Spider IdentifierAustralia

Identify lichen huntsman spiders by mottled camouflage, flat huntsman shape and tree trunk 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.
lichen huntsman spider spider photo
lichen huntsman spider spider photo
lichen huntsman spider spider photo
Photo credits

Vinayaraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Summerdrought CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kramthenik27 CC BY-SA 4.0

Pandercetes species

Lichen Huntsman Spider Identification in Australia

Camouflaged huntsman with mottled lichen-like patterning, usually seen on tree trunks or bark.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29
Use the spider identifierCheck dangerous spiders
Size50c to hand span
Colours / marksGrey, Brown, Patterned
Web clueNo capture web
Usually foundTree trunks, bark, woodland, gardens and forest edges.

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 Lichen huntsman spider

  • Flat huntsman posture
  • Mottled lichen-like camouflage
  • Usually on bark or trunks
  • Large leg span

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check whether the spider blends with tree bark and has sideways huntsman legs.

When to seek medical help

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

Where the Lichen huntsman spider is usually seen in Australia

Tree trunks, bark, woodland, gardens and forest edges.

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 spider blends with tree bark and has sideways huntsman legs. For the other possibility, check: Check for a flat body and bark habitat rather than a round-bodied web spider.
  • Fishing spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider blends with tree bark and has sideways huntsman legs. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface.
  • Huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider blends with tree bark and has sideways huntsman legs. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the legs spread sideways and the body is flattened rather than round or chunky.

Common comparisons

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

Lichen huntsman spider vs Social huntsman spidersame region, similar sizeLichen huntsman spider vs Fishing spidersame region, similar sizeLichen huntsman spider vs Huntsman spidersame region, similar sizeLichen huntsman 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 WalesQLDQueenslandVICVictoriaWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaNTNorthern 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 colourfishing spider spider photoFishing spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourhuntsman spider spider photoHuntsman 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 Lichen 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 Lichen huntsman spiderIdentify Lichen huntsman spider by picture cluesLichen huntsman spider bite first aid and warning signsCompare Australian spider photosIdentify Lichen huntsman spider in NSWIdentify Lichen huntsman spider in QLDIdentify Lichen huntsman 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

Lichen huntsman spider FAQ

Is the Lichen 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 Lichen huntsman spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Flat huntsman posture; Mottled lichen-like camouflage; Usually on bark or trunks; Large leg span.

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

Tree trunks, bark, woodland, gardens and forest edges.

What spiders look similar to the Lichen 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 Lichen huntsman spider by photo?

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