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Stiphidion facetum
Sombrero Spider Identification in Australia
Brown, long-legged sheetweb spider from eastern and southern Australia, best recognised by its broad sheet web with a raised funnel-like centre.
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 Sombrero spider / sheetweb spider
- Brown to grey patterned spider with long legs
- Broad sheet-like web rather than a neat round orb web
- Raised central funnel or tent-like retreat gives the sombrero clue
- Often under rocks, bark, ledges, garden edges or sheltered building surfaces
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check the web first: a broad sheet with a raised central retreat is the strongest clue. Compare with black house spiders, curtain-web spiders and funnel-web spiders if the spider is dark or sitting in a retreat.
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 Sombrero spider / sheetweb spider is usually seen in Australia
Rock ledges, bark, logs, garden edges, sheds, retaining walls, building edges and other sheltered sites where a broad sheet web can be anchored.
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.
- Tube-dwelling spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web first: a broad sheet with a raised central retreat is the strongest clue. Compare with black house spiders, curtain-web spiders and funnel-web spiders if the spider is dark or sitting in a retreat. For the other possibility, check: Look for a tube-like retreat with signal threads rather than a broad orb web or open burrow.
- Grey house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web first: a broad sheet with a raised central retreat is the strongest clue. Compare with black house spiders, curtain-web spiders and funnel-web spiders if the spider is dark or sitting in a retreat. For the other possibility, check: Check the web location and whether the spider stays in a permanent retreat rather than roaming.
- Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web first: a broad sheet with a raised central retreat is the strongest clue. Compare with black house spiders, curtain-web spiders and funnel-web spiders if the spider is dark or sitting in a retreat. 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.
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.
Tube-dwelling spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Grey house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Common house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Sombrero spider / sheetweb 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
Sombrero spider / sheetweb spider FAQ
Is the Sombrero spider / sheetweb 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 Sombrero spider / sheetweb spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Brown to grey patterned spider with long legs; Broad sheet-like web rather than a neat round orb web; Raised central funnel or tent-like retreat gives the sombrero clue; Often under rocks, bark, ledges, garden edges or sheltered building surfaces.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Sombrero spider / sheetweb 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 Sombrero spider / sheetweb spider usually found?
Rock ledges, bark, logs, garden edges, sheds, retaining walls, building edges and other sheltered sites where a broad sheet web can be anchored.
What spiders look similar to the Sombrero spider / sheetweb 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 Sombrero spider / sheetweb spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Sombrero spider / sheetweb spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.