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Badumna insignis
Identify a Black House Spider in Australia
Dark, sturdy house spider that builds messy lace-like webs around windows, walls, fences and crevices.
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 Black house spider
- Dark charcoal to black spider
- Often in a messy web with a retreat hole
- Common around windows, walls and fences
- Less glossy and less robust than funnel-webs
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check if it sits in a permanent messy wall or window web rather than roaming from a burrow.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where the Black house spider is usually seen in Australia
Window frames, fences, tree trunks, walls, sheds and crevices around houses.
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.
- Grey house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check if it sits in a permanent messy wall or window web rather than roaming from a burrow. For the other possibility, check: Check the web location and whether the spider stays in a permanent retreat rather than roaming.
- Tube-dwelling spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check if it sits in a permanent messy wall or window web rather than roaming from a burrow. For the other possibility, check: Look for a tube-like retreat with signal threads rather than a broad orb web or open burrow.
- Redback spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check if it sits in a permanent messy wall or window web rather than roaming from a burrow. For the other possibility, check: Look for a tangled web and red/orange abdominal marking. Avoid touching the web or spider.
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.
Grey house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Tube-dwelling spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Redback spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Daddy-long-legs spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Black house 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.
- 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
Black house spider FAQ
Is the Black house spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
How do I identify the Black house spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Dark charcoal to black spider; Often in a messy web with a retreat hole; Common around windows, walls and fences; Less glossy and less robust than funnel-webs.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Black house 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 Black house spider usually found?
Window frames, fences, tree trunks, walls, sheds and crevices around houses.
What spiders look similar to the Black house 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 Black house spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Black house spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.