Missulena occatoria
Red-Headed Mouse Spider Identification in Australia
Stocky mouse spider where males may show a reddish head or jaws, often found wandering on open ground.
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 Red-headed mouse spider
- Stocky body
- Male may have reddish head or jaws
- Ground wandering behaviour
- Can be mistaken for funnel-web relatives
Danger level
Medically significant
What to check next
Check for a stocky ground spider with red head or jaws, especially after rain or when males wander.
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent medical advice for a suspected bite, especially with systemic symptoms.
Where the Red-headed mouse spider is usually seen in Australia
Open forest, gardens, shrubland, burrows and open ground across much of mainland 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.
- Mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a stocky ground spider with red head or jaws, especially after rain or when males wander. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky build and ground habitat. Treat bite risk cautiously if unsure.
- Brush-footed trapdoor spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a stocky ground spider with red head or jaws, especially after rain or when males wander. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider was in or near a burrow and compare with funnel-web range and glossy build.
- Trapdoor spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a stocky ground spider with red head or jaws, especially after rain or when males wander. For the other possibility, check: Check burrow type and region. Do not assume every dark burrow spider is a funnel-web.
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.
Mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Brush-footed trapdoor spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Trapdoor spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Wishbone spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Red-headed mouse 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
Red-headed mouse spider FAQ
Is the Red-headed mouse spider dangerous?
Danger level: Medically significant. Seek urgent medical advice for a suspected bite, especially with systemic symptoms.
How do I identify the Red-headed mouse spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Stocky body; Male may have reddish head or jaws; Ground wandering behaviour; Can be mistaken for funnel-web relatives.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Red-headed mouse 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 Red-headed mouse spider usually found?
Open forest, gardens, shrubland, burrows and open ground across much of mainland Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Red-headed mouse 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 Red-headed mouse spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Red-headed mouse spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.