Identify spitting spiders by domed body, thin legs, slow movement, indoor habitat and low-risk bite context. 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.

Photo credits

André Karwath aka Aka CC BY-SA 2.5 · Basilicofresco CC BY-SA 4.0 · Micha Baum CC BY-SA 4.0 · Syrio CC BY-SA 4.0

Scytodes species

Spitting Spider Identification in Australia

Small slow-moving spider with a domed body and long thin legs, sometimes found indoors.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

SizePea to 5c coin

Colours / marksBrown, Yellow or gold, Patterned

Web clueNo capture web

Usually foundHouses, sheds, walls, sheltered crevices and indoor corners.

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 Spitting spider

Small slow-moving spider
Domed body
Long thin legs
Often indoors or in sheltered corners

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check for a high domed body and slow movement rather than a messy web or fast ground-running behaviour.

When to seek medical help

Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or concern after a bite.

Where the Spitting spider is usually seen in Australia

Houses, sheds, walls, sheltered crevices and indoor corners.

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.

Brown house spider / cupboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a high domed body and slow movement rather than a messy web or fast ground-running behaviour. For the other possibility, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.
Common house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a high domed body and slow movement rather than a messy web or fast ground-running behaviour. For the other possibility, check: Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking.
Flower spider / crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a high domed body and slow movement rather than a messy web or fast ground-running behaviour. For the other possibility, check: Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves.

Common comparisons

People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.

Spitting spider vs Brown house spider / cupboard spidersame region, similar size Spitting spider vs Common house spidersame region, similar size Spitting spider vs Flower spider / crab spidersame region, similar size Spitting spider vs Lynx spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

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

NSWNew South Wales QLDQueensland VICVictoria TASTasmania WAWestern Australia SASouth Australia NTNorthern Territory ACTAustralian Capital Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Spitting 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 Spitting spider Identify Spitting spider by picture clues Spitting spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Spitting spider in NSW Identify Spitting spider in QLD Identify Spitting 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.

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

Spitting spider FAQ

Is the Spitting spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or concern after a bite.

How do I identify the Spitting spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small slow-moving spider; Domed body; Long thin legs; Often indoors or in sheltered corners.

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