Asianopis subrufa
Rufous Net-Casting Spider Identification Australia
Slender, long-legged eastern Australian net-casting spider with huge forward-facing eyes and a small handheld silk net used at night.
Usually low riskRufous net-casting spiders are distinctive nocturnal hunters from eastern Australia. Asianopis subrufa was previously placed in the genus Deinopis, so older photos and field notes may still use Deinopis subrufa. They are useful to compare when a long, twig-like spider with very large forward-facing eyes is found hanging in foliage, garden plants or near a wall at night.
Quick identification
- Slender long-legged body, often held stick-like in foliage
- Two very large forward-facing eyes that can look like searchlights in close photos
- Holds a small rectangular silk net in the front legs rather than sitting in a large orb web
- Eastern Australia clue: Queensland, New South Wales, ACT region, Victoria and Tasmania, especially bushland, gardens, woodland and heath
What to check next
Check for the huge forward-facing eyes, long twig-like body and small handheld net. Compare with generic net-casting spiders, long-jawed orb-weavers and nursery-web spiders if the web or posture 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
Bushland, open woodland, heathland, shrubs, garden plants, low vegetation, bark and house-wall edges across eastern Australia from southern Queensland through New South Wales, the ACT region, Victoria and Tasmania.