Holconia immanis
Banded Huntsman Spider Identification in Australia
Large grey-brown huntsman from eastern Australia, often recognised by banded legs, a flat body and wall, bark or ceiling habitat.
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 Banded huntsman spider
- Large huntsman shape with a very wide leg span
- Grey to brown body with banded or hairy-looking legs
- Flattened body that can tuck under bark, cracks or sheltered edges
- Usually hunts without a capture web on walls, ceilings, bark, fences or garden structures
Danger level
Painful but usually not life-threatening
What to check next
Check for the classic huntsman posture: broad flat body, sideways-splayed legs and banded legs. Compare with generic huntsman spiders, badge huntsmans and lichen huntsmans if the markings are unclear.
When to seek medical help
Bites can be painful but are not usually considered life-threatening. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where the Banded huntsman spider is usually seen in Australia
Tree bark, loose bark, walls, ceilings, fences, sheds, verandas, garden structures and sheltered house edges in eastern Australia, especially Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
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.
- Huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the classic huntsman posture: broad flat body, sideways-splayed legs and banded legs. Compare with generic huntsman spiders, badge huntsmans and lichen huntsmans if the markings are unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the legs spread sideways and the body is flattened rather than round or chunky.
- Social huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the classic huntsman posture: broad flat body, sideways-splayed legs and banded legs. Compare with generic huntsman spiders, badge huntsmans and lichen huntsmans if the markings are unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check for a flat body and bark habitat rather than a round-bodied web spider.
- Lichen huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the classic huntsman posture: broad flat body, sideways-splayed legs and banded legs. Compare with generic huntsman spiders, badge huntsmans and lichen huntsmans if the markings are unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider blends with tree bark and has sideways huntsman legs.
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.
Huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Social huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Lichen huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Garden wolf 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 Banded huntsman 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
Banded huntsman spider FAQ
Is the Banded huntsman spider dangerous?
Danger level: Painful but usually not life-threatening. Bites can be painful but are not usually considered life-threatening. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
How do I identify the Banded huntsman spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Large huntsman shape with a very wide leg span; Grey to brown body with banded or hairy-looking legs; Flattened body that can tuck under bark, cracks or sheltered edges; Usually hunts without a capture web on walls, ceilings, bark, fences or garden structures.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Banded huntsman 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 Banded huntsman spider usually found?
Tree bark, loose bark, walls, ceilings, fences, sheds, verandas, garden structures and sheltered house edges in eastern Australia, especially Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
What spiders look similar to the Banded huntsman 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 Banded huntsman spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Banded huntsman spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.