Spiders in Melbourne

In Melbourne, the humid conditions are very suitable for spiders due to the wide variety of prey to feed on, including insects and other spiders. They are visible during the summer, especially after a shower of rain. The most commonly seen spiders include the white-tailed spiders, huntsman spiders, and house spiders.

Spiders in Melbourne Identification Chart

Table Of Content hide

Common Spiders in Melbourne

Biggest Spiders in Melbourne

Most Dangerous Spiders in Melbourne

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Melbourne

Black House Spider

Garden Wolf Spider

Long Bodied Cellar Spider

Biggest Spiders in Melbourne

Flat Huntsman Spider

Lichen Huntsman Spider

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Most Dangerous Spiders in Melbourne

Redback Spider

White-tailed Spider

Black House Spider

Most Venomous Spiders

Comb-Footed Spiders

Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasseltii) - The Redback spider, often called the Australian black widow, comes from places in Australia. Nowadays, you can find it all over Australia and even in New Zealand.… Continue Reading >

Huntsman Spiders

Avondale (Delena cancerides) - The Avondale spider comes from the huntsman spider family. It got its name from a place called Avondale in Auckland. Some people also call it the social huntsman or flat huntsman spider.… Continue Reading >

Lichen Huntsman Spider (Pandercetes gracilis)

House Spiders

Black House (Badumna insignis) - The Black House Spider, sometimes called the common black spider, calls Australia home. But, you can also spot them in Japan and New Zealand. They have a dark, strong look but are quite shy.… Continue Reading >

Wolf Spiders

Garden Wolf Spider (Tasmanicosa godeffroyi)
Little Striped Wolf Spider (Venatrix furcillata)

White‐Tailed Spiders

White-tailed (Lampona cylindrata & Lampona murina) - Discover the intriguing world of the white-tailed spider, known scientifically as Lampona murina and Lampona cylindrata. Both these spiders hail from the Lampona genus, which means ‘to shine’.… Continue Reading >

Australian Funnel-web Spiders

Victorian Funnel-web Spider (Hadronyche modesta)

Mouse Spiders

Red-headed Mouse Spider (Missulena occatoria)
Eastern Mouse Spider (Missulena bradleyi)

Less Venomous Spiders

Cellar Spiders

Long Bodied Cellar (Pholcus phalangioides) - The long-bodied cellar spiders are quite interesting! Often seen in America's dark and damp spots, they have really long legs. This is why some folks call them daddy-long-legs.… Continue Reading >

House Spiders

Grey House (Badumna longinqua) - The Grey house spider is a fascinating creature from the Desidae family, originally from eastern Australia. But guess what? These spiders have traveled far and wide!… Continue Reading >

Wishbone Spiders

Melbourne Trapdoor Spider (Stanwellia grisea)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common spiders found in Melbourne homes?

The most common spiders found inside Melbourne homes are the Huntsman, White-tailed spider, Black House spider, and the Long-bodied Cellar spider. These species are well-adapted to urban environments, often seeking shelter and insect prey indoors, especially during the warmer and more humid months of the year.

Are there dangerous venomous spiders in Melbourne?

Yes, Melbourne is home to several medically significant venomous spiders, including the Redback spider and the Victorian Funnel-web spider. The Red-headed Mouse spider also possesses potent venom. While bites are uncommon, they require immediate medical attention, so caution is always advised when encountering these species.

Why do I see more spiders in Melbourne during summer?

You see more spiders in Melbourne during summer because the warm, humid conditions are ideal for their activity and breeding. This weather also increases the population of insects, which are the spiders’ primary food source. They are often more visible after a summer rain shower has disturbed their habitats.

How can you identify a Huntsman spider in Melbourne?

You can typically identify a Huntsman spider by its large size, long legs that spread out sideways in a crab-like fashion, and a flattened body. They are usually grey or brown and are known for their incredible speed. Unlike other spiders, they do not build webs to catch prey.

Is the White-tailed spider in Melbourne dangerous to humans?

A White-tailed spider bite can be dangerous, causing immediate localized pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site. While past claims linking their bites to severe skin ulcers are now largely unsubstantiated by scientific evidence, it is still advisable to seek medical advice if you are bitten.

What is the biggest spider found in the Melbourne area?

The biggest spider found in the Melbourne area, based on leg span, is the Huntsman spider. Species such as the Flat Huntsman and Lichen Huntsman can appear very large and intimidating. Despite their size, they are generally timid towards humans and are not considered to be highly dangerous.

Are Victorian Funnel-web spiders common in Melbourne?

The Victorian Funnel-web spider (Hadronyche modesta) is found in the Melbourne region, particularly in areas like the Dandenong Ranges. While not as aggressive as its Sydney relative, its bite is still considered medically significant and requires immediate professional medical treatment. They prefer cool, moist, and sheltered habitats.

Spiders in Melbourne

Common Spiders in Melbourne

Biggest Spiders in Melbourne

Most Dangerous Spiders in Melbourne