Photo credits
Didier Descouens CC BY-SA 4.0 · Priscilla Kang CC BY-SA 4.0 · Priscilla Kang CC BY-SA 4.0
Pholcidae
Daddy-Long-Legs Spider Identification in Australia
Very thin-legged indoor spider in loose corner webs, common in houses and garages.
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 Daddy-long-legs spider
- Tiny body with extremely long legs
- Loose indoor web
- Often in ceiling corners
- May vibrate rapidly when disturbed
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for very thin legs and a loose corner web.
When to seek medical help
Medical issues are unusual; seek advice for unexpected symptoms.
Where the Daddy-long-legs spider is usually seen in Australia
Ceiling corners, garages, cupboards and sheltered indoor spaces.
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.
- Brown house spider / cupboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for very thin legs and a loose corner web. For the other possibility, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.
- Common house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for very thin legs and a loose corner web. For the other possibility, check: Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking.
- Grey house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for very thin legs and a loose corner web. For the other possibility, check: Check the web location and whether the spider stays in a permanent retreat rather than roaming.
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.
Brown house spider / cupboard spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Common house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Grey house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Ninja-star ceiling spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Daddy-long-legs 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.
- healthdirect spider bitesAustralian spider bite first aid, emergency signs and white-tail bite evidence.
- Australian Museum redback spiderRedback identification, web clues and Australian distribution.
- Australian Museum spiders in the house and gardenCommon Australian house and garden spider context.
Common questions
Daddy-long-legs spider FAQ
Is the Daddy-long-legs spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Medical issues are unusual; seek advice for unexpected symptoms.
How do I identify the Daddy-long-legs spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Tiny body with extremely long legs; Loose indoor web; Often in ceiling corners; May vibrate rapidly when disturbed.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Daddy-long-legs 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 Daddy-long-legs spider usually found?
Ceiling corners, garages, cupboards and sheltered indoor spaces.
What spiders look similar to the Daddy-long-legs 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 Daddy-long-legs spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Daddy-long-legs spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.