Photo credits
Andrew Townsend CC BY 4.0 · Graeme V. Cocks, Unspecified CC BY-SA 3.0 · Graeme V. Cocks, Unspecified CC BY-SA 3.0 · CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics CC BY-SA 3.0
Dolomedes facetus
Clever Fishing Spider Identification in Australia
Medium to large Australian fishing spider found around creeks, streams, freshwater lakes and waterside vegetation.
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 Clever fishing spider
- Long-legged brown or grey patterned spider near freshwater
- Often seen on the water surface or aquatic vegetation
- Can run across water and may make underwater retreats with air bubbles
- Most likely around streams, creeks, lakes, ponds and damp waterside vegetation
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check the setting first: a long-legged spider on water, reeds or creekside plants is a stronger clue than colour alone. Compare with the broader fishing spider page, nursery web spiders, wolf spiders and huntsman spiders if it was away from water.
When to seek medical help
This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Avoid handling it and seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where the Clever fishing spider is usually seen in Australia
Streams, creeks, freshwater lakes, ponds, aquatic vegetation, waterside reeds, pool edges and damp northern or coastal habitats around Australia.
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.
- Fishing spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the setting first: a long-legged spider on water, reeds or creekside plants is a stronger clue than colour alone. Compare with the broader fishing spider page, nursery web spiders, wolf spiders and huntsman spiders if it was away from water. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface.
- Garden wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the setting first: a long-legged spider on water, reeds or creekside plants is a stronger clue than colour alone. Compare with the broader fishing spider page, nursery web spiders, wolf spiders and huntsman spiders if it was away from water. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was running on the ground with no capture web, especially in southern Australia. Compare with generic wolf spiders, huntsman spiders and trapdoor spiders if the body shape or habitat is unclear.
- Wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the setting first: a long-legged spider on water, reeds or creekside plants is a stronger clue than colour alone. Compare with the broader fishing spider page, nursery web spiders, wolf spiders and huntsman spiders if it was away from water. 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.
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.
Fishing spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Garden wolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Wolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Nursery web spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Clever fishing 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
Clever fishing spider FAQ
Is the Clever fishing spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Avoid handling it and seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
How do I identify the Clever fishing spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Long-legged brown or grey patterned spider near freshwater; Often seen on the water surface or aquatic vegetation; Can run across water and may make underwater retreats with air bubbles; Most likely around streams, creeks, lakes, ponds and damp waterside vegetation.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Clever fishing 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 Clever fishing spider usually found?
Streams, creeks, freshwater lakes, ponds, aquatic vegetation, waterside reeds, pool edges and damp northern or coastal habitats around Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Clever fishing 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 Clever fishing spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Clever fishing spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.