Painful but usually not life-threatening
What to check next
Check burrow type and region. Do not assume every dark burrow spider is a funnel-web.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe pain or if funnel-web cannot be ruled out after a bite.
Where it is usually seen
Burrows, gardens, bushland, damp ground and under logs or rocks.
Similar spiders
Use the homepage identifier to compare this spider against other Australian spiders by size, colour, location and web clues.