Philoponella pantherina
Panther Hackled Orb-Weaver Identification Australia
Tiny mottled hackled orb-weaver with a humped outline, found in fine dry-silk webs under verandahs, rock overhangs and sheltered foliage.
Usually low riskPanther hackled orb-weavers are tiny, mottled members of the venomless spider family Uloboridae. Philoponella pantherina is most useful to compare when a humped brown or grey spider only a few millimetres long rests in a fine, fuzzy-looking orb web under a verandah, rocky overhang or sheltered plant. Close photographs are usually needed to separate Philoponella species.
Quick identification
- Tiny spider, generally only a few millimetres in body length
- Humped, mottled brown-grey outline that can resemble debris in the web
- Fine horizontal or angled orb web made with dry, fuzzy-looking hackled silk rather than sticky droplets
- Often in sheltered foliage, under verandahs, caves or rocky overhangs
What to check next
Check the tiny size, humped outline and fine dry-silk web. Compare with the communal hackled orb-weaver and ninja-star ceiling spider; retain a family or genus-level identification unless a sharp close photograph supports the species.
When to seek medical help
Hackled orb-weavers lack venom glands and are not considered dangerous to people. Avoid handling any spider and seek medical advice if unexpected or concerning symptoms follow a suspected bite.
Where it is usually seen
Sheltered verandahs, foliage, garden structures, caves and rocky overhangs in Australia, using protected sites for small hackled orb webs.