Tetragnathidae
Long-Jawed Orb-Weaver Identification Australia: Tetragnatha
Extremely slender orb-weaver with an elongated body, long legs and jaws, usually associated with a small horizontal or steeply sloping web in vegetation.
Usually low riskLong-jawed orb-weavers are members of the family Tetragnathidae, but the name is most often applied to Tetragnatha species. They combine an unusually long, narrow body with long legs and projecting jaws, and they build circular prey-catching webs that are commonly horizontal or strongly sloping rather than upright across a path. In daylight, a Tetragnatha may rest head-up on the web or stretch its legs in line with a twig, grass blade or strip of bark until its outline almost disappears. Use the body proportions, resting posture, web angle and locality together. A distant image of a skinny spider, or a web without the spider, cannot safely establish a species.
Quick identification
- Very long, narrow abdomen and slim cephalothorax
- Long legs that can align forwards and backwards along a stem
- Elongated projecting jaws visible in a sharp side or front photograph
- Small circular web held horizontally or at a strong slope
- Rests head-up on a sloping web or stretched flat against vegetation
What to check next
Photograph the whole web from the side to record its angle, then photograph the spider from above and side without touching it. Confirm elongated body, legs and jaws together before using the Tetragnatha name; keep species identification tentative.
When to seek medical help
Long-jawed orb-weavers are not among the Australian spiders highlighted by healthdirect as medically dangerous. For a suspected bite, wash the area and use a wrapped cold pack for local discomfort. Seek medical advice if pain is severe, symptoms persist or worsen, swelling or itching increases, or you are worried. Call 000 for breathing difficulty, collapse or other signs of anaphylaxis.
Where it is usually seen
Low vegetation, grass, reeds, shrubs, garden plants and waterside margins where a small horizontal or steeply sloping web can intercept flying insects. The spider and web may be difficult to see until side lighting, dew or movement reveals the silk.