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Sputniktilt CC BY-SA 3.0 · bunjaree_cottages CC0 · sofiazed1 CC BY 4.0 · bunjaree_cottages CC0
Atracidae
Australian Funnel-Web Spider Identification Guide
A group of dark, mygalomorph spiders from eastern Australia, often linked with silk-lined retreats and burrows.
First 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.
How to identify the Australian funnel-web spiders
- 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 the Australian funnel-web spiders is usually seen in Australia
Moist forest, gardens, burrows, logs and sheltered ground habitats in eastern Australia.
How it differs from lookalikes
These comparisons are clues, not a confirmed species ID. Use several features together: body shape, size, location, web type and behaviour.
- Victorian funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check region, burrow clues and body shape. If a bite occurred, do not wait for perfect identification. For the other possibility, check: Check the location and burrow clue first. If the spider is dark, robust and associated with a silk-lined burrow or trip-lines, do not handle it and compare with other funnel-web profiles and trapdoor lookalikes.
- Mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check region, burrow clues and body shape. If a bite occurred, do not wait for perfect identification. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky build and ground habitat. Treat bite risk cautiously if unsure.
- Brush-footed trapdoor spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check region, burrow clues and body shape. If a bite occurred, do not wait for perfect identification. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider was in or near a burrow and compare with funnel-web range and glossy build.
Common comparisons
People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.
Compare this spider by state
Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.
Similar spiders to compare
Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.
Victorian funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Brush-footed trapdoor spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Trapdoor spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Australian funnel-web spiders is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.
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.
Common questions
Australian funnel-web spiders FAQ
Is the Australian funnel-web spiders dangerous?
Danger level: Medical emergency potential. Treat suspected funnel-web bite as urgent and seek emergency help.
How do I identify the Australian funnel-web spiders?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Dark robust body; Often ground-dwelling or burrow-associated; Funnel-like silk retreat may be present; Found mainly in eastern Australia.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Australian funnel-web spiders?
Call 000. Keep the person still. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained, splint the limb, and get urgent emergency care.
Where is the Australian funnel-web spiders usually found?
Moist forest, gardens, burrows, logs and sheltered ground habitats in eastern Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Australian funnel-web spiders?
Common lookalikes can overlap in colour, size, web type or habitat. Use the similar spiders and common comparisons on this page to check alternatives before settling on a match.
Can I identify the Australian funnel-web spiders by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Australian funnel-web spiders, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.