Sidymella rubrosignata
Red-Tipped Square-Ended Crab Spider Identification Australia
Small green crab spider found on Australian foliage, especially Dianella, with long front legs and red-tipped abdominal humps.
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-tipped square-ended crab spider
- Small crab-spider shape on leaves or flowers
- Usually green, sometimes yellow, light brown or reddish
- Front legs noticeably longer than the rear legs
- Trapezium-shaped abdomen with paired humps and red patches
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check whether it was sitting still on foliage, especially Dianella-like strappy leaves, with long front legs held crab-style. Compare with flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough.
When to seek medical help
This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where the Red-tipped square-ended crab spider is usually seen in Australia
Dianella, bromeliads, garden foliage, flowers, shrubs and moist planted areas across Australia where small insects pass close enough for ambush hunting.
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.
- Trapezoid crab spider / trapezium crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was sitting still on foliage, especially Dianella-like strappy leaves, with long front legs held crab-style. Compare with flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough. For the other possibility, check: Check for the crab-like stance, long front legs and squared body outline. Compare with red-tipped square-ended crab spiders if the abdomen has red humps, and with flower crab spiders if it was on a blossom.
- Flower spider / crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was sitting still on foliage, especially Dianella-like strappy leaves, with long front legs held crab-style. Compare with flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough. For the other possibility, check: Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves.
- Orange-legged swift spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was sitting still on foliage, especially Dianella-like strappy leaves, with long front legs held crab-style. Compare with flower crab spiders and small jumping spiders if the photo is not close enough. For the other possibility, check: Check for the stop-start running behaviour, orange front legs, black-and-white markings and no capture web. Compare with swift ground spiders, wolf spiders and ant-mimic spiders if the leg colour is unclear.
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.
Trapezoid crab spider / trapezium crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Flower spider / crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Orange-legged swift spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Pink flower spider / green crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Red-tipped square-ended crab 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-tipped square-ended crab spider FAQ
Is the Red-tipped square-ended crab spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
How do I identify the Red-tipped square-ended crab spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small crab-spider shape on leaves or flowers; Usually green, sometimes yellow, light brown or reddish; Front legs noticeably longer than the rear legs; Trapezium-shaped abdomen with paired humps and red patches.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Red-tipped square-ended crab 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-tipped square-ended crab spider usually found?
Dianella, bromeliads, garden foliage, flowers, shrubs and moist planted areas across Australia where small insects pass close enough for ambush hunting.
What spiders look similar to the Red-tipped square-ended crab 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-tipped square-ended crab spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Red-tipped square-ended crab spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.