Identify red and black spiders in Australia by colour pattern, body shape, habitat and redback comparison clues. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000 for severe symptoms. For poison advice in Australia call 13 11 26.

Photo credits

Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark CC BY 2.0 · TiTanimalia CC BY 4.0 · Poyt448 Peter Woodard CC BY-SA 3.0

Nicodamus peregrinus and similar species

Red and Black Spider Identification in Australia

Red-bodied and black-abdomen spider often found under bark, logs or in leaf litter.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

Size5c to 20c body

Colours / marksRed or orange marking, Black or very dark

Web clueNo capture web

Usually foundBark, logs, leaf litter, garden beds and sheltered outdoor spaces.

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 Red and black spider

Red body with darker abdomen
Often under bark or logs
Not the same shape as a redback
Usually seen wandering or under cover

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Compare with redback clues: redbacks are usually in a messy web with a rounded dark body and red abdominal mark.

When to seek medical help

Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or if redback cannot be ruled out after a bite.

Where the Red and black spider is usually seen in Australia

Bark, logs, leaf litter, garden beds and sheltered outdoor spaces.

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.

Swift ground spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Compare with redback clues: redbacks are usually in a messy web with a rounded dark body and red abdominal mark. For the other possibility, check: Check behaviour first: running on the ground without a web points toward ground-hunting spiders.
Redback spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Compare with redback clues: redbacks are usually in a messy web with a rounded dark body and red abdominal mark. For the other possibility, check: Look for a tangled web and red/orange abdominal marking. Avoid touching the web or spider.
White-tailed spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Compare with redback clues: redbacks are usually in a messy web with a rounded dark body and red abdominal mark. For the other possibility, check: Look for the pale tail mark and elongated body. Shake out clothing and towels in affected rooms.

Common comparisons

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

Red and black spider vs Swift ground spidersame region, similar size Red and black spider vs Redback spidersame region, similar size Red and black spider vs White-tailed spidersame region, similar size Red and black spider vs Tube-dwelling spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

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

NSWNew South Wales QLDQueensland VICVictoria TASTasmania WAWestern Australia SASouth Australia ACTAustralian Capital Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Red and black 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 Red and black spider Identify Red and black spider by picture clues Red and black spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Red and black spider in NSW Identify Red and black spider in QLD Identify Red and black spider in VIC

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

Red and black spider FAQ

Is the Red and black spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or if redback cannot be ruled out after a bite.

How do I identify the Red and black spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Red body with darker abdomen; Often under bark or logs; Not the same shape as a redback; Usually seen wandering or under cover.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Red and black 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 Red and black spider usually found?