Hadronyche modesta
Victorian Funnel-Web Spider Identification in Australia
Dark Victorian funnel-web spider from silk-lined burrows, with trip-line silk and a defensive rearing posture when threatened.
First aid / what to do now
- Call 000 immediately for suspected funnel-web or mouse spider bite.
- Keep the person as still as possible and do not let them walk around.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained and available.
- Splint the limb to reduce movement and wait for emergency help.
- Do not cut the wound, apply a tourniquet, or delay care while trying to identify the spider.
This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
How to identify the Victorian funnel-web spider
- Dark robust funnel-web type body
- Silk-lined burrow with radiating trip-line silk near the entrance
- May rear up defensively and expose large fangs if threatened
- Strong Victoria clue, especially damp sheltered ground, burrows, logs or garden edges
Danger level
Medical emergency potential
What to check next
Check the location and burrow clue first. If the spider is dark, robust and associated with a silk-lined burrow or trip-lines, do not handle it and compare with other funnel-web profiles and trapdoor lookalikes.
When to seek medical help
Treat any suspected funnel-web bite as urgent. Call 000, keep the person still, apply pressure immobilisation to the bitten limb if trained and available, and seek emergency care immediately.
Where the Victorian funnel-web spider is usually seen in Australia
Silk-lined burrows in damp sheltered ground, forest edges, gardens, logs, banks, rock edges and other cool protected habitats in Victoria and nearby southern regions.
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.
- Australian funnel-web spidersMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the location and burrow clue first. If the spider is dark, robust and associated with a silk-lined burrow or trip-lines, do not handle it and compare with other funnel-web profiles and trapdoor lookalikes. For the other possibility, check: Check region, burrow clues and body shape. If a bite occurred, do not wait for perfect identification.
- Blue Mountains funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of similar size, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Check the location and burrow clue first. If the spider is dark, robust and associated with a silk-lined burrow or trip-lines, do not handle it and compare with other funnel-web profiles and trapdoor lookalikes. For the other possibility, check: Check the region, burrow clues and whether the spider is glossy and heavy-bodied. Do not handle it.
- Darling Downs funnel-web spiderMay overlap because of similar size, similar colour, similar place. For this spider, check: Check the location and burrow clue first. If the spider is dark, robust and associated with a silk-lined burrow or trip-lines, do not handle it and compare with other funnel-web profiles and trapdoor lookalikes. For the other possibility, check: Check the Queensland region and whether a silk-lined retreat or damp ground habitat is involved.
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.
Australian funnel-web spidersMedical emergency potentialsame region, similar size, similar colour
Blue Mountains funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsimilar size, similar colour, similar place
Darling Downs funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsimilar size, similar colour, similar place
Port Macquarie funnel-web spiderMedical emergency potentialsimilar size, similar colour, similar placeNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Victorian funnel-web 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
Victorian funnel-web spider FAQ
Is the Victorian funnel-web spider dangerous?
Danger level: Medical emergency potential. Treat any suspected funnel-web bite as urgent. Call 000, keep the person still, apply pressure immobilisation to the bitten limb if trained and available, and seek emergency care immediately.
How do I identify the Victorian funnel-web spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Dark robust funnel-web type body; Silk-lined burrow with radiating trip-line silk near the entrance; May rear up defensively and expose large fangs if threatened; Strong Victoria clue, especially damp sheltered ground, burrows, logs or garden edges.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Victorian funnel-web spider?
Call 000. Keep the person still. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the bitten limb if trained, splint the limb, and get urgent emergency care.
Where is the Victorian funnel-web spider usually found?
Silk-lined burrows in damp sheltered ground, forest edges, gardens, logs, banks, rock edges and other cool protected habitats in Victoria and nearby southern regions.
What spiders look similar to the Victorian funnel-web 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 Victorian funnel-web spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Victorian funnel-web spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.