Identify knobbly crab spiders in Australia by bark-like camouflage, crab-style front legs, lumpy body shape, garden habitat and low-risk bite context. 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.

Photo credits

James Niland from Brisbane, Australia CC BY 2.0

Stephanopis altifrons

Knobbly Crab Spider Identification in Australia

Camouflaged Australian crab spider with a knobbly bark-like body, often sitting still on bark, leaves or sheltered garden surfaces.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

SizePea to 5c body

Colours / marksBrown, Grey, Black or very dark, Patterned

Web clueNo capture web

Usually foundTree bark, leaves, shrubs, fences, garden plants, bushland edges and sheltered outdoor surfaces across much of Australia, where camouflage helps it ambush small prey.

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 Knobbly crab spider

Small crab-spider shape with long front legs held out to the sides
Knobbly or irregular body outline that can look like bark or debris
Brown, grey or dark camouflage rather than bright flower colours
Usually sits still on bark, leaves, fences, shrubs or sheltered garden surfaces

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check for the crab-like stance, lumpy bark camouflage and no capture web. Compare with trapezoid crab spiders, flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough.

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 Knobbly crab spider is usually seen in Australia

Tree bark, leaves, shrubs, fences, garden plants, bushland edges and sheltered outdoor surfaces across much of Australia, where camouflage helps it ambush small prey.

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.

White-banded house jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the crab-like stance, lumpy bark camouflage and no capture web. Compare with trapezoid crab spiders, flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough. For the other possibility, check: Check for jumping-spider eyes, short jumps and mottled white-banded patterning. Compare with garden jumping spiders, bronze Aussie jumping spiders and peacock spiders if the body pattern or location is unclear.
Giant bark jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the crab-like stance, lumpy bark camouflage and no capture web. Compare with trapezoid crab spiders, flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough. 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.
Trapezoid crab spider / trapezium crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the crab-like stance, lumpy bark camouflage and no capture web. Compare with trapezoid crab spiders, flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough. For the other possibility, check: Check for the crab-like stance, long front legs and squared body outline. Compare with red-tipped square-ended crab spiders if the abdomen has red humps, and with flower crab spiders if it was on a blossom.

Common comparisons

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

Knobbly crab spider vs White-banded house jumping spidersame region, similar size Knobbly crab spider vs Giant bark jumping spidersame region, similar size Knobbly crab spider vs Trapezoid crab spider / trapezium crab spidersame region, similar size Knobbly crab spider vs Orange-legged swift spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

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

NSWNew South Wales QLDQueensland VICVictoria TASTasmania WAWestern Australia SASouth Australia ACTAustralian Capital Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Knobbly crab 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 Knobbly crab spider Identify Knobbly crab spider by picture clues Knobbly crab spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Knobbly crab spider in NSW Identify Knobbly crab spider in QLD Identify Knobbly crab 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.

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

Knobbly crab spider FAQ

Is the Knobbly crab 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 Knobbly crab spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small crab-spider shape with long front legs held out to the sides; Knobbly or irregular body outline that can look like bark or debris; Brown, grey or dark camouflage rather than bright flower colours; Usually sits still on bark, leaves, fences, shrubs or sheltered garden surfaces.

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