Identify Tasmanian cave spiders by large long-legged body, Tasmania-only range, cave habitat, sheet web 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

Marshal Hedin from San Diego, USA CC BY-SA 2.0

Hickmania troglodytes

Tasmanian Cave Spider Identification in Australia

Large long-legged Tasmanian spider found in caves and other cool, damp dark retreats, often with a broad sheet web.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

Size50c to hand span

Colours / marksBrown, Grey, Patterned

Web clueLarge sheet web

Usually foundCaves, cave entrances, hollow rainforest trees, old tunnels, mine workings and other cool damp sheltered retreats in Tasmania.

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 Tasmanian cave spider

Large long-legged spider in Tasmania
Usually in caves or cool damp dark retreats
Broad horizontal sheet web rather than a neat orb web
Brown to grey patterned body with very long legs

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check whether the location is Tasmania and whether the spider was in a cave, tunnel, hollow or other damp dark retreat with a sheet-like web.

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 Tasmanian cave spider is usually seen in Australia

Caves, cave entrances, hollow rainforest trees, old tunnels, mine workings and other cool damp sheltered retreats in Tasmania.

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.

Fishing spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the location is Tasmania and whether the spider was in a cave, tunnel, hollow or other damp dark retreat with a sheet-like web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface.
Clever fishing spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the location is Tasmania and whether the spider was in a cave, tunnel, hollow or other damp dark retreat with a sheet-like web. For the other possibility, check: Check the setting first: a long-legged spider on water, reeds or creekside plants is a stronger clue than colour alone. Compare with the broader fishing spider page, nursery web spiders, wolf spiders and huntsman spiders if it was away from water.
Rufous net-casting spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the location is Tasmania and whether the spider was in a cave, tunnel, hollow or other damp dark retreat with a sheet-like web. For the other possibility, check: Check for the huge forward-facing eyes, long twig-like body and small handheld net. Compare with generic net-casting spiders, long-jawed orb-weavers and nursery-web spiders if the web or posture is unclear.

Common comparisons

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

Tasmanian cave spider vs Fishing spidersame region, similar size Tasmanian cave spider vs Clever fishing spidersame region, similar size Tasmanian cave spider vs Rufous net-casting spidersame region, similar size Tasmanian cave spider vs Sombrero spider / sheetweb spidersame region, similar colour

Compare this spider by state

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

TASTasmania

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Tasmanian cave 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 Tasmanian cave spider Identify Tasmanian cave spider by picture clues Tasmanian cave spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Tasmanian cave spider in TAS

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

Tasmanian cave spider FAQ

Is the Tasmanian cave 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 Tasmanian cave spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Large long-legged spider in Tasmania; Usually in caves or cool damp dark retreats; Broad horizontal sheet web rather than a neat orb web; Brown to grey patterned body with very long legs.

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