Top 6 most dangerous spiders in Australia

Australia’s spider reputation is bigger than its bite, with close to 3,000 species crawling around the country. Considered one of the most spider-filled nations, Australia is home to an array of spiders coming in various shapes, sizes and colours, with some even listed as the most venomous in the world.

In what might be considered good news, the majority are harmless and not all bite. Unlike mosquitoes, bed bugs and fleas, spiders only bite as a defence mechanism. Minor symptoms of a spider bite can include itching and minor rashes.

However, some spider bites can cause serious harm and require immediate first aid, with some even needing emergency treatment and hospital observation.

If you have been bitten by a spider, please contact your closest medical professional
for the correct and most suitable treatment.

Funnel web spiders can be quite aggressive when threatened. The Sydney Funnel Web Spider is one of the world’s most deadly spiders as they carry one of the most dangerous toxins. They burrow in humid sheltered places and are known to enter homes when looking for a mate.

Redback spider

Redback spiders hide in sheltered dry places such as mailboxes and garden sheds. Most serious bites come from the female species. As their name suggests, red back spiders can be identified by the red stripe located on the back of their black body.

White tail spider

White tail spiders are hunters and wander about at night and can be found in natural and urban areas, preferring cool moist locations like garden mulch. They are generally dark red or grey with dark orange banded legs.

Mouse spider

Mouse spiders are usually found in burrows and near waterways. They are often mistaken for the Funnel Web Spider but can be distinguished by their pronounced compact, squat and huge fang sheaths at the front of the head area.

Mouse spiders are often active during the day time (not nocturnal like other spider species!)

Black house spider

The black house spider prefer dry areas such as window frames, eaves, gutters and sheds. They love electric lights as they attract their favourite foods such as mosquitoes and moths.

Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are a shy species that hide in burrows and are definitely ground dwellers, often covered in leaf litter and garden areas.