Backobourkia heroine
Heroic Orb-Weaver Spider Identification in Australia
Chunky patterned orb-weaver with lichen-like camouflage, often found on walls, fences, bark, shrubs or near a night web.
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 Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spider
- Chunky orb-weaver body
- Brown, grey and pale lichen-like patterning
- Often on walls, fences, bark, shrubs or garden structures
- May be seen beside or in a night-time orb web
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check whether it has a robust orb-weaver shape and mottled camouflage rather than a flat huntsman body or a burrow-dwelling spider. Compare with garden orb-weavers and spiny spiders.
When to seek medical help
This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where the Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spider is usually seen in Australia
Walls, fences, sheds, bark, shrubs, dry gardens, woodland edges and night orb-web sites across much of southern and 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.
- Knobbled garden orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it has a robust orb-weaver shape and mottled camouflage rather than a flat huntsman body or a burrow-dwelling spider. Compare with garden orb-weavers and spiny spiders. For the other possibility, check: Check the web and body shape first: this spider should be in or near a round orb web, usually at night. Look for a chunky abdomen, banded legs and the paired rear knobs. Compare with garden orb-weavers, humped golden orb-weavers and sooty orb-weavers if the body bumps or web setting are unclear.
- Garden orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it has a robust orb-weaver shape and mottled camouflage rather than a flat huntsman body or a burrow-dwelling spider. Compare with garden orb-weavers and spiny spiders. For the other possibility, check: Look for the neat circular web and whether the spider appears after dusk.
- Giant bark jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it has a robust orb-weaver shape and mottled camouflage rather than a flat huntsman body or a burrow-dwelling spider. Compare with garden orb-weavers and spiny spiders. 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.
Knobbled garden orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Garden orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Giant bark jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Leaf-curling spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Heroic orb-weaver / lichen 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
Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spider FAQ
Is the Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
How do I identify the Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Chunky orb-weaver body; Brown, grey and pale lichen-like patterning; Often on walls, fences, bark, shrubs or garden structures; May be seen beside or in a night-time orb web.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Heroic orb-weaver / lichen 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 Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spider usually found?
Walls, fences, sheds, bark, shrubs, dry gardens, woodland edges and night orb-web sites across much of southern and eastern Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Heroic orb-weaver / lichen 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 Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.