List of common spider species of Australia Facts for Kids

The Eastern Mouse Spider, a type of Mouse spider found in Australia.

Australia is home to many amazing creatures, including a huge variety of spiders and harvestmen! This article will introduce you to some of the most interesting and common types of these eight-legged animals you might find across the country. Spiders belong to an order called Araneae, and harvestmen are in the order Opiliones.

A large Huntsman spider, known for its speed and size.

Meet Australia's Spiders: Order Araneae

Spiders are fascinating creatures that play a big role in nature. They are known for spinning silk, which they use for webs, nests, and even to travel. Let's explore some of the spider families found in Australia.

Actinopodidae: Mouse Spiders

Missulena spp. (Mouse spiders): These spiders are often mistaken for funnel-web spiders. They live in burrows with trapdoors and are found across Australia.

Araneidae: Orb-Weaving Spiders

This family includes many spiders that build the classic circular, wheel-shaped webs.

Arachnura higginsii (Scorpion-tailed spider): This spider has a unique tail-like abdomen, making it look a bit like a scorpion.
Argiope keyserlingi (St Andrew's cross spider): Named for the X-shaped pattern it often weaves into its web, resembling St. Andrew's cross.
Austracantha minax (Christmas Jewel Spider): These colorful spiders are often seen around Christmas time, adding a festive touch to gardens.
Celaenia excavata (Bird-dropping spider): This clever spider looks just like a bird dropping to avoid predators. It also uses a special scent to attract male moths, which it then catches.
Cyrtophora spp. (Tent spiders): These spiders build large, tent-like webs instead of flat orb webs.
Ordgarius magnificus (Magnificent spider): This spider is known for its amazing ability to catch moths using a sticky "bolas" line.

Atracidae: Funnel-Web Spiders

These spiders are famous for their funnel-shaped burrows.

Atrax robustus (Sydney funnel-web spider): One of the most well-known and venomous spiders in Australia, found around Sydney.
Hadronyche spp. (Funnel-web spiders): This group includes many other funnel-web species found in different parts of Australia.

Barychelidae: Brushfooted Trapdoor Spiders

These spiders live in burrows and have special pads on their feet that help them climb smooth surfaces.

Idioctis spp. (Intertidal trapdoor spider): These unique spiders live in burrows that get covered by the tide!

Desidae: House Spiders

You might find these spiders around your home.

The Black house spider, often found in homes.

Badumna insignis (Black house spider): A common spider that builds messy, lacy webs in corners of windows and walls.
Badumna longinqua (Brown house spider): Similar to the black house spider but with a brownish color.

Idiopidae: Armoured Trapdoor Spiders

This family includes many types of trapdoor spiders, known for their camouflaged burrows.

Euoplos spp. (Armoured trapdoor spiders): These spiders have a hard, shield-like plate on their abdomen, giving them an "armoured" look.
Misgolas rapax (Sydney brown trapdoor spider): A common trapdoor spider found in the Sydney area.

Lamponidae: White-Tailed Spiders

Lampona cylindrata and Lampona murina (Whitetailed spider): These spiders are known for the distinct white tip on their abdomen.

Lycosidae: Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are active hunters that chase down their prey instead of using webs.

Tasmanicosa godeffroyi (Garden wolf spider): A common wolf spider often seen scurrying across gardens.

Pholcidae: Daddy Long-Legs Spiders

Pholcus phalangioides (Daddy long-legs spider): These spiders have very long, thin legs and are often found in quiet corners of homes.

Salticidae: Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders have excellent eyesight and are known for their quick, precise jumps when hunting.

Helpis minitabunda (Bronze Aussie jumper): A small, metallic-looking jumping spider.
Maratus spp. (Peacock Spiders): These tiny, colorful spiders are famous for the male's elaborate courtship dances and vibrant patterns.
Mopsus mormon (Northern Green Jumping spider): A beautiful green jumping spider found in northern Australia.

Sparassidae: Huntsman Spiders

Huntsman spiders are large, fast, and often found indoors. They don't build webs for catching prey but hunt actively.

Delena cancerides (Flat Huntsman spider, Social Huntsman Spider or Avondale spider): These spiders can live in groups, which is unusual for spiders.
Holconia immanis (Sydney Huntsman spider): A very large huntsman spider common in the Sydney region.
Neosparassus spp. (Badge Huntsman spiders and Shield Huntsman spiders): These huntsman spiders often have colorful "badges" on their undersides.

Theraphosidae: Whistling Spiders

These are Australia's tarantulas, known for making a hissing or "whistling" sound when threatened.

Selenocosmia crassipes (Coastal Whistling spider): A large, hairy spider found along the coast.
Selenotypus plumipes (Australian Featherleg spider): Named for the feathery hairs on its legs.

Theridiidae: Comb-Footed Spiders

This family includes some of the most well-known spiders.

The distinctive red stripe on a female Redback spider.

Latrodectus hasselti (Redback spider): Famous for the red stripe on the female's back, this spider is found all over Australia.
Steatoda grossa (Cupboard spider): Often mistaken for a redback, this spider is also common in homes.

Thomisidae: Crab Spiders

Crab spiders often have wide, flattened bodies and legs that extend sideways, making them look like crabs. They ambush their prey.

Thomisus spectabilis (Australian Crab Spider): A common crab spider that can change its color to match its surroundings.

Meet Australia's Harvestmen: Order Opiliones

Harvestmen are often confused with spiders, but they are different! They have one body segment (spiders have two) and don't produce silk or venom. They are also known as "daddy long-legs," but they are not the same as the daddy long-legs spiders.

Gagrellidae: Introduced Daddy-Longlegs

Nelima doriae (introduced daddy-longlegs): A common harvestman species that has been introduced to Australia.

Phalangiidae: Common Harvestmen

Spinicrus spp. (Harvestmen): These are typical harvestmen you might see in gardens or forests.

Triaenychidae: Cave Harvestmen

Hickmanoxyomma spp. (Cave harvestman): These harvestmen are adapted to living in dark cave environments.

Images for kids

The Eastern Mouse Spider, a type of Mouse spider found in Australia.
A large Huntsman spider, known for its speed and size.
The Black house spider, often found in homes.
The distinctive red stripe on a female Redback spider.

List of common spider species of Australia facts for kids

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