Spider IdentifierAustralia

Identify spiny spiders by spiked body shape, small orb web and bright patterning. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000. Poisons advice: 13 11 26.

Austracantha and related orb-weavers

Spiny Spider Identification in Australia

Small orb-weaver with a hard, spiny, brightly patterned abdomen in a small web.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29
Use the spider identifierCheck dangerous spiders
SizePea to 5c coin
Colours / marksYellow or gold, White or pale marking, Patterned
Web clueSmall orb web
Usually foundGarden shrubs, grasses, fences and low vegetation.

First aid / what to do now

  1. Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
  2. Wash the bite area with soap and water.
  3. Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
  4. 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 Spiny spider

  • Small hard abdomen
  • Spiny outline
  • Bright white/yellow/orange patterning
  • Sits in a small orb web

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Look for the spiked body shape in a small web.

When to seek medical help

Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.

Where the Spiny spider is usually seen in Australia

Garden shrubs, grasses, fences and low vegetation.

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.

  • Jewel spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for the spiked body shape in a small web. For the other possibility, check: Check for the hard spiked body outline and small web in low vegetation.
  • Silver orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for the spiked body shape in a small web. For the other possibility, check: Check for a small orb web and reflective silver markings on the body.
  • Two-spined spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for the spiked body shape in a small web. 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.

Spiny spider vs Jewel spidersame region, similar sizeSpiny spider vs Silver orb-weaversame region, similar sizeSpiny spider vs Two-spined spidersame region, similar sizeSpiny spider vs St Andrew’s cross spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

NSWNew South WalesQLDQueenslandVICVictoriaWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaNTNorthern TerritoryACTAustralian Capital Territory

Similar spiders to compare

Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.

jewel spider spider photoJewel spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar coloursilver orb weaver spider photoSilver orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourtwo spined spider spider photoTwo-spined spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourst andrews cross spider spider photoSt Andrew’s cross spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Spiny spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.

Use the spider identifier for a possible Spiny spiderIdentify Spiny spider by picture cluesSpiny spider bite first aid and warning signsCompare Australian spider photosIdentify Spiny spider in NSWIdentify Spiny spider in QLDIdentify Spiny spider in VIC

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.

Common questions

Spiny spider FAQ

Is the Spiny spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe or unusual symptoms.

How do I identify the Spiny spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small hard abdomen; Spiny outline; Bright white/yellow/orange patterning; Sits in a small orb web.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Spiny 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 Spiny spider usually found?

Garden shrubs, grasses, fences and low vegetation.

What spiders look similar to the Spiny 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 Spiny spider by photo?

A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Spiny spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.