Photo credits
Nigel Main CC BY 4.0 · tjeales CC BY-SA 4.0 · tjeales CC BY-SA 4.0 · tjeales CC BY-SA 4.0
Thwaitesia species
Mirror Spider Identification in Australia
Tiny decorative comb-footed spider with reflective silver patches, often found on leaves in humid gardens.
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 Mirror spider
- Very small spider
- Reflective silver or mirror-like abdominal patches
- Fine web or leaf habitat
- Delicate legs and body
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Look for the shiny abdominal patches and leaf-level habitat. A macro photo helps with this group.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for unusual symptoms, allergic reaction or concern after a bite.
Where the Mirror spider is usually seen in Australia
Leaves, shrubs, humid gardens, rainforest edges and fine web sites.
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.
- Silver orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for the shiny abdominal patches and leaf-level habitat. A macro photo helps with this group. For the other possibility, check: Check for a small orb web and reflective silver markings on the body.
- Nursery web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Look for the shiny abdominal patches and leaf-level habitat. A macro photo helps with this group. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the silk is a nursery shelter rather than a prey-catching web.
- Brown house spider / cupboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for the shiny abdominal patches and leaf-level habitat. A macro photo helps with this group. For the other possibility, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.
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.
Silver orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Nursery web spiderUsually low risksame region, similar colour, similar place
Brown house spider / cupboard spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Daddy-long-legs spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Mirror 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
Mirror spider FAQ
Is the Mirror spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for unusual symptoms, allergic reaction or concern after a bite.
How do I identify the Mirror spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very small spider; Reflective silver or mirror-like abdominal patches; Fine web or leaf habitat; Delicate legs and body.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Mirror 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 Mirror spider usually found?
Leaves, shrubs, humid gardens, rainforest edges and fine web sites.
What spiders look similar to the Mirror 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 Mirror spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Mirror spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.