Spider IdentifierAustralia

Identify the Blue Mountains funnel-web spider by region, dark robust body, silk retreat and urgent bite guidance. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000 for severe symptoms. For poison advice in Australia call 13 11 26.

Hadronyche versuta

Blue Mountains Funnel-Web Spider Identification

Dark funnel-web spider from the Blue Mountains region, associated with moist retreats and silk-lined burrows.

Medical emergency potentialReviewed and updated 2026-04-29
Size20c to 50c body
Colours / marksBlack or very dark, Brown, Glossy
Web clueFunnel retreat
Usually foundMoist forest, gardens, logs, rockeries and sheltered ground around the Blue Mountains region.

First aid / what to do now

  1. Call 000 immediately for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite.
  2. Keep the person as still as possible and do not let them walk around.
  3. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained and available.
  4. Splint the limb to reduce movement and wait for emergency help.
  5. 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 Blue Mountains funnel-web spider

  • Dark robust funnel-web shape
  • Most relevant in the Blue Mountains and nearby NSW areas
  • Often associated with moist burrows or retreats
  • May wander after rain or during humid weather

Danger level

Medical emergency potential

What to check next

Check the region, burrow clues and whether the spider is glossy and heavy-bodied. Do not handle it.

When to seek medical help

Treat suspected bite as urgent and seek emergency help immediately.

Where the Blue Mountains funnel-web spider is usually seen in Australia

Moist forest, gardens, logs, rockeries and sheltered ground around the Blue Mountains region.

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.

  • Port Macquarie funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the region, burrow clues and whether the spider is glossy and heavy-bodied. Do not handle it. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider was found near damp ground, a retreat or pool area in the Port Macquarie region.
  • Australian funnel-web spidersMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the region, burrow clues and whether the spider is glossy and heavy-bodied. Do not handle it. For the other possibility, check: Check region, burrow clues and body shape. If a bite occurred, do not wait for perfect identification.
  • Darling Downs funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of similar size, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Check the region, burrow clues and whether the spider is glossy and heavy-bodied. Do not handle it. For the other possibility, check: Check the Queensland region and whether a silk-lined retreat or damp ground habitat is involved.

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.

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Blue Mountains funnel-web 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.

Common questions

Blue Mountains funnel-web spider FAQ

Is the Blue Mountains funnel-web spider dangerous?

Danger level: Medical emergency potential. Treat suspected bite as urgent and seek emergency help immediately.

How do I identify the Blue Mountains funnel-web spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Dark robust funnel-web shape; Most relevant in the Blue Mountains and nearby NSW areas; Often associated with moist burrows or retreats; May wander after rain or during humid weather.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Blue Mountains funnel-web spider?

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 Blue Mountains funnel-web spider usually found?

Moist forest, gardens, logs, rockeries and sheltered ground around the Blue Mountains region.

What spiders look similar to the Blue Mountains funnel-web 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 Blue Mountains funnel-web spider by photo?

A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Blue Mountains funnel-web spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.