Spider Species in Australia: A Complete Guide

Australia is home to a wide variety of spider species, ranging from harmless garden spiders to some of the most venomous creatures in the world. While most Australian spiders are not dangerous to humans, it’s essential to understand the different species that might be found in and around your home. By knowing what to look for and how to stay safe, you can better manage your environment and reduce the risk of encounters with these fascinating, yet sometimes dangerous, arachnids.

In this article, we will explore the common spider species in Australia, their behaviours, habitats, and what to do if you encounter them. Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or rural areas, it’s essential to be informed about the spiders around you.

Common Australian Spider Species

Australia is home to a variety of spider species, some of which can be dangerous to humans. Let’s take a closer look at the most well-known species:

1. Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)

Easily recognisable, the Redback Spider is a highly venomous species often found in backyards and sheds.

• Appearance: Black body with a red stripe on the back. Their body measures up to 1 cm in length, with a characteristic, elongated abdomen.
  
• Habitat: Prefers sheltered, outdoor areas such as sheds, garden sheds, and outdoor furniture.
  
• Risk: The bite is venomous and can cause severe pain, nausea, and muscle weakness. Antivenom is available, and prompt medical attention is needed for treatment.

2. Funnel Web Spider (Atrax robustus)

The Funnel Web Spider is notorious for its venomous bite and is one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia.

• Appearance: Shiny black with a robust, muscular body and a smooth, rounded shape. Males are smaller than females, with their bodies reaching up to 2 cm in length.
  
• Habitat: Commonly found in moist, sheltered environments such as gardens, under rocks, and in bushland. They build funnel-shaped webs leading to their burrows.
  
• Risk: The bite of a Funnel Web Spider is highly venomous and can lead to death if not treated immediately. Symptoms include severe pain, sweating, and muscle spasms. Antivenom is available and should be administered promptly.

3. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)

Known for their large size and speed, the Huntsman Spider is often found inside homes, especially in warm weather.

• Appearance: Large, with a flat body and long legs. They range in colour from grey to brown, with varying patterns and markings.
  
• Habitat: Prefers both indoor and outdoor environments, often hiding in sheds, garages, and under furniture.
  
• Risk: Though large and intimidating, they are harmless to humans. Their bite may cause mild pain and swelling, but it is not dangerous.

4. Mouse Spider (Missulena)

Often mistaken for a small Funnel Web Spider, the Mouse Spider is another venomous species that requires caution.

• Appearance: Compact, with a stout body. They are typically black or brown with a glossy sheen.
  
• Habitat: Prefers dry, sandy soil areas and burrows into the ground or under rocks.
  
• Risk: The bite is highly venomous, leading to pain, swelling, and in severe cases, paralysis. Immediate medical attention is required if bitten.

5. Red-Headed Mouse Spider (Missulena occatoria)

Similar to the Mouse Spider but distinguished by its bright red head, the Red-Headed Mouse Spider is a venomous species.

• Appearance: Black or dark brown body with a vivid red to orange head.
  
• Habitat: Found in sandy soils or burrows in gardens and bushland areas.
  
• Risk: Like the Mouse Spider, its bite can be dangerous. Symptoms include severe pain, sweating, and nausea. Medical attention is essential.

6. Black House Spider (Badumna insignis)

The Black House Spider is commonly found in homes, making it one of the most familiar spiders in Australia.

• Appearance: These spiders are dark, ranging from black to brown, with a slightly lighter abdomen. They have a smooth, shiny exoskeleton and grow to about 1 cm in body length.
  
• Habitat: Typically found in sheltered, undisturbed areas inside homes, especially in sheds, garages, and dark corners near windows and doors.
  
• Risk: The Black House Spider’s bite can cause mild pain and swelling, though it is rarely dangerous. Its venom can cause a localised reaction, but bites are usually not life-threatening.

7. White-Tailed Spider (Lampona cylindrata)

The White-Tailed Spider is a common sight in Australian homes, particularly in bathrooms and laundry rooms.

• Appearance: Typically dark brown or grey with a prominent white mark on the tip of the abdomen. The body measures around 1-2 cm in length, and they have long, thin legs.
  
• Habitat: Prefers dark, sheltered areas in homes, such as under furniture, behind curtains, and in damp, undisturbed spots like bathrooms and laundry rooms.
  
• Risk: While not deadly, the White-Tailed Spider’s bite can lead to pain, mild swelling, and redness. In some rare cases, a bacterial infection may occur if the wound is not cleaned correctly.

8. Daddy Long Legs Spider (Pholcus phalangioides)

Known for its long, fragile legs, the Daddy Long Legs Spider is a common sight in Australian homes, often found in corners of ceilings or basements.

• Appearance: Extremely long legs, making up to 10 times the length of its body. The body is small, typically pale yellow to brown.
  
• Habitat: Found in dark, undisturbed areas of homes such as corners, basements, or attics, where they construct tangled webs.
  
• Risk: These spiders are harmless and non-venomous to humans. While their bite can cause mild irritation, it is not dangerous.

9. Garden Orb-Weaving Spider (Eriophora transmarina)

This spider is a master of weaving its circular webs in gardens and vegetation.

• Appearance: Large, with a spherical abdomen that is typically green or yellow, adorned with black markings. Its legs are long and spindly.
  
• Habitat: Found in gardens, bushes, and trees, where they spin large, circular webs to catch flying insects.
  
• Risk: Harmless to humans, though their bite may cause mild irritation or redness if provoked. Their webs are fascinating but not dangerous.

10. St Andrew’s Cross Spider (Argiope keyserlingi)

The St Andrew’s Cross Spider is easy to spot due to its distinctive cross-shaped web.

• Appearance: Large, with a yellow and black striped abdomen and long, spindly legs.
  
• Habitat: Found in gardens and other vegetated areas where they spin their signature cross-shaped webs.
  
• Risk: Harmless to humans, although their bite may cause mild irritation. They are often admired for their web-building skills rather than feared.

11. Tarantulas (Selenocosmia)

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that evoke a sense of awe, though they are relatively harmless.

• Appearance: Large, with a stocky body and thick, hairy legs. They range from brown to black.
  
• Habitat: Prefers forests, caves, and rocky outcrops, where they create burrows to hide.
  
• Risk: Non-venomous enough to harm humans. Their bite can cause pain and swelling, but it is not life-threatening.

12. Trapdoor Spider (Cycloctenus)

Trapdoor Spiders are known for their unique burrow structures, where they trap prey and often surprise unwary visitors.

• Appearance: Small to medium-sized, brown or grey, with a thick body and short, stocky legs.
  
• Habitat: Prefers dry, sheltered environments, often hiding under rocks or logs.
  
• Risk: Though venomous, their bite is rarely dangerous. Symptoms are typically mild, causing local irritation.

13. Wolf Spider (Lycosa)

Known for their hunting abilities, Wolf Spiders are active hunters and do not rely on webs to catch prey.

• Appearance: Large, with long legs and a robust, brown body. They are often marked with darker stripes.
  
• Habitat: Found in grassy areas, forests, and under rocks or logs.
  
• Risk: Non-venomous to humans, although their bite can cause minor irritation or swelling.

14. Scorpions (1100 Species)

While not technically spiders, scorpions are arachnids and are often found in arid regions of Australia.

• Appearance: Small to medium in size, with pincers and a tail ending in a stinger.
  
• Habitat: Prefers dry, arid environments, often hiding under rocks or in crevices.
  
• Risk: Most Australian scorpions are not dangerous, but their sting may cause pain and swelling. In rare cases, a stronger reaction may occur, requiring medical attention.

15. Tree Funnel Web Spider (Hadronyche formidabilis)

A close relative of the Funnel Web Spider, this species is also highly venomous.

• Appearance: Smaller than the Funnel Web Spider but shares the same shiny, black body.
  
• Habitat: Found in trees or shrubbery in bushland areas.
  
• Risk: Its bite can be deadly, causing severe symptoms similar to those of the Funnel Web Spider. Immediate medical attention is necessary.

16. Harvestman Spider (Opiliones)

Often mistaken for spiders, Harvestmen are arachnids with distinctive, long, slender legs.

• Appearance: With long, spindly legs and a small, rounded body, they are usually pale brown to yellowish in colour.
  
• Habitat: Found in leaf litter, under rocks, and in dense vegetation. They prefer cool, moist areas.
  
• Risk: Non-venomous, and while their appearance may be unsettling, they pose no danger to humans.

Conclusion

Australia’s spider species are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit. Whether venomous or harmless, each species plays an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. By understanding their characteristics and behaviours, you can navigate the Australian environment with confidence and safety. This expanded guide ensures comprehensive coverage of each species, helping you better identify them, understand their habitats, and know how to react to potential bites. With proper knowledge, you’ll be equipped to coexist safely with Australia’s incredible spider species.

If you’re concerned about spiders in your home or garden, pest control is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Effective spider control measures include regular cleaning, sealing cracks and gaps, and using spider traps. A pest control expert can assess your situation and apply targeted treatments to eliminate spiders safely.