Arachnura higginsi
Scorpion-Tailed Spider Identification in Australia
Orb-weaving spider with a distinctive tail-like abdomen, usually seen sitting in a web in gardens or shrubs.
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 Scorpion-tailed spider
- Tail-like abdomen
- Usually in an orb web
- Often in shrubs or garden plants
- Body shape unlike redbacks or funnel-webs
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for the tail-shaped abdomen and a web rather than a ground burrow or indoor wandering behaviour.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where the Scorpion-tailed spider is usually seen in Australia
Garden shrubs, vines, native vegetation and web sites around foliage.
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.
- Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the tail-shaped abdomen and a web rather than a ground burrow or indoor wandering behaviour. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it has a robust orb-weaver shape and mottled camouflage rather than a flat huntsman body or a burrow-dwelling spider. Compare with garden orb-weavers and spiny spiders.
- Banded garden spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the tail-shaped abdomen and a web rather than a ground burrow or indoor wandering behaviour. For the other possibility, check: Check for a neat orb web, banded abdomen and garden or grassland setting. Compare with St Andrew's cross spiders and other orb-weavers if the body markings are not clear.
- Two-spined spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the tail-shaped abdomen and a web rather than a ground burrow or indoor wandering behaviour. For the other possibility, check: Check the underside of nearby leaves and look for two pale spines on the abdomen if it is an adult female. Compare with jewel spiders and other small orb-weavers.
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.
Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Banded garden spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Two-spined spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Garden orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Scorpion-tailed 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
Scorpion-tailed spider FAQ
Is the Scorpion-tailed spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
How do I identify the Scorpion-tailed spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Tail-like abdomen; Usually in an orb web; Often in shrubs or garden plants; Body shape unlike redbacks or funnel-webs.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Scorpion-tailed 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 Scorpion-tailed spider usually found?
Garden shrubs, vines, native vegetation and web sites around foliage.
What spiders look similar to the Scorpion-tailed 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 Scorpion-tailed spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Scorpion-tailed spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.