Trichonephila plumipes
Humped Golden Orb-Weaving Spider Identification Australia
Large eastern Australian golden orb-weaver with a silvery to plum body, yellow-banded legs and a strong golden orb 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 Humped golden orb-weaving spider
- Large female orb-weaver in a strong suspended web
- Silvery-grey to plum-coloured body rather than a plain brown body
- Brown-black legs often banded or brushed with yellow
- Golden sheen in the web, usually stretched between shrubs, trees or garden edges
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for the large golden orb web, eastern Australian location, silvery to plum body and yellow-banded legs. Compare with Australian golden orb-weavers and garden orb-weavers if the web colour or leg banding 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 Humped golden orb-weaving spider is usually seen in Australia
Dry open forest, woodland, coastal dune shrubland, mangroves, gardens, parks and bush edges in eastern Australia where a large orb web can be anchored between vegetation.
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 for the large golden orb web, eastern Australian location, silvery to plum body and yellow-banded legs. Compare with Australian golden orb-weavers and garden orb-weavers if the web colour or leg banding is unclear. 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.
- Banded garden spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the large golden orb web, eastern Australian location, silvery to plum body and yellow-banded legs. Compare with Australian golden orb-weavers and garden orb-weavers if the web colour or leg banding is unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check for a neat orb web, banded abdomen and garden or grassland setting. Compare with St Andrew's cross spiders and other orb-weavers if the body markings are not clear.
- Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the large golden orb web, eastern Australian location, silvery to plum body and yellow-banded legs. Compare with Australian golden orb-weavers and garden orb-weavers if the web colour or leg banding is unclear. For the other possibility, 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.
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
Banded garden spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Long-jawed orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Humped golden orb-weaving 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
Humped golden orb-weaving spider FAQ
Is the Humped golden orb-weaving spider 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 Humped golden orb-weaving spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Large female orb-weaver in a strong suspended web; Silvery-grey to plum-coloured body rather than a plain brown body; Brown-black legs often banded or brushed with yellow; Golden sheen in the web, usually stretched between shrubs, trees or garden edges.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Humped golden orb-weaving 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 Humped golden orb-weaving spider usually found?
Dry open forest, woodland, coastal dune shrubland, mangroves, gardens, parks and bush edges in eastern Australia where a large orb web can be anchored between vegetation.
What spiders look similar to the Humped golden orb-weaving 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 Humped golden orb-weaving spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Humped golden orb-weaving spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.