Delena cancerides
Social Huntsman Spider Identification in Australia
Flattened huntsman spider often found beneath bark or timber, sometimes in groups.
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 Social huntsman spider
- Wide flattened huntsman shape
- Often under bark or timber
- May be found with others
- Legs splay sideways
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for a flat body and bark habitat rather than a round-bodied web spider.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice if symptoms are severe, allergic or persistent.
Where the Social huntsman spider is usually seen in Australia
Under bark, timber, logs, sheds 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.
- Huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a flat body and bark habitat rather than a round-bodied web spider. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the legs spread sideways and the body is flattened rather than round or chunky.
- Fishing spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a flat body and bark habitat rather than a round-bodied web spider. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface.
- Lichen huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a flat body and bark habitat rather than a round-bodied web spider. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider blends with tree bark and has sideways huntsman legs.
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.
Huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Fishing spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Lichen huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Wolf 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 Social huntsman 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
Social huntsman spider FAQ
Is the Social huntsman spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice if symptoms are severe, allergic or persistent.
How do I identify the Social huntsman spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Wide flattened huntsman shape; Often under bark or timber; May be found with others; Legs splay sideways.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Social huntsman 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 Social huntsman spider usually found?
Under bark, timber, logs, sheds and sheltered outdoor spaces.
What spiders look similar to the Social huntsman 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 Social huntsman spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Social huntsman spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.