Zosis geniculatus
Ninja-Star Ceiling Spider Identification in Australia
Small grey-brown indoor spider often seen on ceilings or walls, with flat star-like egg sacs in a fine web.
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 Ninja-star ceiling spider
- Small grey-brown spider on walls or ceilings
- Fine web in a sheltered indoor corner
- Flat star-shaped or spiky-looking egg sacs nearby
- Often rests with legs spread in a neat, flat posture
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Look for the star-like egg sacs and ceiling or wall-corner web. Compare with daddy long-legs, common house spiders and small cupboard spiders.
When to seek medical help
This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where the Ninja-star ceiling spider is usually seen in Australia
Ceilings, walls, bathrooms, laundries, garages, sheds, verandas and sheltered indoor or semi-indoor corners in warmer parts of Australia.
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.
- Wall spider / baseboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for the star-like egg sacs and ceiling or wall-corner web. Compare with daddy long-legs, common house spiders and small cupboard spiders. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it is extremely small and on a wall or baseboard with a tiny flat web. A close photo is usually needed because this spider is easy to miss.
- Diamond comb-footed spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for the star-like egg sacs and ceiling or wall-corner web. Compare with daddy long-legs, common house spiders and small cupboard spiders. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider is much smaller than a redback and sitting in a small messy web on plants or sheltered structures. A close photo is often needed for this group.
- Common house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for the star-like egg sacs and ceiling or wall-corner web. Compare with daddy long-legs, common house spiders and small cupboard spiders. For the other possibility, check: Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking.
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.
Wall spider / baseboard spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Diamond comb-footed spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Common house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Red house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Ninja-star ceiling 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
Ninja-star ceiling spider FAQ
Is the Ninja-star ceiling spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
How do I identify the Ninja-star ceiling spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small grey-brown spider on walls or ceilings; Fine web in a sheltered indoor corner; Flat star-shaped or spiky-looking egg sacs nearby; Often rests with legs spread in a neat, flat posture.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Ninja-star ceiling 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 Ninja-star ceiling spider usually found?
Ceilings, walls, bathrooms, laundries, garages, sheds, verandas and sheltered indoor or semi-indoor corners in warmer parts of Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Ninja-star ceiling 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 Ninja-star ceiling spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Ninja-star ceiling spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.