Cyclosa trilobata
Three-Lobed Spider Identification in Australia
Small orb-weaver with an unusual lobed abdomen, often sitting in a web with debris or silk decoration.
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 Three-lobed spider
- Tiny to pea-sized orb-weaver
- Lobed or irregular abdomen shape
- Often sits in a small orb web
- May align with debris, prey remains or silk decoration in the web
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for the small orb web and unusual lobed abdomen. Compare with jewel spiders, mirror spiders and other small patterned orb-weavers.
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 Three-lobed spider is usually seen in Australia
Garden shrubs, native vegetation, woodland edges, low foliage and small orb webs, especially in eastern and south-eastern Australia.
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.
- Diamond comb-footed spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the small orb web and unusual lobed abdomen. Compare with jewel spiders, mirror spiders and other small patterned orb-weavers. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider is much smaller than a redback and sitting in a small messy web on plants or sheltered structures. A close photo is often needed for this group.
- Enamelled spider / Bradley’s grass orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the small orb web and unusual lobed abdomen. Compare with jewel spiders, mirror spiders and other small patterned orb-weavers. For the other possibility, check: Check for a small orb-web shape, glossy patterned abdomen and garden foliage setting. Compare with two-spined spiders, jewel spiders and St Andrew’s cross spiders.
- Two-spined spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for the small orb web and unusual lobed abdomen. Compare with jewel spiders, mirror spiders and other small patterned orb-weavers. 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.
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.
Diamond comb-footed spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Enamelled spider / Bradley’s grass orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Two-spined spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Dewdrop spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Three-lobed 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
Three-lobed spider FAQ
Is the Three-lobed 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 Three-lobed spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Tiny to pea-sized orb-weaver; Lobed or irregular abdomen shape; Often sits in a small orb web; May align with debris, prey remains or silk decoration in the web.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Three-lobed 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 Three-lobed spider usually found?
Garden shrubs, native vegetation, woodland edges, low foliage and small orb webs, especially in eastern and south-eastern Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Three-lobed 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 Three-lobed spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Three-lobed spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.