Argyrodes antipodianus
Dewdrop Spider Identification in Australia
Tiny silver-backed comb-footed spider that lives around orb-weaver webs and steals small prey from the host web.
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 Dewdrop spider
- Very small spider, with females only a few millimetres long
- Silvery or dewdrop-like reflective abdomen, sometimes with dark patches
- Usually found on the edge of a larger orb-weaver web rather than in a separate capture web
- Steals small prey from host spiders such as golden orb-weavers
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check whether the spider is tiny and sitting around a larger orb-weaver web. Look for a reflective silver abdomen and compare with silver orb-weavers, golden orb-weavers and tiny house cobweb spiders if the photo is not close enough.
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 Dewdrop spider is usually seen in Australia
Edges of large orb-weaver webs, garden shrubs, coastal bushland, forest edges and planted areas, especially where golden orb-weavers and other large orb-weaving spiders are present in south-western, southern and eastern 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.
- Diamond comb-footed spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider is tiny and sitting around a larger orb-weaver web. Look for a reflective silver abdomen and compare with silver orb-weavers, golden orb-weavers and tiny house cobweb spiders if the photo is not close enough. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider is much smaller than a redback and sitting in a small messy web on plants or sheltered structures. A close photo is often needed for this group.
- Three-lobed spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider is tiny and sitting around a larger orb-weaver web. Look for a reflective silver abdomen and compare with silver orb-weavers, golden orb-weavers and tiny house cobweb spiders if the photo is not close enough. For the other possibility, check: Check for the small orb web and unusual lobed abdomen. Compare with jewel spiders, mirror spiders and other small patterned orb-weavers.
- Banded garden spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider is tiny and sitting around a larger orb-weaver web. Look for a reflective silver abdomen and compare with silver orb-weavers, golden orb-weavers and tiny house cobweb spiders if the photo is not close enough. For the other possibility, check: Check for a neat orb web, banded abdomen and garden or grassland setting. Compare with St Andrew's cross spiders and other orb-weavers if the body markings are not clear.
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.
Diamond comb-footed spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Three-lobed spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Banded garden spiderUsually low risksame region, similar colour, similar place
Knobbled garden orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar colour, similar placeNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Dewdrop 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
Dewdrop spider FAQ
Is the Dewdrop 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 Dewdrop spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very small spider, with females only a few millimetres long; Silvery or dewdrop-like reflective abdomen, sometimes with dark patches; Usually found on the edge of a larger orb-weaver web rather than in a separate capture web; Steals small prey from host spiders such as golden orb-weavers.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Dewdrop 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 Dewdrop spider usually found?
Edges of large orb-weaver webs, garden shrubs, coastal bushland, forest edges and planted areas, especially where golden orb-weavers and other large orb-weaving spiders are present in south-western, southern and eastern Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Dewdrop 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 Dewdrop spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Dewdrop spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.