Identify yellow sac spiders by pale colour, wandering behaviour and small silk retreats. 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.

Photo credits

Austin Campbell CC BY-SA 4.0 · Richard Bartz CC BY-SA 2.5 · 0959kedi CC0 · Mattia Menchetti CC BY 4.0

Cheiracanthium species

Yellow Sac Spider Identification in Australia

Pale yellow or straw-coloured wandering spider that makes small silk retreats.

Painful but usually not life-threateningReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

Size5c coin

Colours / marksYellow or gold, Brown

Web clueSmall silk retreat

Usually foundLeaves, walls, ceilings, gardens and indoor corners.

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 Yellow sac spider

Pale yellow to straw colour
Wandering hunter
Small silk retreat rather than capture web
Often seen on walls or foliage

Danger level

Painful but usually not life-threatening

What to check next

Check colour, small size and lack of a large capture web.

When to seek medical help

Seek medical advice for severe pain, infection signs or spreading symptoms.

Where the Yellow sac spider is usually seen in Australia

Leaves, walls, ceilings, gardens and indoor corners.

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.

Giant bark jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check colour, small size and lack of a large capture web. For the other possibility, check: Check for the jumping-spider stance, short stalking movements and bark or wall setting. Compare with generic jumping spiders, peacock spiders and tiny wall spiders if the photo is unclear.
Lynx spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check colour, small size and lack of a large capture web. For the other possibility, check: Check for spines on the legs and plant-dwelling hunting behaviour.
Orange-legged swift spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check colour, small size and lack of a large capture web. 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.

Common comparisons

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

Yellow sac spider vs Giant bark jumping spidersame region, similar size Yellow sac spider vs Lynx spidersame region, similar size Yellow sac spider vs Orange-legged swift spidersame region, similar size Yellow sac spider vs Swift ground spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

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

NSWNew South Wales QLDQueensland VICVictoria WAWestern Australia SASouth Australia NTNorthern Territory ACTAustralian Capital Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Yellow sac 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 Yellow sac spider Identify Yellow sac spider by picture clues Yellow sac spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Yellow sac spider in NSW Identify Yellow sac spider in QLD Identify Yellow sac 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.

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

Yellow sac spider FAQ

Is the Yellow sac spider dangerous?

Danger level: Painful but usually not life-threatening. Seek medical advice for severe pain, infection signs or spreading symptoms.

How do I identify the Yellow sac spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Pale yellow to straw colour; Wandering hunter; Small silk retreat rather than capture web; Often seen on walls or foliage.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Yellow sac 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 Yellow sac spider usually found?