Photo credits
Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au · Reginald Innes Pocock Public domain · Paulmathi Vinod CC BY 4.0 · Matthew R McCurry, Michael Frese, Robert Raven CC BY 4.0
Barychelidae
Brush-Footed Trapdoor Spider Identification
Sturdy trapdoor-type spider linked with silk-lined burrows and often confused with other dark ground spiders.
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 Brush-footed trapdoor spider
- Stocky trapdoor-type body
- Burrow or silk-lined retreat
- Brown to dark colour
- Found in soil, garden beds or bushland
Danger level
Painful but usually not life-threatening
What to check next
Check whether the spider was in or near a burrow and compare with funnel-web range and glossy build.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe pain or if a medically significant spider cannot be ruled out.
Where the Brush-footed trapdoor spider is usually seen in Australia
Soil burrows, gardens, forest floor, banks and under rocks or timber.
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.
- Trapdoor spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider was in or near a burrow and compare with funnel-web range and glossy build. For the other possibility, check: Check burrow type and region. Do not assume every dark burrow spider is a funnel-web.
- Mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider was in or near a burrow and compare with funnel-web range and glossy build. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky build and ground habitat. Treat bite risk cautiously if unsure.
- Red-headed mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider was in or near a burrow and compare with funnel-web range and glossy build. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky ground spider with red head or jaws, especially after rain or when males wander.
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.
Trapdoor spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Red-headed mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Wishbone 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 Brush-footed trapdoor 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
Brush-footed trapdoor spider FAQ
Is the Brush-footed trapdoor spider dangerous?
Danger level: Painful but usually not life-threatening. Seek advice for severe pain or if a medically significant spider cannot be ruled out.
How do I identify the Brush-footed trapdoor spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Stocky trapdoor-type body; Burrow or silk-lined retreat; Brown to dark colour; Found in soil, garden beds or bushland.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Brush-footed trapdoor 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 Brush-footed trapdoor spider usually found?
Soil burrows, gardens, forest floor, banks and under rocks or timber.
What spiders look similar to the Brush-footed trapdoor 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 Brush-footed trapdoor spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Brush-footed trapdoor spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.