Hemicloea rogenhoferi and related Hemicloea species
Flattened Bark Spider Identification in Australia
Very flat brown to grey spider adapted for squeezing under loose bark, rocks and narrow crevices.
Usually low riskFlattened bark spiders are distinctive ground-style hunters. Their unusually flattened body is the main clue, especially when one is found under bark, logs, rocks or outdoor shelter. A photo that shows the wafer-thin side profile and hiding place is more useful than brown or grey colour alone; do not peel back bark or probe a crevice to force an identification.
Quick identification
- Extremely flattened body
- Brown to grey mottled colouring
- Often under bark, rocks, logs or tight outdoor shelter
- Fast, flat hunting spider rather than a web sitter
What to check next
Check whether the spider looked unusually flat and was found under loose bark, rock, timber or a narrow crevice. It is not an orb-web or messy-web spider.
When to seek medical help
Seek medical advice for severe pain, spreading symptoms, allergic symptoms, infection signs or if you are unsure what bit you.
Where it is usually seen
Loose bark, logs, rocks, fence gaps, sheds and narrow sheltered crevices, especially along eastern Australian habitats.