Spider IdentifierAustralia

Identify two-tailed spiders by flat bark-running body, long spinnerets and tree trunk habitat. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000. Poisons advice: 13 11 26.
two tailed spider spider photo
two tailed spider spider photo
two tailed spider spider photo
two tailed spider spider photo
Photo credits

Vengolis CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vengolis CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vengolis CC BY-SA 3.0 · Vengolis CC BY-SA 3.0

Hersiliidae

Two-Tailed Spider Identification in Australia

Flat bark-running spider with very long spinnerets that can look like two tails.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29
Use the spider identifierCheck dangerous spiders
Size5c to 20c body
Colours / marksBrown, Grey, Patterned
Web clueNo capture web
Usually foundTree trunks, bark, logs, fences and outdoor walls.

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 Two-tailed spider

  • Very long spinnerets like two tails
  • Flat body
  • Runs on bark or walls
  • Camouflaged brown or grey pattern

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Look at the rear of the spider for two long tail-like spinnerets.

When to seek medical help

Seek advice only for severe or unexpected symptoms.

Where the Two-tailed spider is usually seen in Australia

Tree trunks, bark, logs, fences and outdoor walls.

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.

  • Swift ground spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look at the rear of the spider for two long tail-like spinnerets. For the other possibility, check: Check behaviour first: running on the ground without a web points toward ground-hunting spiders.
  • Wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look at the rear of the spider for two long tail-like spinnerets. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was running on the ground rather than waiting in a web.
  • Lichen huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Look at the rear of the spider for two long tail-like spinnerets. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider blends with tree bark and has sideways huntsman legs.

Common comparisons

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

Two-tailed spider vs Swift ground spidersame region, similar sizeTwo-tailed spider vs Wolf spidersame region, similar sizeTwo-tailed spider vs Lichen huntsman spidersame region, similar colourTwo-tailed spider vs Social huntsman spidersame region, similar colour

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

NSWNew South WalesQLDQueenslandVICVictoriaWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaNTNorthern Territory

Similar spiders to compare

Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.

swift ground spider spider photoSwift ground spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourwolf spider spider photoWolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colourlichen huntsman spider spider photoLichen huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar colour, similar placesocial huntsman spider spider photoSocial huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar colour, similar place

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Two-tailed 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 Two-tailed spiderIdentify Two-tailed spider by picture cluesTwo-tailed spider bite first aid and warning signsCompare Australian spider photosIdentify Two-tailed spider in NSWIdentify Two-tailed spider in QLDIdentify Two-tailed 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

Two-tailed spider FAQ

Is the Two-tailed spider dangerous?

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

How do I identify the Two-tailed spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Very long spinnerets like two tails; Flat body; Runs on bark or walls; Camouflaged brown or grey pattern.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Two-tailed 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-tailed spider usually found?

Tree trunks, bark, logs, fences and outdoor walls.

What spiders look similar to the Two-tailed 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-tailed spider by photo?

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