Spiders

Below is some general information about various types of spiders found in Australia.

The text below is for general information purposes only.

Should you be bitten by a spider of any kind, contact a doctor or hospital immediately.

 

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Brown trapdoor spiders are often mistaken for Funnel Web spiders but their bites are not dangerous - local pain and swelling may occur.

The same goes for the Sigillate Trapdoor Spider, although there is one report of unspecified "severe effects".
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

 

 

 

 

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The funnel web's bite is dangerous and can cause serious illness or death. The male venom is more toxic than the female and initial symptoms include local pain, mouth numbness, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating and salivation. There is an anti-venom available.
Bites are usually on a limb. Immediate action should be taken to apply a pressure bandage and immobilise the bitten limb by splinting. Restrict the movement of the victim. If possible, capture the spider for positive identification.

 

 

 

 

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Wolf spider bites are usually minor with local pain or itchiness. Less commonly, symptoms can include swelling, prolonged pain, dizziness, rapid pulse and nausea. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

 

 

 

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Redback bites occur frequently. They can cause serious illness and have caused deaths. Because of their small jaws, many bites are ineffective. Common early symptoms are pain, sweating (always including local sweating at the bite site), muscular weakness, nausea and vomiting. An anti-venom is available - no deaths have occurred since its introduction.
Apply an ice pack to the bitten area to relieve the pain. Do not apply a pressure bandage (venom movement is slow and pressure worsens pain). If possible, collect the spider for positive identification. Seek medical attention.

 

 

 

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Mouse spider venom may be very toxic, but only one serious envenomation has been recorded, other bites causing minor effects. Funnel Web spider anti-venom may be effective.
Until more toxicity data is available it is prudent to treat as for funnel web spider bites, especially if the victim is a child. Where possible, collect the spider for positive identification.

 

 

 

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Bites are not common and symptoms are usually minor, including local pain and swelling. Symptoms may also include headache, dizziness, sweating, nausea and local skin ulceration, though most such reports relate to overseas experience.
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

 

 

 

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Symptoms are usually confined to local mind stinging or burning pain, sometimes followed by development of an itchy lump. Less commonly, bites result in swelling, discolouration and local ulceration, sometimes with nausea and vomiting. There is no conclusive evidence that these spiders regularly cause significant skin damage or ulceration.
An ice pack may relieve local pain. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

 

 

 

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These are timid spiders with bites occurring infrequently, but may be quite painful with local swelling. Nausea, vomiting, sweating and giddiness sometimes occur.
Use an ice pack to relieve local pain and seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Males are often much smaller than females and both are reluctant to bite. Symptoms are usually negligible or local pain only with numbness and swelling with occasional nausea and dizziness. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

 

 

 

 

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Bites usually result only in transient local pain and swelling. However, some Shield Huntsman Spider bites can result in prolonged pain, inflammation, headache, vomiting and irregular pulse rate.
An ice pack may relieve local pain, however, seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.