Spider IdentifierAustralia

Huntsman spider identification guide for Australian homes, cars and gardens, with size and leg-position clues. 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.

Sparassidae

Identify a Huntsman Spider in Australia

Large, flat, long-legged spider often seen on walls, ceilings, tree bark and inside cars.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-05-13
Use the spider identifierCheck dangerous spiders
Size50c to hand span
Colours / marksBrown, Grey, Patterned
Web clueNo capture web
Usually foundTree bark, rock crevices, walls, curtains, ceilings, sheds and cars.

First aid / what to do now

  1. Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
  2. Wash the bite area with soap and water.
  3. Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
  4. 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 Huntsman spider

  • Very wide leg span
  • Flattened body
  • Legs splay sideways like a crab
  • Often on walls, ceilings or in cars

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check whether the legs spread sideways and the body is flattened rather than round or chunky.

When to seek medical help

Seek care for severe pain, allergic reaction or concern after a bite.

Where the Huntsman spider is usually seen in Australia

Tree bark, rock crevices, walls, curtains, ceilings, sheds and cars.

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.

  • Social huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the legs spread sideways and the body is flattened rather than round or chunky. For the other possibility, check: Check for a flat body and bark habitat rather than a round-bodied web spider.
  • Badge huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the legs spread sideways and the body is flattened rather than round or chunky. For the other possibility, check: Look for huntsman leg posture plus stronger badge-like markings.
  • Fishing spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the legs spread sideways and the body is flattened rather than round or chunky. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface.

Common comparisons

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

Huntsman spider vs Social huntsman spidersame region, similar sizeHuntsman spider vs Badge huntsman spidersame region, similar sizeHuntsman spider vs Fishing spidersame region, similar sizeHuntsman spider vs Wolf spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

NSWNew South WalesQLDQueenslandVICVictoriaTASTasmaniaWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaNTNorthern TerritoryACTAustralian Capital Territory

Similar spiders to compare

Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.

social huntsman spider spider photoSocial huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourbadge huntsman spider spider photoBadge huntsman spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colourfishing spider spider photoFishing spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourwolf spider spider photoWolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Huntsman spider 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 Huntsman spiderIdentify Huntsman spider by picture cluesHuntsman spider bite first aid and warning signsCompare Australian spider photosIdentify Huntsman spider in NSWIdentify Huntsman spider in QLDIdentify Huntsman spider in VICBrown Spider in House Australia

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.

Common questions

Huntsman spider FAQ

Is the Huntsman spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek care for severe pain, allergic reaction or concern after a bite.

How do I identify the Huntsman spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very wide leg span; Flattened body; Legs splay sideways like a crab; Often on walls, ceilings or in cars.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Huntsman 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 Huntsman spider usually found?

Tree bark, rock crevices, walls, curtains, ceilings, sheds and cars.

What spiders look similar to the Huntsman 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 Huntsman spider by photo?

A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Huntsman spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.