Venatrix furcillata
Little Striped Wolf Spider Identification in Australia
Black-brown Australian wolf spider with cream striping, ground-running hunting behaviour and a simple burrow entrance.
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 Little striped wolf spider
- Black-brown wolf spider with dull cream markings
- Cream outline and central stripe on the front body, often continuing onto the abdomen
- Fast ground hunter rather than a web sitter
- Found in south-east Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, often near lawns, gardens, forest, woodland or grassland ground
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for the pale stripe, ground-running behaviour and no capture web. Compare with garden wolf spiders, generic wolf spiders and white-tailed spiders if the body stripe or tail mark is unclear.
When to seek medical help
This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Clean any bite, use a cold pack for pain, and seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty.
Where the Little striped wolf spider is usually seen in Australia
Lawns, gardens, forest floor, woodland, grassland, open ground, simple ground burrows and occasional indoor floors in south-east Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
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.
- Garden wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the pale stripe, ground-running behaviour and no capture web. Compare with garden wolf spiders, generic wolf spiders and white-tailed spiders if the body stripe or tail mark is unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was running on the ground with no capture web, especially in southern Australia. Compare with generic wolf spiders, huntsman spiders and trapdoor spiders if the body shape or habitat is unclear.
- Giant bark jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the pale stripe, ground-running behaviour and no capture web. Compare with garden wolf spiders, generic wolf spiders and white-tailed spiders if the body stripe or tail mark is unclear. 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.
- Golden-thighed brushed jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the pale stripe, ground-running behaviour and no capture web. Compare with garden wolf spiders, generic wolf spiders and white-tailed spiders if the body stripe or tail mark is unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check for jumping-spider eyes, tiny size, short jumps and the golden front-leg brush or white side-band clues. Compare with Aussie bronze hoppers, garden jumping spiders and white-banded house jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough.
Common comparisons
People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.
Compare this spider by state
Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.
Similar spiders to compare
Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.
Garden wolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Giant bark jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Golden-thighed brushed jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
White-banded house jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Little striped wolf spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.
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
Little striped wolf spider FAQ
Is the Little striped wolf spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Clean any bite, use a cold pack for pain, and seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty.
How do I identify the Little striped wolf spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Black-brown wolf spider with dull cream markings; Cream outline and central stripe on the front body, often continuing onto the abdomen; Fast ground hunter rather than a web sitter; Found in south-east Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, often near lawns, gardens, forest, woodland or grassland ground.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Little striped wolf 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 Little striped wolf spider usually found?
Lawns, gardens, forest floor, woodland, grassland, open ground, simple ground burrows and occasional indoor floors in south-east Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
What spiders look similar to the Little striped wolf 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 Little striped wolf spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Little striped wolf spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.