Zodariidae
Ant-Eating Spider Identification in Australia
A diverse Australian ground-spider family whose members may have a dark spotted abdomen, ringed legs and specialised relationships with ants, but not every species eats or mimics ants.
Usually low risk“Ant-eating spider” on this page means the family Zodariidae, not one species. Australia has exceptionally high zodariid diversity, and the family includes many body forms and lifestyles. Ant trails, bright abdominal spots and stop-start running can support a likely match, but family anatomy and a clear whole-body view matter more than proximity to ants alone.
Quick identification
- Usually a compact ground-running spider about 2–20 mm long
- Many Australian forms have a dark abdomen with paired yellow, orange or pale spots
- Legs may be orange-red or strongly ringed; hairs are often sparse
- No broad prey-catching web, though some species make a shallow burrow or daytime shelter
What to check next
Separate a likely zodariid from other spotted ground spiders first. Ant association is useful behaviour evidence, but genus and species normally require eye, claw, spinneret, leg-brush and adult reproductive characters.
When to seek medical help
No useful Australian family-wide clinical bite series was found. Avoid handling. Wash a suspected bite, use a cold pack for local pain and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or persist; call 000 for breathing difficulty, collapse or another serious reaction.
Where it is usually seen
Ground litter, dry woodland, arid and semi-arid country, sandy or stony soil, gardens and shelter beneath logs or stones across every Australian state and territory.