Photo credits
Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au · Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au · Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au · Robertwhyteus at English Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Selenocosmia and related theraphosids
Australian Tarantula Identification Guide
Large hairy mygalomorph spider from warmer parts of Australia, usually associated with deep burrows and heavy legs.
First aid / what to do now
- Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- 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.
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 tarantula / whistling spider
- Very large hairy spider
- Heavy legs and robust body
- Often associated with a deep burrow
- More likely in warmer northern or inland areas
Danger level
Painful but usually not life-threatening
What to check next
Check whether the spider is very large and hairy with a burrow nearby. Do not handle it.
When to seek medical help
Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs or concern after a bite.
Where the Australian tarantula / whistling spider is usually seen in Australia
Burrows in soil, bushland, grassland, gardens and dry sheltered ground in warmer parts of 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.
- Mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider is very large and hairy with a burrow nearby. Do not handle it. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky build and ground habitat. Treat bite risk cautiously if unsure.
- Red-headed mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider is very large and hairy with a burrow nearby. Do not handle it. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky ground spider with red head or jaws, especially after rain or when males wander.
- Brush-footed trapdoor spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider is very large and hairy with a burrow nearby. Do not handle it. 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.
Mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Red-headed 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 tarantula / whistling spider 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.
Common questions
Australian tarantula / whistling spider FAQ
Is the Australian tarantula / whistling spider dangerous?
Danger level: Painful but usually not life-threatening. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs or concern after a bite.
How do I identify the Australian tarantula / whistling spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very large hairy spider; Heavy legs and robust body; Often associated with a deep burrow; More likely in warmer northern or inland areas.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Australian tarantula / whistling spider?
Clean the area, use a cold pack for pain, and seek medical advice if pain is severe, symptoms spread, infection signs appear, or you are unsure what bit you.
Where is the Australian tarantula / whistling spider usually found?
Burrows in soil, bushland, grassland, gardens and dry sheltered ground in warmer parts of Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Australian tarantula / whistling spider?
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 tarantula / whistling spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Australian tarantula / whistling spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.