What kind of peacock spider is this? (Sydney) I safely transferred him to the bush after his antics. I love how he charges up his jump, he spent some time figuring the maths out on that

Hi Team,

Sydney based.

Another one, which I'm sure is a wolf spider, but just checking.

It took off running last night when we went outside, and the dog went to grab it while I was yelling at her to leave it alone. Don't worry, no spiders were harmed in this photoshoot and shortly after it scuttled into the grass for the evening with nothing more than an inflated heart rate. Basically, what I'm trying to say is the drama surrounding this is why the photos are terrible!

Appreciate your help as always! 🥰

Melbourne, Victoria. Wife and kids petrified, they think white tail.

Sorry the pictures aren't great, the sun was in my eyes so I had to close them and hope for the best.

Been trying to learn more about spiders so I would love to know who this chunk is! Thanks :)

Sorry it's not a great photo, the tiles took most of the focus grr

The more I learn about spiders, the more I become fascinated about their biology. One of the most interesting facets of spider research to me is biomedical application which entirely reverses the stereotypes and preconceptions people often have of these remarkable animals.

For example - some of the most deadly/dangerous spiders (to humans) have venomous compounds that can be used to reduce permanent damage in stroke victims.

However, beyond application of peptides in venom, there are other exciting potential uses for spider related attributes including spider silk. One application of silk can aid in nerve regeneration. I first read about this research in Rainer Foelix, 2024.

I will openly admit that some experiments into spider biology and the knowledge we gain from them do not sit well with me. However spider silk application, especially in this regard (the military have also had a crack) is far less unethical in my mind.

BBC summary: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgngvr2ye1o

Peer reviewed research paper: (Warning: contains graphic images)

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11416034/

I have some cervicular radiopathy and very mild but possibly permanent nerve damage. The activity that led to it is something I will continue to do until I absolutely can't so I have an extra personal interest.

Hopefully of interest to neurally challenged and nerdy inspired alike.

Spotted in Perth WA

Super pretty and very small friend found in the garden!
I think it is a Union Jack wolf spider?

Next to my doorframe, don’t want to disturb if harmless. Will gently take down and move if not harmless. It’s about 1cm, just a little dude. Hopefully visible enough to identify from the abdominal markings.

St Ives, Sydney region

If it is indeed a jumping spider but I'm reasonably sure that's the case... The markings caught my attention

This was taken on maximum magnification on the phone, the size is half the size of a pin head.

Sorry it’s squished a bit… my son was going to eat him

I'm not even going to lie, I'm super paranoid of spiders in general (oooo big shock someone's scared of spiders)

But I will say the sound that left my body as I leaned over my desk, head in my hands, and felt THAT on my elbow... I can only describe as the sound of a tiny puppy after having its tail stepped on.

I didn't know I could squeal in such a high pitch, nor did I know I could squeal in the first place.

Today's also the day I learned all my misconceptions about white tails is apparently.. old wives tails. Tales....ahem. I'm still trying to unlearn all that negative stigma.

Skydiving has nothing on the adrenaline boost of a spider on your body at midnight. I'm still figuring out how the FK it got on me.

Tagged as a joke because I hope SOMEONE giggles at my freak out.

Pediana regina, from northern WA. Thought I should share some of the many photos from a trip I did a while back. Have a soft spot for huntsmen, so expect a few more.

Thought it was a tick at first glance!

Hi team,
I know these photos aren’t great for showing leg span or much more than the abdomen.
But I’m curious as to what this little fellow actually is - he sits at the top of the door frame to my shed, and has gathered quite a few brown “balls”(?)(food?)(eggsacs?) around him and he tucks his head into them to sleep.

I’ll try get some night time photos when he wakes up later, but any help in the meantime would be appreciated.
I don’t really want to relocate him but I also don’t want him squished in the door frame.

Cheers

ID please! 🙏 In the Newcastle area.
I put it safely outside already.
I’ve just moved to Australia, so I’m a bit wary about the spiders I encounter. I’ve tried searching this sub a little, but didn’t see anything similar.
I also tried using google but it gave me a species that only lives in Caribbean, so I don’t trust it.

Sorry the photo isn’t great!

Some of you have read about this in recent news media, including the ABC (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-02/spider-venom-varroa-mite-research-honey-bees/106862586).

To summarise, a parasitic mite has been devastating bee populations and has developed resistance to pesticides. Studies of various peptides in invertebrate venom have shown promising results in killing the mites in a precise and targetted way without causing harm to other individuals or the environment.

One of those invertebrates is the Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes. The other primary succesful peptides were isolated from Macrothele gigas\* (Japanese giant funnel web). Both of these spiders are endemic to one small island within their respective countries.

For those who enjoy reading more in depth science, here is the recently published submission to Nature by researchers looking into this

https://www.nature.com/articles/s44386-026-00050-9

*Apparently now *Gigathele gigas, (as of last year).