Photo credits
Wikimedia Commons contributor CC BY-SA 3.0 · Poyt448 Peter Woodard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons contributor CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons contributor CC BY-SA 3.0
Celaenia species
Bird-Dropping Spider Identification in Australia
Camouflaged orb-weaver relative that resembles a bird dropping when curled up.
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 Bird-dropping spider
- Looks like a bird dropping when curled
- Rounded lumpy body
- Often on foliage
- More camouflage than obvious web
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check whether the odd pale/brown lump has legs tucked close to the body.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.
Where the Bird-dropping spider is usually seen in Australia
Garden foliage, shrubs and trees.
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.
- Giant bark jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the odd pale/brown lump has legs tucked close to the body. For the other possibility, check: Check for the jumping-spider stance, short stalking movements and bark or wall setting. Compare with generic jumping spiders, peacock spiders and tiny wall spiders if the photo is unclear.
- Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the odd pale/brown lump has legs tucked close to the body. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it has a robust orb-weaver shape and mottled camouflage rather than a flat huntsman body or a burrow-dwelling spider. Compare with garden orb-weavers and spiny spiders.
- Bolas spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the odd pale/brown lump has legs tucked close to the body. For the other possibility, check: Check for a lumpy camouflaged body and absence of a standard orb web.
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.
Giant bark jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Bolas 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 Bird-dropping 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
Bird-dropping spider FAQ
Is the Bird-dropping spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.
How do I identify the Bird-dropping spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Looks like a bird dropping when curled; Rounded lumpy body; Often on foliage; More camouflage than obvious web.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Bird-dropping 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 Bird-dropping spider usually found?
Garden foliage, shrubs and trees.
What spiders look similar to the Bird-dropping 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 Bird-dropping spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Bird-dropping spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.