Photo: Sputniktilt · CC BY-SA 3.0
Atracidae
Australian Funnel-Web Spider Identification Guide
A group of dark, mygalomorph spiders from eastern Australia, often linked with silk-lined retreats and burrows.
Medical emergency potentialFirst aid / what to do now
- Call 000 immediately for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite.
- Keep the person as still as possible and do not let them walk around.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained and available.
- Splint the limb to reduce movement and wait for emergency help.
- Do not cut the wound, apply a tourniquet, or delay care while trying to identify the spider.
This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
Quick identification
- Dark robust body
- Often ground-dwelling or burrow-associated
- Funnel-like silk retreat may be present
- Found mainly in eastern Australia
Danger level
Medical emergency potential
What to check next
Check region, burrow clues and body shape. If a bite occurred, do not wait for perfect identification.
When to seek medical help
Treat suspected funnel-web bite as urgent and seek emergency help.
Where it is usually seen
Moist forest, gardens, burrows, logs and sheltered ground habitats in eastern Australia.
Similar spiders
Use the homepage identifier to compare this spider against other Australian spiders by size, colour, location and web clues.