Spider IdentifierAustralia

Identify tent-web spiders by dome-shaped web structure, garden habitat and orb-weaver lookalike clues. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000 for severe symptoms. For poison advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
tent web spider spider photo
tent web spider spider photo
tent web spider spider photo
Photo credits

arian.suresh from Chennai, India CC BY 2.0 · Steve Fitzgerald CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sesamehoneytart CC BY-SA 4.0

Cyrtophora species

Tent-Web Spider Identification in Australia

Web-building spider with a tent-like or dome-like web rather than a simple flat orb.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29
Use the spider identifierCheck dangerous spiders
Size5c to 20c body
Colours / marksBrown, Grey, Patterned
Web clueTent web
Usually foundShrubs, trees, gardens and bushland edges.

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 Tent-web spider

  • Three-dimensional tent or dome web
  • Often in shrubs or trees
  • Spider sits within web structure
  • Not a simple round flat web

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check whether the web forms a tent or dome with support threads around it.

When to seek medical help

Seek advice for severe or unexpected symptoms.

Where the Tent-web spider is usually seen in Australia

Shrubs, trees, gardens and bushland edges.

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.

  • Garden orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the web forms a tent or dome with support threads around it. For the other possibility, check: Look for the neat circular web and whether the spider appears after dusk.
  • Leaf-curling spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the web forms a tent or dome with support threads around it. For the other possibility, check: Look for a suspended curled leaf, often with the spider retreating inside.
  • Long-jawed orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether the web forms a tent or dome with support threads around it. For the other possibility, check: Check for an elongated body and stretched posture.

Common comparisons

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

Tent-web spider vs Garden orb-weaversame region, similar sizeTent-web spider vs Leaf-curling spidersame region, similar sizeTent-web spider vs Long-jawed orb-weaversame region, similar sizeTent-web spider vs Wrap-around 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.

garden orb weaver spider photoGarden orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourleaf curling spider spider photoLeaf-curling spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourlong jawed orb weaver spider photoLong-jawed orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourwrap around spider spider photoWrap-around spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Tent-web 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 Tent-web spiderIdentify Tent-web spider by picture cluesTent-web spider bite first aid and warning signsCompare Australian spider photosIdentify Tent-web spider in NSWIdentify Tent-web spider in QLDIdentify Tent-web 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

Tent-web spider FAQ

Is the Tent-web spider dangerous?

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

How do I identify the Tent-web spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Three-dimensional tent or dome web; Often in shrubs or trees; Spider sits within web structure; Not a simple round flat web.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Tent-web 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 Tent-web spider usually found?

Shrubs, trees, gardens and bushland edges.

What spiders look similar to the Tent-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 Tent-web spider by photo?

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