Deinopidae
Net-Casting Spider Identification in Australia
Long-legged spider with large eyes that holds a small net of silk to catch prey at night.
Usually low riskNet-casting spiders are unusual hunters and can look odd compared with standard web spiders. At night they may sit in vegetation or near bark with very long legs and unusually large forward-facing eyes, holding a small silk net rather than occupying a permanent wheel-shaped web. That handheld net is the strongest clue: a long-legged spider in a large orb web or loose corner web is more likely to be something else. They are usually low risk, so observe the posture and web behaviour without handling the spider or pulling apart its hunting net.
Quick identification
- Very long legs
- Large forward eyes
- Holds a small silk net
- Usually seen at night
What to check next
Check for the small handheld silk net rather than a large permanent web.
When to seek medical help
Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or unexpected.
Where it is usually seen
Gardens, shrubs and bark at night.