Photo credits
Stu's Images CC BY-SA 4.0 · Louise Docker from sydney, Australia CC BY 2.0 · Kboom at English Wikipedia Public domain · gregtasney CC BY-SA 4.0
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.
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 Net-casting spider
- Very long legs
- Large forward eyes
- Holds a small silk net
- Usually seen at night
Danger level
Usually low risk
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 the Net-casting spider is usually seen in Australia
Gardens, shrubs and bark at night.
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.
- Nursery web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the small handheld silk net rather than a large permanent web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the silk is a nursery shelter rather than a prey-catching web.
- Clever fishing spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the small handheld silk net rather than a large permanent web. For the other possibility, check: Check the setting first: a long-legged spider on water, reeds or creekside plants is a stronger clue than colour alone. Compare with the broader fishing spider page, nursery web spiders, wolf spiders and huntsman spiders if it was away from water.
- Wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the small handheld silk net rather than a large permanent web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was running on the ground rather than waiting in a web.
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.
Nursery web spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Clever fishing spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Wolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Net-casting 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
Net-casting spider FAQ
Is the Net-casting spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or unexpected.
How do I identify the Net-casting spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very long legs; Large forward eyes; Holds a small silk net; Usually seen at night.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Net-casting 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 Net-casting spider usually found?
Gardens, shrubs and bark at night.
What spiders look similar to the Net-casting 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 Net-casting spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Net-casting spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.