Photo: John Manger, CSIRO ยท CC BY 3.0
Austracantha and related orb-weavers
Spiny Spider Identification in Australia
Small orb-weaver with a hard, spiny, brightly patterned abdomen in a small web.
Usually low riskFirst 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
- Small hard abdomen
- Spiny outline
- Bright white/yellow/orange patterning
- Sits in a small orb web
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Look for the spiked body shape in a small web.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.
Where it is usually seen
Garden shrubs, grasses, fences and low vegetation.
Similar spiders
Use the homepage identifier to compare this spider against other Australian spiders by size, colour, location and web clues.