Spider IdentifierAustralia

Identify spider bites in Australia with cautious first aid steps, emergency warning signs, and advice on when to call 000 or 13 11 26. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000 for severe symptoms. For poison advice in Australia call 13 11 26.

Bite clue

Identifying spider bites in Australia

A bite mark alone usually cannot confirm which spider was involved. Use this page to decide what to do next, when to call 000, and when to use the identifier for visible spider clues.

Use the spider identifierCheck dangerous spiders

Call 000 now if symptoms are severe

Call 000 for severe pain with serious symptoms, breathing trouble, collapse, or if a funnel-web or mouse spider bite is possible. Keep the person still and do not delay care while trying to identify the spider.

Suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite

Call 000. Keep the person still. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained and available, splint the limb, and wait for emergency help.

Possible redback bite

Use a cold pack for pain relief and call 13 11 26 for advice. Do not use a pressure immobilisation bandage for a redback bite. Seek medical care promptly for severe pain, sweating, nausea, a child bite, pregnancy or worsening symptoms.

Unknown spider bite

Move away from the spider, wash the area with soap and water, and 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.

Photos can help, but do not handle the spider

If it is safe, a photo of the spider can help compare body shape, colour, markings, size and where it was found. Do not touch, trap or move the spider to get a better photo.

Common bite questions

Spider bite identification FAQ

How do I identify a spider bite in Australia?

You often cannot identify a spider bite from the mark alone. The safest clues are the spider you saw, where it happened, symptoms, and whether a dangerous spider such as a funnel-web, mouse spider or redback could be involved.

When should I call 000 for a spider bite?

Call 000 for severe symptoms, breathing trouble, collapse, or a suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite. Do not wait for a perfect spider identification.

Should I use a pressure immobilisation bandage?

Pressure immobilisation is used for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bites if trained and available. It is not recommended for redback bites.

Who can I call for poison advice in Australia?

Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 from anywhere in Australia for poisons advice.

Can a redback bite look different from a funnel-web bite?

Symptoms and bite marks are not reliable enough for self-diagnosis. Funnel-web and mouse spider bites are treated as urgent because of the risk of severe effects. Redback bites can cause significant pain and systemic symptoms, so call 13 11 26 or seek medical care if symptoms are concerning.

Should I catch the spider after a bite?

Do not risk another bite to catch or move the spider. If it is safe, a photo from a distance may help, but emergency care and poisons advice matter more than collecting the spider.

What information helps when calling 13 11 26?

Useful details include the person's age, symptoms, time of bite, body part bitten, where it happened, what the spider looked like, and whether a photo is available. Call 000 instead if symptoms are severe or urgent.

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.