How to identify a spider from its web
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Recommended for kids aged 8+.
Join Dr Helen Smith, Arachnologist from the Australian Museum Research Institute, as she teaches you how to identify a spider from its web.
With a few simple household materials and the Web2Spider guide, find out which spiders live in your garden or local park.
To learn more about these arachnids, visit our spider factsheet.
This activity requires adult supervision and some assistance.
How to identify a spider from its web by the Australian Museum.
With Helen Smith, Arachnologist from the Australian Museum Research Institute.
What you need; a clean spray bottle filled with water, black cardboard, Web2Spider guide,
Step one
Locate spider webs in your backyard or local park. Spider webs need to be attached to something near where they can catch prey. Webs might be tiny or can be quite large.
Step two
Gently mist the spider web with water.
Step three
Carefully hold your black cardboard behind the web. You will be able to see the spider web.
Step four
Use the dichotomous key to identify the spider web.
Step five
Repeat these steps for other spider webs.
