Dipluridae and related groups
Curtain-Web Spider Identification in Australia
Dark mygalomorph spider associated with sheet-like or curtain-like silk retreats in sheltered places.
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 Curtain-web spider
- Dark robust spider
- Sheet or curtain-like silk retreat
- Sheltered ground or bark habitat
- Can resemble trapdoor or funnel-web relatives
Danger level
Painful but usually not life-threatening
What to check next
Look closely at the web: a broad sheet or curtain-like retreat points away from a simple orb web.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice if symptoms are severe, spreading or the spider could be a funnel-web.
Where the Curtain-web spider is usually seen in Australia
Bark, logs, rock crevices, banks and sheltered garden or bushland retreats.
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.
- Tube-dwelling spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look closely at the web: a broad sheet or curtain-like retreat points away from a simple orb web. For the other possibility, check: Look for a tube-like retreat with signal threads rather than a broad orb web or open burrow.
- Australian funnel-web spidersMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look closely at the web: a broad sheet or curtain-like retreat points away from a simple orb web. For the other possibility, check: Check region, burrow clues and body shape. If a bite occurred, do not wait for perfect identification.
- Brush-footed trapdoor spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look closely at the web: a broad sheet or curtain-like retreat points away from a simple orb web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider was in or near a burrow and compare with funnel-web range and glossy build.
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.
Tube-dwelling spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Australian funnel-web spidersMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Brush-footed trapdoor spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Trapdoor 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 Curtain-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.
- 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
Curtain-web spider FAQ
Is the Curtain-web spider dangerous?
Danger level: Painful but usually not life-threatening. Seek advice if symptoms are severe, spreading or the spider could be a funnel-web.
How do I identify the Curtain-web spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Dark robust spider; Sheet or curtain-like silk retreat; Sheltered ground or bark habitat; Can resemble trapdoor or funnel-web relatives.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Curtain-web 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 Curtain-web spider usually found?
Bark, logs, rock crevices, banks and sheltered garden or bushland retreats.
What spiders look similar to the Curtain-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 Curtain-web spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Curtain-web spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.