Mygalomorph groups
Trapdoor Spider Identification in Australia
Stocky ground spider associated with burrows, often mistaken for funnel-webs when wandering.
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 Trapdoor spider
- Stocky ground spider
- Burrow-associated
- Often brown or dark
- May wander after rain or during mating season
Danger level
Painful but usually not life-threatening
What to check next
Check burrow type and region. Do not assume every dark burrow spider is a funnel-web.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe pain or if funnel-web cannot be ruled out after a bite.
Where the Trapdoor spider is usually seen in Australia
Burrows, gardens, bushland, damp ground and under logs or rocks.
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.
- Brush-footed trapdoor spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check burrow type and region. Do not assume every dark burrow spider is a funnel-web. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider was in or near a burrow and compare with funnel-web range and glossy build.
- Mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check burrow type and region. Do not assume every dark burrow spider is a funnel-web. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky build and ground habitat. Treat bite risk cautiously if unsure.
- Red-headed mouse spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check burrow type and region. Do not assume every dark burrow spider is a funnel-web. For the other possibility, check: Check for a stocky ground spider with red head or jaws, especially after rain or when males wander.
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.
Brush-footed trapdoor spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Red-headed mouse spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar colour
Wishbone spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Trapdoor 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.
- healthdirect spider bitesAustralian spider bite first aid, emergency signs and white-tail bite evidence.
- Australian Museum redback spiderRedback identification, web clues and Australian distribution.
- Australian Museum spiders in the house and gardenCommon Australian house and garden spider context.
Common questions
Trapdoor spider FAQ
Is the Trapdoor spider dangerous?
Danger level: Painful but usually not life-threatening. Seek advice for severe pain or if funnel-web cannot be ruled out after a bite.
How do I identify the Trapdoor spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Stocky ground spider; Burrow-associated; Often brown or dark; May wander after rain or during mating season.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Trapdoor 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 Trapdoor spider usually found?
Burrows, gardens, bushland, damp ground and under logs or rocks.
What spiders look similar to the Trapdoor 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 Trapdoor spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Trapdoor spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.