garden orb weaver spider photo

Photo: Thennicke ยท CC BY-SA 4.0

Eriophora and related groups

Garden Orb-Weaver Spider Identification in Australia

Round-bodied spider that builds classic circular orb webs in gardens, especially at night.

Usually low risk

First aid / what to do now

  1. Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
  2. Wash the bite area with soap and water.
  3. Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
  4. 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

  • Classic circular web
  • Round abdomen
  • Often appears at night
  • Common in gardens and between trees

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Look for the neat circular web and whether the spider appears after dusk.

When to seek medical help

Seek care if pain is severe, symptoms spread or an allergic reaction occurs.

Where it is usually seen

Gardens, shrubs, trees, verandahs and outdoor paths.

Similar spiders

Use the homepage identifier to compare this spider against other Australian spiders by size, colour, location and web clues.

Use the spider identifier