The city of Brisbane and the areas around it are home to several species of spiders. Some of these are pretty dangerous, notably the white-tailed and redback spiders, whose bites can cause serious harm due to the potency of their venom. However, most aren’t aggressive and will avoid human contact if possible. They remain out of sight throughout most of the year, becoming visible during summer.
Spiders in Brisbane Identification Chart
Common Spiders in Brisbane
Biggest Spider in Brisbane
| Queensland Whistling Tarantula |
— |
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Most Dangerous Spiders in Brisbane
| Redback Spider |
White-tailed Spider |
Garden Orb Web Spider |
Most Venomous Spiders
Orb-Weaver Spiders
Australian Funnel-web Spiders
- Toowoomba Funnel-web Spider (Hadronyche infensa)
- Greater Lamington Funnel-web Spider (Hadronyche valida)
- Lesser Lamington Funnel-web Spider (Hadronyche lamingtonensis)
- Monteith’s Funnel-web Spider (Hadronyche monteithi)
- Wet Tropics Funnel-web Spider (Hadronyche anzses)
- Conondale Funnel-web Spider (Hadronyche raveni)
Huntsman Spiders
- Lichen Huntsman Spider (Pandercetes gracilis)
House Spiders
Wolf Spiders
- Little Striped Wolf Spider (Venatrix furcillata)
Mouse Spiders
- Eastern Mouse Spider (Missulena bradleyi)
Comb-Footed Spiders
White‐Tailed Spiders
Australian Tarantulas
- Queensland Whistling Tarantula (Selenocosmia crassipes)
Less Venomous Spiders
Armored Trapdoor Spiders
- Regal Golden Trapdoor Spider (Euoplos regalis)
- Euoplos raveni
- Euoplos booloumba
- Euoplos jayneae
- Red-fanged Black Trapdoor Spider (Euoplos schmidti)
Orb-Weaver Spiders
Cellar Spiders
Trapdoor Spiders
- Brisbane Trapdoor Spider (Arbanitis longipes)
Jumping Spiders
Lynx Spiders
Frequently Asked Questions
The most
common house spiders in Brisbane are the Black House Spider and the Long-Bodied Cellar Spider. These species are frequently found in homes, building their webs in quiet, undisturbed areas like corners, window frames, and sheds. They generally avoid human contact and are not considered aggressive.
The biggest spider in the Brisbane region is the Queensland Whistling Tarantula. This large, ground-dwelling spider is known for its impressive size and the hissing sound it makes when threatened. Despite its intimidating appearance, it typically resides in burrows and is not commonly encountered inside homes.
The most dangerous spiders in Brisbane include the Redback Spider, various species of Funnel-web spiders, and the White-tailed Spider. These spiders possess medically significant venom that can cause severe reactions. It is crucial to be cautious in gardens, sheds, and other sheltered areas where they might hide.
Yes, several species of funnel-web spiders are a threat in and around Brisbane, including the Toowoomba and Lamington Funnel-webs. Their venom is highly toxic to humans, and a bite constitutes a medical emergency. These spiders often build burrows in moist, sheltered locations in gardens and bushland.
You can identify a female Redback spider by its distinct black, pea-shaped body and a prominent red or orange stripe on its abdomen. They build messy, tangled webs in dry, sheltered locations such as under outdoor furniture, in mailboxes, or within sheds. Males are much smaller and less dangerous.
Spiders become more visible in Brisbane during summer because the warmer weather increases their activity levels and breeding cycles. This leads them to move around more actively in search of mates and food. Increased insect populations during this season also provide a more abundant food source for them.
Yes, a bite from a White-tailed spider in Brisbane is considered medically significant. While not typically life-threatening, their venom can cause immediate localized pain, swelling, and itchiness. In some cases, blistering or ulceration may occur, so seeking medical advice after a bite is recommended for proper care.