Photo credits
James Niland from Brisbane, Australia CC BY 2.0 · Charles J. Sharp CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ermell CC BY-SA 4.0
Thomisidae
Flower Crab Spider Identification in Australia
Small spider with crab-like sideways legs, often waiting on flowers or foliage.
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 Flower spider / crab spider
- Front legs held sideways
- Often sits still on flowers
- Small ambush hunter
- May match flower or bark colour
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice only for severe or unexpected symptoms.
Where the Flower spider / crab spider is usually seen in Australia
Flowers, shrubs, leaves, bark and garden plants.
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.
- Red-tipped square-ended crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was sitting still on foliage, especially Dianella-like strappy leaves, with long front legs held crab-style. Compare with flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough.
- Trapezoid crab spider / trapezium crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves. For the other possibility, check: Check for the crab-like stance, long front legs and squared body outline. Compare with red-tipped square-ended crab spiders if the abdomen has red humps, and with flower crab spiders if it was on a blossom.
- Giant bark jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves. For the other possibility, check: Check for the jumping-spider stance, short stalking movements and bark or wall setting. Compare with generic jumping spiders, peacock spiders and tiny wall spiders if the photo 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.
Red-tipped square-ended crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Trapezoid crab spider / trapezium crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Giant bark jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Orange-legged swift spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Flower spider / crab 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
Flower spider / crab spider FAQ
Is the Flower spider / crab spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice only for severe or unexpected symptoms.
How do I identify the Flower spider / crab spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Front legs held sideways; Often sits still on flowers; Small ambush hunter; May match flower or bark colour.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Flower spider / crab 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 Flower spider / crab spider usually found?
Flowers, shrubs, leaves, bark and garden plants.
What spiders look similar to the Flower spider / crab 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 Flower spider / crab spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Flower spider / crab spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.