Spider IdentifierAustralia

Identify bolas spiders by unusual body shape, sticky silk hunting and foliage camouflage. 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.
bolas spider spider photo
bolas spider spider photo
bolas spider spider photo
Photo credits

LOPEZ André CC BY-SA 4.0 · tjeales CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons contributor CC BY-SA 3.0

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Bolas Spider Identification in Australia

Unusual orb-weaver relative that catches moths with a sticky silk line rather than a classic web.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29
Use the spider identifierCheck dangerous spiders
Size5c to 20c body
Colours / marksBrown, White or pale marking, Patterned
Web clueBolas silk
Usually foundFoliage, twigs, shrubs and garden or bushland vegetation.

First aid / what to do now

  1. Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
  2. Wash the bite area with soap and water.
  3. Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
  4. 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 Bolas spider

  • Odd lumpy body
  • Usually on foliage or twigs
  • No classic capture web visible
  • Specialised sticky silk hunting at night

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check for a lumpy camouflaged body and absence of a standard orb web.

When to seek medical help

Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.

Where the Bolas spider is usually seen in Australia

Foliage, twigs, shrubs and garden or bushland vegetation.

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.

  • Bird-dropping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a lumpy camouflaged body and absence of a standard orb web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the odd pale/brown lump has legs tucked close to the body.
  • Two-tailed spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a lumpy camouflaged body and absence of a standard orb web. For the other possibility, check: Look at the rear of the spider for two long tail-like spinnerets.
  • Wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a lumpy camouflaged body and absence of a standard orb web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was running on the ground rather than waiting in a web.

Common comparisons

People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.

Bolas spider vs Bird-dropping spidersame region, similar sizeBolas spider vs Two-tailed spidersame region, similar sizeBolas spider vs Wolf spidersame region, similar sizeBolas spider vs Flower spider / crab spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

NSWNew South WalesQLDQueenslandVICVictoriaWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaNTNorthern Territory

Similar spiders to compare

Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.

bird dropping spider spider photoBird-dropping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourtwo tailed spider spider photoTwo-tailed spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourwolf spider spider photoWolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colourflower crab spider spider photoFlower spider / crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Bolas spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.

Use the spider identifier for a possible Bolas spiderIdentify Bolas spider by picture cluesBolas spider bite first aid and warning signsCompare Australian spider photosIdentify Bolas spider in NSWIdentify Bolas spider in QLDIdentify Bolas spider in VIC

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

Bolas spider FAQ

Is the Bolas spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.

How do I identify the Bolas spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Odd lumpy body; Usually on foliage or twigs; No classic capture web visible; Specialised sticky silk hunting at night.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Bolas 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 Bolas spider usually found?

Foliage, twigs, shrubs and garden or bushland vegetation.

What spiders look similar to the Bolas 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 Bolas spider by photo?

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