Spider IdentifierAustralia

Identify jewel spiders by bright hard spiny body, small orb web and garden habitat. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000 for severe symptoms. For poison advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
jewel spider spider photo
jewel spider spider photo
jewel spider spider photo
Photo credits

The original uploader was Fir0002 at English Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Donald Hobern CC BY 3.0 · Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0

Austracantha minax

Jewel Spider Identification in Australia

Small hard-bodied orb-weaver with bright jewel-like colours and spiny projections.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29
Use the spider identifierCheck dangerous spiders
SizePea to 5c coin
Colours / marksYellow or gold, White or pale marking, Red or orange marking, Patterned
Web clueSmall orb web
Usually foundGrass, shrubs, fences, gardens and low vegetation.

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 Jewel spider

  • Small bright spider
  • Hard spiny abdomen
  • Often white, yellow, orange or black markings
  • Sits in a small orb web

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check for the hard spiked body outline and small web in low vegetation.

When to seek medical help

Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.

Where the Jewel spider is usually seen in Australia

Grass, shrubs, fences, gardens and low 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.

  • Spiny spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the hard spiked body outline and small web in low vegetation. For the other possibility, check: Look for the spiked body shape in a small web.
  • Silver orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the hard spiked body outline and small web in low vegetation. For the other possibility, check: Check for a small orb web and reflective silver markings on the body.
  • St Andrew’s cross spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the hard spiked body outline and small web in low vegetation. For the other possibility, check: Look for the X-shaped resting posture and zig-zag silk.

Common comparisons

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

Jewel spider vs Spiny spidersame region, similar sizeJewel spider vs Silver orb-weaversame region, similar sizeJewel spider vs St Andrew’s cross spidersame region, similar sizeJewel spider vs Flower spider / crab spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

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

NSWNew South WalesQLDQueenslandVICVictoriaWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaNTNorthern TerritoryACTAustralian Capital Territory

Similar spiders to compare

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

spiny spider spider photoSpiny spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar coloursilver orb weaver spider photoSilver orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourst andrews cross spider spider photoSt Andrew’s cross spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourflower crab spider spider photoFlower spider / crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Jewel 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 Jewel spiderIdentify Jewel spider by picture cluesJewel spider bite first aid and warning signsCompare Australian spider photosIdentify Jewel spider in NSWIdentify Jewel spider in QLDIdentify Jewel spider 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.

Common questions

Jewel spider FAQ

Is the Jewel spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.

How do I identify the Jewel spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small bright spider; Hard spiny abdomen; Often white, yellow, orange or black markings; Sits in a small orb web.

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

Grass, shrubs, fences, gardens and low vegetation.

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

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