Identify dome tent-web spiders in Australia by dome-shaped web, patterned body, warm northern and eastern range, garden habitat and low-risk bite context. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000. Poisons advice: 13 11 26.

Photo credits

Steve Fitzgerald CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sesamehoneytart CC BY-SA 4.0

Cyrtophora moluccensis

Dome Tent-Web Spider Identification in Australia

Large tent-web spider that builds a strong dome or bowl-shaped web in warm Australian gardens, parks and open vegetation.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

Size5c to 20c body

Colours / marksYellow or gold, Green, Brown, White or pale marking, Patterned

Web clueDome tent web

Usually foundGardens, parks, shrubs, coastal vegetation, open woodland edges and other warm sheltered web sites, especially in Queensland and other northern or eastern Australian habitats.

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 Dome tent-web spider

Firm dome or bowl-shaped web, not a simple flat orb web
Support threads above and below the dome
Female often hangs beneath the web or near the central peak
Yellow-green, brown, white or patterned abdomen in warm garden or bush-edge habitat

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check the web shape first. A sturdy dome or tent web in warm Queensland, northern NSW, the NT or northern WA is a stronger clue than body colour alone.

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 Dome tent-web spider is usually seen in Australia

Gardens, parks, shrubs, coastal vegetation, open woodland edges and other warm sheltered web sites, especially in Queensland and other northern or eastern Australian habitats.

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.

Tropical St Andrew’s cross spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web shape first. A sturdy dome or tent web in warm Queensland, northern NSW, the NT or northern WA is a stronger clue than body colour alone. For the other possibility, check: Check for the round orb web, paired-leg X posture and white silk cross. Compare with the broader St Andrew’s cross spider page, banded garden spiders and other patterned orb-weavers if the web decoration is missing.
Painted cross spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web shape first. A sturdy dome or tent web in warm Queensland, northern NSW, the NT or northern WA is a stronger clue than body colour alone. For the other possibility, check: Check the location and web first: painted cross spiders are most useful as a northern Queensland or tropical northern Australia comparison. Look for paired legs, bold yellow-white abdominal markings and a white silk stabilimentum. Compare with tropical St Andrew’s cross spiders, St Andrew’s cross spiders and banded garden spiders if the exact Argiope pattern is unclear.
Banded garden spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web shape first. A sturdy dome or tent web in warm Queensland, northern NSW, the NT or northern WA is a stronger clue than body colour alone. 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.

Dome tent-web spider vs Tropical St Andrew’s cross spidersame region, similar size Dome tent-web spider vs Painted cross spidersame region, similar size Dome tent-web spider vs Banded garden spidersame region, similar size Dome tent-web spider vs Tent-web spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

NSWNew South Wales QLDQueensland WAWestern Australia NTNorthern Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Dome tent-web spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.

Use the spider identifier for a possible Dome tent-web spider Identify Dome tent-web spider by picture clues Dome tent-web spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Dome tent-web spider in NSW Identify Dome tent-web spider in QLD Identify Dome tent-web spider in WA

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

Dome tent-web spider FAQ

Is the Dome tent-web 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 Dome tent-web spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Firm dome or bowl-shaped web, not a simple flat orb web; Support threads above and below the dome; Female often hangs beneath the web or near the central peak; Yellow-green, brown, white or patterned abdomen in warm garden or bush-edge habitat.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Dome tent-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 Dome tent-web spider usually found?