Photo credits
Didier Descouens CC BY-SA 4.0 · 池田正樹 (talk)masaki ikeda CC BY-SA 3.0 · Vengolis CC BY-SA 4.0
Tetragnathidae
Long-Jawed Orb-Weaver Identification in Australia
Slender long-legged orb-weaver often near water or vegetation, with an elongated body.
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 Long-jawed orb-weaver
- Long narrow body
- Long thin legs
- Orb web
- Often near water or vegetation
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for an elongated body and stretched posture.
When to seek medical help
Seek care for severe or unexpected symptoms.
Where the Long-jawed orb-weaver is usually seen in Australia
Vegetation, reeds, shrubs and areas near water.
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 orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for an elongated body and stretched posture. For the other possibility, check: Look for the neat circular web and whether the spider appears after dusk.
- Leaf-curling spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for an elongated body and stretched posture. For the other possibility, check: Look for a suspended curled leaf, often with the spider retreating inside.
- Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for an elongated body and stretched posture. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it has a robust orb-weaver shape and mottled camouflage rather than a flat huntsman body or a burrow-dwelling spider. Compare with garden orb-weavers and spiny spiders.
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 orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Leaf-curling spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Tent-web spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Long-jawed orb-weaver 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
Long-jawed orb-weaver FAQ
Is the Long-jawed orb-weaver dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek care for severe or unexpected symptoms.
How do I identify the Long-jawed orb-weaver?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Long narrow body; Long thin legs; Orb web; Often near water or vegetation.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Long-jawed orb-weaver?
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 Long-jawed orb-weaver usually found?
Vegetation, reeds, shrubs and areas near water.
What spiders look similar to the Long-jawed orb-weaver?
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 Long-jawed orb-weaver by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Long-jawed orb-weaver, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.