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.
Usually low riskHumped golden orb-weaving spiders are one of the familiar golden orb-weavers seen around eastern Australian gardens, bush edges and coastal vegetation. They are useful to separate from the broader golden orb-weaver group when a large female has a silvery-grey to plum body, dark and yellow-banded legs and a strong golden web strung between shrubs or trees.
Quick identification
- 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 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 it is usually seen
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.