Steatoda species
Identify Brown House Spiders in Australia
Small brown comb-footed spider in messy indoor webs, sometimes confused with redbacks or false widows.
Usually low riskBrown house and cupboard spiders are common indoor web-builders and often appear in searches about false widow identification. A small rounded brown body in a messy, sheltered web in a cupboard, garage, shed or corner is a more useful starting point than pattern alone. Compare a suspected redback carefully for a clear red stripe or underside marking, but do not rely on a vague reddish-brown body colour: several comb-footed spiders can share a similar shape. Leave the web undisturbed and seek medical advice if pain is severe or symptoms spread after a bite.
Quick identification
- Small brown rounded body
- Messy indoor web
- May have pale patterning
- Can be confused with redbacks without the clear red stripe
What to check next
Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.
When to seek medical help
Seek medical advice if pain is severe or symptoms spread beyond the bite site.
Where it is usually seen
Cupboards, corners, sheds, garages and sheltered indoor spaces.