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 riskPainted cross spiders are northern Australian Argiope orb-weavers, especially useful to compare with St Andrew’s cross spider sightings from Queensland. Females are much more obvious than males, with a silvery carapace, strong yellow, white, black and brown abdominal patterning, paired-leg posture and a round orb web that may carry a vertical or cross-like white silk stabilimentum.
Quick identification
- 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 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 it is usually seen
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.