Poecilopachys australasia
Two-Spined Spider Identification in Australia
Small colourful orb-weaver with two pale spines on the adult female abdomen, often hiding under leaves by day and web-building at night.
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 Two-spined spider
- Small bright orb-weaver
- Adult female has two pale abdominal spines
- Yellow, white, brown or reddish markings can form a face-like pattern
- Often hides under green leaves during the day and builds a small orb web at night
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
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.
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 a bite.
Where the Two-spined spider is usually seen in Australia
Garden shrubs, citrus trees, green leaves, suburban gardens, orchards and small night-time orb webs in eastern and other parts of 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.
- Enamelled spider / Bradley’s grass orb-weaverMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, 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. 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.
- Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, 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. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it has a robust orb-weaver shape and mottled camouflage rather than a flat huntsman body or a burrow-dwelling spider. Compare with garden orb-weavers and spiny spiders.
- Jewel spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, 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. For the other possibility, check: Check for the hard spiked body outline and small web in low vegetation.
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.
Enamelled spider / Bradley’s grass orb-weaverUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Heroic orb-weaver / lichen spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Jewel spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Spiny spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Two-spined 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
Two-spined spider FAQ
Is the Two-spined 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 a bite.
How do I identify the Two-spined spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small bright orb-weaver; Adult female has two pale abdominal spines; Yellow, white, brown or reddish markings can form a face-like pattern; Often hides under green leaves during the day and builds a small orb web at night.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Two-spined 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 Two-spined spider usually found?
Garden shrubs, citrus trees, green leaves, suburban gardens, orchards and small night-time orb webs in eastern and other parts of Australia.
What spiders look similar to the Two-spined 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 Two-spined spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Two-spined spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.