Photo credits
Jon Sullivan from Christchurch, New Zealand CC BY-SA 2.0 · William Harland CC BY 4.0 · Robert Briggs CC BY-SA 4.0
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.
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 Flattened bark spider
- 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
Danger level
Usually low risk
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 the Flattened bark spider is usually seen in Australia
Loose bark, logs, rocks, fence gaps, sheds and narrow sheltered crevices, especially along 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.
- Garden wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: 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. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was running on the ground with no capture web, especially in southern Australia. Compare with generic wolf spiders, huntsman spiders and trapdoor spiders if the body shape or habitat is unclear.
- Wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: 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. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was running on the ground rather than waiting in a web.
- Rufous net-casting spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: 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. For the other possibility, check: Check for the huge forward-facing eyes, long twig-like body and small handheld net. Compare with generic net-casting spiders, long-jawed orb-weavers and nursery-web spiders if the web or posture is unclear.
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.
Garden wolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Wolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Rufous net-casting spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Banded huntsman 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 Flattened bark 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
Flattened bark spider FAQ
Is the Flattened bark spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek medical advice for severe pain, spreading symptoms, allergic symptoms, infection signs or if you are unsure what bit you.
How do I identify the Flattened bark spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: 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 should I do if I think I was bitten by a Flattened bark 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 Flattened bark spider usually found?
Loose bark, logs, rocks, fence gaps, sheds and narrow sheltered crevices, especially along eastern Australian habitats.
What spiders look similar to the Flattened bark 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 Flattened bark spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Flattened bark spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.