Photo credits
Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au · Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au · Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au
Hadronyche formidabilis
Northern Tree Funnel-Web Spider Identification
Large tree-associated funnel-web from eastern Australia, linked with retreats in trunks, logs and forest habitat.
First aid / what to do now
- Call 000 immediately for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite.
- Keep the person as still as possible and do not let them walk around.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained and available.
- Splint the limb to reduce movement and wait for emergency help.
- Do not cut the wound, apply a tourniquet, or delay care while trying to identify the spider.
This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
How to identify the Northern tree funnel-web spider
- Large dark funnel-web type
- Associated with trees, logs or moist forest
- Eastern Queensland and northern NSW range clues matter
- Treat any suspected bite as urgent
Danger level
Medical emergency potential
What to check next
Check whether the spider came from a tree hollow, log or moist retreat in eastern Australia.
When to seek medical help
Call 000 for a suspected bite and use pressure immobilisation if trained.
Where the Northern tree funnel-web spider is usually seen in Australia
Moist forests, tree hollows, logs, stumps and sheltered tree-based retreats in eastern 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.
- Australian funnel-web spidersMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider came from a tree hollow, log or moist retreat in eastern Australia. For the other possibility, check: Check region, burrow clues and body shape. If a bite occurred, do not wait for perfect identification.
- Blue Mountains funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider came from a tree hollow, log or moist retreat in eastern Australia. For the other possibility, check: Check the region, burrow clues and whether the spider is glossy and heavy-bodied. Do not handle it.
- Darling Downs funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider came from a tree hollow, log or moist retreat in eastern Australia. For the other possibility, check: Check the Queensland region and whether a silk-lined retreat or damp ground habitat is involved.
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.
Australian funnel-web spidersMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Blue Mountains funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Darling Downs funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Port Macquarie funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Northern tree funnel-web 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
Northern tree funnel-web spider FAQ
Is the Northern tree funnel-web spider dangerous?
Danger level: Medical emergency potential. Call 000 for a suspected bite and use pressure immobilisation if trained.
How do I identify the Northern tree funnel-web spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Large dark funnel-web type; Associated with trees, logs or moist forest; Eastern Queensland and northern NSW range clues matter; Treat any suspected bite as urgent.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Northern tree funnel-web spider?
Call 000. Keep the person still. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained, splint the limb, and get urgent emergency care.
Where is the Northern tree funnel-web spider usually found?
Moist forests, tree hollows, logs, stumps and sheltered tree-based retreats in eastern Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Northern tree funnel-web 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 Northern tree funnel-web spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Northern tree funnel-web spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.