Photo credits
Marsh et al. (2022). CC BY 4.0 · Marsh et al. (2022). CC BY 4.0 · Marsh et al. (2022). CC BY 4.0 · Marsh et al. (2022). CC BY 4.0
Ariadna and related segestriid spiders
Tube-Dwelling Spider Identification in Australia
Slender spider that lives in a silk tube or crevice retreat, with radiating signal threads around the entrance.
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 Tube-dwelling spider
- Silk tube or crevice retreat
- Radiating signal threads
- Slender body
- Often in bark, walls, rocks or crevices
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Look for a tube-like retreat with signal threads rather than a broad orb web or open burrow.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe pain, infection signs, allergic symptoms or uncertainty after a bite.
Where the Tube-dwelling spider is usually seen in Australia
Bark, logs, rock crevices, walls, fences and sheltered tube retreats.
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.
- Black house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for a tube-like retreat with signal threads rather than a broad orb web or open burrow. For the other possibility, check: Check if it sits in a permanent messy wall or window web rather than roaming from a burrow.
- Grey house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for a tube-like retreat with signal threads rather than a broad orb web or open burrow. For the other possibility, check: Check the web location and whether the spider stays in a permanent retreat rather than roaming.
- Curtain-web spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for a tube-like retreat with signal threads rather than a broad orb web or open burrow. For the other possibility, check: Look closely at the web: a broad sheet or curtain-like retreat points away from a simple orb web.
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.
Black house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Grey house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Curtain-web spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Long-jawed orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Tube-dwelling 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
Tube-dwelling spider FAQ
Is the Tube-dwelling spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe pain, infection signs, allergic symptoms or uncertainty after a bite.
How do I identify the Tube-dwelling spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Silk tube or crevice retreat; Radiating signal threads; Slender body; Often in bark, walls, rocks or crevices.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Tube-dwelling 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 Tube-dwelling spider usually found?
Bark, logs, rock crevices, walls, fences and sheltered tube retreats.
What spiders look similar to the Tube-dwelling 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 Tube-dwelling spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Tube-dwelling spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.