Identify painted cross spiders in Australia by colourful Argiope markings, paired-leg posture, orb web, northern Queensland range and low-risk bite context. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000. Poisons advice: 13 11 26.

Photo credits

Graham Winterflood CC BY-SA 2.0 · Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark CC BY 2.0 · G. Winterflood CC BY-SA 4.0

Argiope picta

Painted Cross Spider Identification in Australia

Colourful northern Australian orb-weaver with paired legs, yellow-white abdominal patterning and a white silk stabilimentum in the web.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

Size5c to 20c body

Colours / marksYellow or gold, White or pale marking, Black or very dark, Brown, Patterned

Web clueRound orb web with silk bands

Usually foundRainforest margins, open forest, heathland, gardens, houses, shrubs and low vegetation in northern Australia, especially tropical Queensland and nearby northern habitats where medium to large orb webs can be built.

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 Painted cross spider

Colourful Argiope orb-weaver with paired legs held together in sets
Female has a silvery front body and bold yellow, white, black and brown abdominal patterning
Usually sits in the centre of a round orb web with white zig-zag or banded silk decoration
Strong northern Australia clue, especially tropical Queensland gardens, rainforest margins, open forest and shrubby vegetation

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check the location and web first: painted cross spiders are most useful as a northern Queensland or tropical northern Australia comparison. Look for paired legs, bold yellow-white abdominal markings and a white silk stabilimentum. Compare with tropical St Andrew’s cross spiders, St Andrew’s cross spiders and banded garden spiders if the exact Argiope pattern is unclear.

When to seek medical help

This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Avoid handling it and seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.

Where the Painted cross spider is usually seen in Australia

Rainforest margins, open forest, heathland, gardens, houses, shrubs and low vegetation in northern Australia, especially tropical Queensland and nearby northern habitats where medium to large orb webs can be built.

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.

Tropical St Andrew’s cross spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the location and web first: painted cross spiders are most useful as a northern Queensland or tropical northern Australia comparison. Look for paired legs, bold yellow-white abdominal markings and a white silk stabilimentum. Compare with tropical St Andrew’s cross spiders, St Andrew’s cross spiders and banded garden spiders if the exact Argiope pattern is unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check for the round orb web, paired-leg X posture and white silk cross. Compare with the broader St Andrew’s cross spider page, banded garden spiders and other patterned orb-weavers if the web decoration is missing.
Dome tent-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the location and web first: painted cross spiders are most useful as a northern Queensland or tropical northern Australia comparison. Look for paired legs, bold yellow-white abdominal markings and a white silk stabilimentum. Compare with tropical St Andrew’s cross spiders, St Andrew’s cross spiders and banded garden spiders if the exact Argiope pattern is unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check the web shape first. A sturdy dome or tent web in warm Queensland, northern NSW, the NT or northern WA is a stronger clue than body colour alone.
Banded garden spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the location and web first: painted cross spiders are most useful as a northern Queensland or tropical northern Australia comparison. Look for paired legs, bold yellow-white abdominal markings and a white silk stabilimentum. Compare with tropical St Andrew’s cross spiders, St Andrew’s cross spiders and banded garden spiders if the exact Argiope pattern is unclear. For the other possibility, check: Check for a neat orb web, banded abdomen and garden or grassland setting. Compare with St Andrew's cross spiders and other orb-weavers if the body markings are not clear.

Common comparisons

People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.

Painted cross spider vs Tropical St Andrew’s cross spidersame region, similar size Painted cross spider vs Dome tent-web spidersame region, similar size Painted cross spider vs Banded garden spidersame region, similar size Painted cross spider vs Humped golden orb-weaving spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

QLDQueensland NTNorthern Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Painted cross spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.

Use the spider identifier for a possible Painted cross spider Identify Painted cross spider by picture clues Painted cross spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Painted cross spider in QLD Identify Painted cross spider in NT

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

Painted cross spider FAQ

Is the Painted cross spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Avoid handling it and seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.

How do I identify the Painted cross spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Colourful Argiope orb-weaver with paired legs held together in sets; Female has a silvery front body and bold yellow, white, black and brown abdominal patterning; Usually sits in the centre of a round orb web with white zig-zag or banded silk decoration; Strong northern Australia clue, especially tropical Queensland gardens, rainforest margins, open forest and shrubby vegetation.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Painted cross 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 Painted cross spider usually found?

What spiders look similar to the Painted cross 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 Painted cross spider by photo?

A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Painted cross spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.