Identify hackled orb-weavers in Australia by tiny humped body, communal web colonies, fine messy orb-web silk, foliage 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

iNaturalist.org (Claudia Schipp) (Claudia Schipp) CC0

Philoponella congregabilis

Hackled Orb-Weaver Spider Identification in Australia

Small humped Australian hackled orb-weaver often found in communal, messy-looking webs around foliage, shrubs and sheltered house edges.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

SizePin head to pea body

Colours / marksBrown, Grey, White or pale marking, Patterned

Web clueHackled orb web

Usually foundShrubs, foliage, garden plants, sheltered house edges, hollow trees, rock overhangs and other protected web sites in eastern and south-eastern Australia.

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 Hackled orb-weaver

Very small humped orb-weaver, often only a few millimetres long
Brown, grey or pale mottled camouflage that can look like tiny debris in the web
Often found in communal or connected web masses on shrubs, foliage, sheltered walls or house edges
Fine hackled silk may look messy overall even though small orb sections or decorated silk flecks are present

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check for tiny size, a humped body and several small spiders in connected fine silk. Compare with dewdrop spiders, silver orb-weavers and tiny house cobweb spiders if the web shape or body detail is unclear.

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 Hackled orb-weaver is usually seen in Australia

Shrubs, foliage, garden plants, sheltered house edges, hollow trees, rock overhangs and other protected web sites in eastern and south-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 for tiny size, a humped body and several small spiders in connected fine silk. Compare with dewdrop spiders, silver orb-weavers and tiny house cobweb spiders if the web shape or body detail is unclear. 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.
Wall spider / baseboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for tiny size, a humped body and several small spiders in connected fine silk. Compare with dewdrop spiders, silver orb-weavers and tiny house cobweb spiders if the web shape or body detail is unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it is extremely small and on a wall or baseboard with a tiny flat web. A close photo is usually needed because this spider is easy to miss.
Dewdrop spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for tiny size, a humped body and several small spiders in connected fine silk. Compare with dewdrop spiders, silver orb-weavers and tiny house cobweb spiders if the web shape or body detail is unclear. For the other possibility, 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.

Common comparisons

People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.

Hackled orb-weaver vs Diamond comb-footed spidersame region, similar size Hackled orb-weaver vs Wall spider / baseboard spidersame region, similar size Hackled orb-weaver vs Dewdrop spidersame region, similar size Hackled orb-weaver vs Ninja-star ceiling 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 VICVictoria TASTasmania ACTAustralian Capital Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Hackled orb-weaver 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 Hackled orb-weaver Identify Hackled orb-weaver by picture clues Hackled orb-weaver bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Hackled orb-weaver in NSW Identify Hackled orb-weaver in QLD Identify Hackled orb-weaver in VIC

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

Hackled orb-weaver FAQ

Is the Hackled orb-weaver 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 Hackled orb-weaver?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very small humped orb-weaver, often only a few millimetres long; Brown, grey or pale mottled camouflage that can look like tiny debris in the web; Often found in communal or connected web masses on shrubs, foliage, sheltered walls or house edges; Fine hackled silk may look messy overall even though small orb sections or decorated silk flecks are present.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Hackled orb-weaver?

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 Hackled orb-weaver usually found?