Stanwellia grisea
Melbourne Trapdoor Spider Identification in Australia
Brown Victorian ground spider with a ribbed-looking abdomen, silk-lined soil burrow and frequent funnel-web confusion.
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 Melbourne trapdoor spider
- Brown, stocky trapdoor-type spider
- Paler abdomen may show dark mottled or rib-like bars
- Silk-lined soil burrow in soft ground, usually without a true trapdoor lid
- Southern Victoria location clue; mature males may wander in autumn or early winter
Danger level
Painful but usually not life-threatening
What to check next
Check for a Victorian location, soil burrow or wandering mature male, brown dusty body and short spinnerets rather than a glossy black funnel-web look.
When to seek medical help
A bite can be painful and may cause local redness, swelling, burning or itching. Seek medical advice for severe pain, spreading symptoms, allergic symptoms, infection signs or if a funnel-web cannot be ruled out.
Where the Melbourne trapdoor spider is usually seen in Australia
Soft soil burrows in southern Victoria, including gardens, lawns, exterior ground, rock edges and occasional indoor or pool encounters when mature males wander.
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.
- Sydney brown trapdoor spiderMay overlap because of similar size, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Check for a Victorian location, soil burrow or wandering mature male, brown dusty body and short spinnerets rather than a glossy black funnel-web look. For the other possibility, check: Check for NSW location, open soil burrow, dull brown dusty body and short blunt spinnerets. If a dark burrow spider could still be a funnel-web, keep distance and treat the uncertainty seriously.
- Mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a Victorian location, soil burrow or wandering mature male, brown dusty body and short spinnerets rather than a glossy black funnel-web look. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky build and ground habitat. Treat bite risk cautiously if unsure.
- Garden wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a Victorian location, soil burrow or wandering mature male, brown dusty body and short spinnerets rather than a glossy black funnel-web look. 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.
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.
Sydney brown trapdoor spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsimilar size, similar colour, similar place
Mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Garden wolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Eastern mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Melbourne trapdoor 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.
- healthdirect spider bitesAustralian spider bite first aid, emergency signs and white-tail bite evidence.
- Australian Museum redback spiderRedback identification, web clues and Australian distribution.
- Australian Museum spiders in the house and gardenCommon Australian house and garden spider context.
Common questions
Melbourne trapdoor spider FAQ
Is the Melbourne trapdoor spider dangerous?
Danger level: Painful but usually not life-threatening. A bite can be painful and may cause local redness, swelling, burning or itching. Seek medical advice for severe pain, spreading symptoms, allergic symptoms, infection signs or if a funnel-web cannot be ruled out.
How do I identify the Melbourne trapdoor spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Brown, stocky trapdoor-type spider; Paler abdomen may show dark mottled or rib-like bars; Silk-lined soil burrow in soft ground, usually without a true trapdoor lid; Southern Victoria location clue; mature males may wander in autumn or early winter.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Melbourne trapdoor 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 Melbourne trapdoor spider usually found?
Soft soil burrows in southern Victoria, including gardens, lawns, exterior ground, rock edges and occasional indoor or pool encounters when mature males wander.
What spiders look similar to the Melbourne trapdoor 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 Melbourne trapdoor spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Melbourne trapdoor spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.