Photo credits
Graham Wise from Brisbane, Australia CC BY 2.0 · Graham Wise from Brisbane, Australia CC BY 2.0 · Graham Wise from Brisbane, Australia CC BY 2.0
Thomisus spectabilis
White Flower Spider Identification in Australia
Small white, cream or yellow crab spider that waits on flowers with front legs held out to ambush visiting insects.
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 White flower spider / spectacular crab spider
- White, cream or yellow body
- Crab-like sideways stance
- Front legs held open on flowers
- Usually waiting on petals rather than sitting in a web
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check whether it was on a flower and holding its front legs out sideways. Compare with other flower crab spiders if the body is yellow, white or cream.
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 any bite.
Where the White flower spider / spectacular crab spider is usually seen in Australia
Flowers, garden shrubs, native vegetation, flowering plants and sunny garden edges across much 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.
- Flower spider / crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was on a flower and holding its front legs out sideways. Compare with other flower crab spiders if the body is yellow, white or cream. For the other possibility, check: Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves.
- Orange-legged swift spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was on a flower and holding its front legs out sideways. Compare with other flower crab spiders if the body is yellow, white or cream. For the other possibility, check: Check for the stop-start running behaviour, orange front legs, black-and-white markings and no capture web. Compare with swift ground spiders, wolf spiders and ant-mimic spiders if the leg colour is unclear.
- Pink flower spider / green crab spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was on a flower and holding its front legs out sideways. Compare with other flower crab spiders if the body is yellow, white or cream. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was sitting on foliage or a flower with a sideways crab posture. Compare with white flower spiders and other flower crab spiders if the body is pale or yellow.
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.
Flower spider / crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Orange-legged swift spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Pink flower spider / green crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Red-tipped square-ended crab spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the White flower spider / spectacular crab 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
White flower spider / spectacular crab spider FAQ
Is the White flower spider / spectacular crab 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 any bite.
How do I identify the White flower spider / spectacular crab spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: White, cream or yellow body; Crab-like sideways stance; Front legs held open on flowers; Usually waiting on petals rather than sitting in a web.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a White flower spider / spectacular crab 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 White flower spider / spectacular crab spider usually found?
Flowers, garden shrubs, native vegetation, flowering plants and sunny garden edges across much of Australia.
What spiders look similar to the White flower spider / spectacular crab 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 White flower spider / spectacular crab spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the White flower spider / spectacular crab spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.