Photo credits
Alan Couch CC BY 2.0 · Alan Couch CC BY 2.0 · Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au · Toby Hudson CC BY-SA 3.0 au
Hadronyche cerberea
Southern Tree Funnel-Web Spider Identification
Tree-dwelling funnel-web from eastern NSW, often associated with timber, hollows and moist forest retreats.
First aid / what to do now
- Call 000 immediately for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite.
- Keep the person as still as possible and do not let them walk around.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained and available.
- Splint the limb to reduce movement and wait for emergency help.
- Do not cut the wound, apply a tourniquet, or delay care while trying to identify the spider.
This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
How to identify the Southern tree funnel-web spider
- Dark robust body
- Tree or log retreat clues
- Eastern NSW context
- Funnel-web style silk retreat may be present
Danger level
Medical emergency potential
What to check next
Check whether the spider was associated with timber, bark, logs or tree hollows rather than an open wall web.
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent emergency care for a suspected bite.
Where the Southern tree funnel-web spider is usually seen in Australia
Forests, timber, tree hollows, logs and damp sheltered areas in eastern NSW.
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.
- Blue Mountains funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider was associated with timber, bark, logs or tree hollows rather than an open wall web. For the other possibility, check: Check the region, burrow clues and whether the spider is glossy and heavy-bodied. Do not handle it.
- Northern tree funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider was associated with timber, bark, logs or tree hollows rather than an open wall web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider came from a tree hollow, log or moist retreat in eastern Australia.
- Port Macquarie funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the spider was associated with timber, bark, logs or tree hollows rather than an open wall web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider was found near damp ground, a retreat or pool area in the Port Macquarie region.
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.
Blue Mountains funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Northern tree funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Port Macquarie funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Australian funnel-web spidersMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Southern tree funnel-web 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
Southern tree funnel-web spider FAQ
Is the Southern tree funnel-web spider dangerous?
Danger level: Medical emergency potential. Seek urgent emergency care for a suspected bite.
How do I identify the Southern tree funnel-web spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Dark robust body; Tree or log retreat clues; Eastern NSW context; Funnel-web style silk retreat may be present.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Southern tree funnel-web spider?
Call 000. Keep the person still. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained, splint the limb, and get urgent emergency care.
Where is the Southern tree funnel-web spider usually found?
Forests, timber, tree hollows, logs and damp sheltered areas in eastern NSW.
What spiders look similar to the Southern tree funnel-web 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 Southern tree funnel-web spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Southern tree funnel-web spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.