Big black spider
Funnel-web vs trapdoor vs mouse spider in Australia
A big dark ground spider can be hard to identify from a quick photo. Because funnel-web and mouse spider bites can be urgent, treat the safety question first, then compare body shape, burrow clues and location.
Start here
If a funnel-web or mouse spider bite is possible, call 000
Do not wait for a perfect identification after a bite from a big black or robust ground spider. Call 000 for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite, keep the person still, and use pressure immobilisation if trained and available.
Quick checks
Compare the clues before choosing a match
- Glossy robust bodyFunnel-web clues include a dark robust body, strong front end and silk-lined retreat or burrow in parts of eastern Australia.
- Burrow typeTrapdoor spiders are also burrow-associated, often duller brown and commonly confused with funnel-webs.
- Mouse spider cluesMouse spiders are stocky ground spiders; some males show red head or pale patch clues depending on species.
- Region mattersLocation is important. Western Australian large trapdoor-style spiders are often not true eastern funnel-webs, but caution still matters.
Profiles to compare
Open the closest Australian spider profiles
These links support the question page rather than replacing the detailed spider profiles.
Medical emergency potentialAustralian funnel-web spidersA group of dark, mygalomorph spiders from eastern Australia, often linked with silk-lined retreats and burrows.
Medical emergency potentialSydney funnel-web spiderGlossy, robust, dark NSW spider associated with silk-lined burrows around the Sydney region and nearby eastern NSW.
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-threateningTrapdoor spiderStocky ground spider associated with burrows, often mistaken for funnel-webs when wandering.Painful but usually not life-threateningSydney brown trapdoor spiderBrown NSW trapdoor spider with a dusty-looking body, pale abdominal bars and open burrows, often confused with funnel-webs.
Painful but usually not life-threateningMelbourne trapdoor spiderBrown Victorian ground spider with a ribbed-looking abdomen, silk-lined soil burrow and frequent funnel-web confusion.
Medically significantRed-headed mouse spiderStocky mouse spider where males may show a reddish head or jaws, often found wandering on open ground.
Medically significantEastern mouse spiderDark stocky mouse spider from eastern Australia, usually ground-associated and sometimes confused with funnel-webs.Funnel-web clues
Prioritise funnel-web if the spider is dark, glossy, robust, linked with a silk-lined burrow or retreat, and found in a known eastern Australian range. Any possible funnel-web bite is an emergency.
Trapdoor clues
Trapdoor spiders can be stocky and dark or brown, often near soil burrows. They are common funnel-web lookalikes, especially when a wandering male appears after rain.
Mouse spider clues
Mouse spiders are stocky ground spiders and can be confused with funnel-webs. Health guidance treats mouse spider bite symptoms as similar enough that urgent care is appropriate when a bite is possible.
More high-intent guides
Common spider identification questions
Red mark clueIs This a Redback Spider?Check redback spider clues in Australia, including red or orange markings, messy web position, body shape and common lookalikes.
White-tail worryWhite-tail Spider Bite Myths AustraliaPlain-English Australian guide to white-tail spider bite myths, necrosis fears, symptoms, lookalikes and when to seek medical advice.Big black spiderFunnel-web vs Trapdoor vs Mouse SpiderCompare funnel-web, trapdoor and mouse spider clues in Australia, including body shape, burrows, region and urgent bite safety advice.
House spider clueBrown Spider in House AustraliaIdentify a brown spider in an Australian house by comparing size, web type, room, markings and common indoor spider lookalikes.Common questions
Funnel-web vs Trapdoor vs Mouse Spider FAQ
How do I tell a funnel-web from a trapdoor spider?
Use region, glossiness, body build, spinnerets, burrow silk and behaviour together. Do not rely on one photo if a bite has happened.
Are mouse spider bites treated like funnel-web bites?
Healthdirect notes mouse spider bite symptoms can be like funnel-web bite symptoms. Treat a possible mouse spider bite seriously and call 000 if suspected.
Should I use pressure immobilisation?
Use pressure immobilisation for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bites if trained and available. Do not delay emergency help.
Can a trapdoor spider look like a funnel-web?
Yes. Trapdoor spiders are one of the common practical lookalikes for robust dark ground spiders in Australia.
Reference notes
How this guide stays cautious
Spider Identifier Australia uses visible clues to suggest likely possibilities. It is not a medical diagnosis or a formal species determination.
- Australian Museum spider informationAustralian spider identification, biology and dangerous spider context.
- Australian Museum funnel-web spidersFunnel-web range, identification and bite-safety context.
- Poisons Information CentreCall 13 11 26 for poisons advice from anywhere in Australia.
- healthdirect spider bitesAustralian spider bite first aid, emergency signs and white-tail bite evidence.
- Australian Museum redback spiderRedback identification, web clues and Australian distribution.
- Australian Museum spiders in the house and gardenCommon Australian house and garden spider context.