Cryptachaea gigantipes
White Porch Spider Identification in Australia
Pale comb-footed spider with very long front legs, often found in tangled webs under eaves, porches and sheltered house edges.
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 porch spider
- Pale cream to amber spider with darker markings
- Extremely long front legs
- Tangled web under eaves, porches, verandas or sheltered walls
- Related to redbacks and cupboard spiders but usually much paler
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check whether it was resting in a loose, visible web under an eave or porch, with very long front legs and a pale body. Compare carefully with redbacks and cupboard spiders if the web is messy.
When to seek medical help
Bites appear uncommon and are not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, swelling, allergic symptoms, infection signs or if you are unsure what bit you.
Where the White porch spider is usually seen in Australia
Eaves, verandas, porches, outside walls, window frames, sheltered house edges, rock overhangs, cave entrances and similar protected sites along eastern and south-eastern 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.
- Diamond comb-footed spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was resting in a loose, visible web under an eave or porch, with very long front legs and a pale body. Compare carefully with redbacks and cupboard spiders if the web is messy. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the spider is much smaller than a redback and sitting in a small messy web on plants or sheltered structures. A close photo is often needed for this group.
- Common house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was resting in a loose, visible web under an eave or porch, with very long front legs and a pale body. Compare carefully with redbacks and cupboard spiders if the web is messy. For the other possibility, check: Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking.
- Brown house spider / cupboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was resting in a loose, visible web under an eave or porch, with very long front legs and a pale body. Compare carefully with redbacks and cupboard spiders if the web is messy. For the other possibility, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.
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.
Diamond comb-footed spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Common house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Brown house spider / cupboard spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Redback spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar placeNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the White porch 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 porch spider FAQ
Is the White porch spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Bites appear uncommon and are not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, swelling, allergic symptoms, infection signs or if you are unsure what bit you.
How do I identify the White porch spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Pale cream to amber spider with darker markings; Extremely long front legs; Tangled web under eaves, porches, verandas or sheltered walls; Related to redbacks and cupboard spiders but usually much paler.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a White porch 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 porch spider usually found?
Eaves, verandas, porches, outside walls, window frames, sheltered house edges, rock overhangs, cave entrances and similar protected sites along eastern and south-eastern Australia.
What spiders look similar to the White porch 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 porch spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the White porch spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.