Photo credits
Summerdrought CC BY-SA 4.0 · Summerdrought CC BY-SA 4.0 · Graham Winterflood CC BY-SA 4.0
Cosmophasis micarioides
Sparkling Northern Jumping Spider Identification in Australia
Small iridescent jumping spider from northern Australia, often blue, silver, black or bronze, seen on plants and sunny walls.
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 Sparkling northern jumping spider
- Small jumping spider with large front-facing eyes
- Males may look metallic blue, silver or black
- Females can be bronze, brown or patterned
- Often moves in short bursts on leaves, walls or fences
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for metallic colouring, large front eyes and short jumping movements. Similar Cosmophasis species can look close, so treat this as a guide match rather than a confirmed species.
When to seek medical help
Jumping spiders are not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where the Sparkling northern jumping spider is usually seen in Australia
Well-vegetated areas, gardens, shrubs, sunny walls, fences and building edges in northern Australia, especially Queensland and nearby tropical or subtropical areas.
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.
- Giant bark jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for metallic colouring, large front eyes and short jumping movements. Similar Cosmophasis species can look close, so treat this as a guide match rather than a confirmed species. For the other possibility, check: Check for the jumping-spider stance, short stalking movements and bark or wall setting. Compare with generic jumping spiders, peacock spiders and tiny wall spiders if the photo is unclear.
- Orange-legged swift spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for metallic colouring, large front eyes and short jumping movements. Similar Cosmophasis species can look close, so treat this as a guide match rather than a confirmed species. For the other possibility, check: Check for the stop-start running behaviour, orange front legs, black-and-white markings and no capture web. Compare with swift ground spiders, wolf spiders and ant-mimic spiders if the leg colour is unclear.
- White-banded house jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for metallic colouring, large front eyes and short jumping movements. Similar Cosmophasis species can look close, so treat this as a guide match rather than a confirmed species. For the other possibility, check: Check for jumping-spider eyes, short jumps and mottled white-banded patterning. Compare with garden jumping spiders, bronze Aussie jumping spiders and peacock spiders if the body pattern or location is unclear.
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.
Giant bark jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Orange-legged swift spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
White-banded house jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Golden-thighed brushed jumping spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Sparkling northern jumping 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
Sparkling northern jumping spider FAQ
Is the Sparkling northern jumping spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Jumping spiders are 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 Sparkling northern jumping spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small jumping spider with large front-facing eyes; Males may look metallic blue, silver or black; Females can be bronze, brown or patterned; Often moves in short bursts on leaves, walls or fences.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Sparkling northern jumping 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 Sparkling northern jumping spider usually found?
Well-vegetated areas, gardens, shrubs, sunny walls, fences and building edges in northern Australia, especially Queensland and nearby tropical or subtropical areas.
What spiders look similar to the Sparkling northern jumping 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 Sparkling northern jumping spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Sparkling northern jumping spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.