Tube Spider
Misgolas robertsi
Tube Spider is a burrowing species native to Australia, often found in coastal sandy soils. It is a minor pest in residential areas due to its burrow construction.
For effective control and prevention, professional pest management is recommended.
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Tube Spider At-A-Glance
Key facts and characteristics
Complete Tube Spider Guide
Professional identification and control information
Identification
How to accurately identify Tube Spider
Expert Tips
Look for the distinctive tube-like burrow entrance and dark, glossy appearance.
Confusion Species
Similar to other burrowing spiders but distinguished by its burrow structure.
Key Identification Features
Dark brown to black color, glossy appearance, and tube-like burrow entrance.
Biology & Lifecycle
Understanding Tube Spider biology and development
Anatomy
Has eight legs, two body segments, and silk-producing spinnerets for burrow construction.
Genetics
Population genetics show low genetic diversity, typical of burrowing species.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
Eggs are laid in silk sacs within the burrow.
Adult Stage
Adults live for 1-2 years, with females often living longer.
Pupal Stage
Not applicable.
Larval Stage
Not applicable.
Development Time
4-6 weeks.
Reproduction Rate
Typically produces one generation per year.
Habitat & Distribution
Where Tube Spider lives and thrives
Hiding Spots
- burrows
- under rocks
- in sandy soils
Nesting Behavior
Constructs silk-lined burrows in sandy soils.
Preferred Habitats
- coastal sandy soils
- gardens
- residential areas
Humidity Preference
Prefers moderate humidity levels.
Nesting Requirements
Requires sandy soils for burrow construction.
Temperature Preference
Prefers warm temperatures, typical of Australian coastal regions.
Distribution Patterns
Native Range
Native to coastal regions of eastern Australia.
Climate Zones
Found in temperate and subtropical climate zones.
Urban Vs Rural
Common in both urban and rural areas, particularly in gardens.
Introduced Range
Native to Australia.
Spread Mechanism
Limited spread due to burrowing behavior and habitat specificity.
Australian States
Found in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
Establishment Factors
Thrives in sandy soils with moderate humidity.
Behavior & Diet
Tube Spider behavioral patterns and feeding habits
Social Behavior
Solitary, with each spider occupying its own burrow.
Activity Pattern
Nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt for prey.
Foraging Behavior
Ambush predator, waiting near the burrow entrance for prey.
Dispersal Behavior
Limited dispersal, as spiders are highly adapted to their burrows.
Territorial Behavior
Highly territorial, defending its burrow from intruders.
Dietary Preferences
Aphid Farming
Not applicable.
Feeding Habits
Predatory, feeding on insects and small arthropods.
Foraging Range
Limited to the immediate vicinity of its burrow.
Feeding Patterns
Nocturnal hunter, waiting near the burrow entrance for prey.
Primary Food Sources
- insects
- small arthropods
- beetles
Seasonal Diet Changes
No significant seasonal changes.
Health Risks
Health concerns associated with Tube Spider
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Allergens
None known.
Contamination Risk
Minimal, as it is not associated with food contamination.
Disease Transmission
Not a known vector.
Prevention
Proactive strategies to prevent Tube Spider infestations
Preventing tube spider entry into homes begins with exclusion, particularly in older Australian masonry and timber construction where gaps and cracks are prevalent. Tube spiders seek shelter in wall cavities, brick joints, mortar gaps, and weatherboard crevices; blocking these entry points is the most effective deterrent.
Inspect external walls of Victorian terraces, period brick homes, and older weatherboard cottages using a torch to identify hairline cracks and gaps in brickwork, cement pointing, and timber joints. Seal accessible cracks and gaps with flexible silicone caulk rated for exterior use, paying attention to shaded south-facing walls and weep holes in cavity brick walls. Install weep hole protectors — small mesh or fine-gauge covers — to restrict spider access while maintaining necessary drainage. Apply sealant around door and window perimeters and any penetrations where utilities enter the home.
Declutter outbuildings such as garden sheds and timber storage areas, as tube spiders favour dim, undisturbed spaces. Remove stacked timber, cardboard boxes, and debris piles. Maintain vegetation clearance from external walls to reduce shelter options and allow easier inspection.
No pesticide-based prevention is necessary. Environmental exclusion combined with regular visual inspection of wall cracks — particularly after winter months when females may seek protected egg-laying sites — addresses tube spider prevention in older Australian homes (https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6500/2/4/28).
Control Methods
Effective treatment options for Tube Spider control
Tube spiders of the genera Ariadna and Segestria construct silk-lined retreats in cracks and crevices of Australian masonry and timber homes but pose no pest threat and rarely require professional treatment. Physical removal is the standard approach for household encounters: locate the silk tube opening — typically a small circular entrance in a wall crack or mortar joint — and dislodge the spider into a container for outdoor relocation, or brush away the web structure. No chemical treatment is needed for isolated specimens.
To prevent re-establishment, seal the crack or crevice with silicone caulk after removal, particularly in older brick and timber homes where small gaps are common. Focus on north-facing and sheltered locations where environmental conditions favour spider activity.
Professional pest control is rarely warranted for tube spiders. If an extensive population affects many cracks across a large wall surface, an AEPMA-accredited pest manager can advise on targeted, low-toxicity options such as crack sealing combined with minor dust application to harbourage areas (https://www.aepma.com.au/). General spider control in Australia varies by property size and treatment extent; tube spiders typically require minimal or no chemical treatment, making professional costs minimal where they apply.
Professional Services
What does Tube Spider control cost?
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Seasonal Patterns
Tube Spider seasonal activity and management timing
Autumn
Activity decreases as temperatures drop, with spiders retreating deeper into burrows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tube Spider
Are Tube Spider dangerous?
Tube Spiders are not considered dangerous to humans, as their venom is mild and rarely causes significant effects.
How do I identify Tube Spider?
Look for a dark brown to black spider with a glossy appearance and a tube-like burrow entrance.
How do I control Tube Spider?
Control involves sealing burrow entrances and reducing moisture around the property to discourage habitation.
How do I identify a tube spider in my home?
Look for small circular silk-lined openings in wall cracks, mortar joints, brick cavities, and beneath weatherboard, often with fine silk tripwires radiating outward like spokes. The opening appears smooth and slightly raised. Tube spiders are small, elongated, and brown to grey in body colour. They remain hidden inside the tube and rarely emerge during daylight. Unlike web-building spiders, tube spiders do not construct orb or funnel webs; their entire structure is a linear tube with entrance tripwires.
Are tube spiders dangerous in Australia?
No. Tube spiders from the genera Ariadna and Segestria are harmless and do not cause medically significant envenomation. The only Australian spiders of established medical concern are the redback spider and the Sydney funnel-web spider; tube spiders are neither. Physical removal by brushing into a container or simply ignoring the spider is safe — no professional treatment or chemical intervention is needed.
How much does tube spider control cost in Australia?
Professional pest control for tube spiders is rarely necessary. Simple physical removal combined with sealing the crack with silicone caulk is the standard householder approach and is completely effective at minimal material cost. If professional advice is sought, an AEPMA-accredited pest manager will typically recommend exclusion (sealing) rather than chemical treatment, making the cost minimal.
When are tube spiders most active in Australia?
Tube spiders are active year-round in Australian temperate climates, but are most noticeable during autumn and early winter (March–June) when females seek sheltered cracks for egg-laying and overwintering. Males disperse in late spring and early autumn to seek mates. Juveniles emerge and disperse in late spring and early autumn. Autumn is the peak season to identify and manage populations before winter settlement.
Should I call a professional for tube spiders?
No, professional pest control is not recommended for tube spiders. They are harmless and cause no property damage. Locate the tube, use a soft brush or suction to dislodge the spider into a container for outdoor relocation, and seal the crack with flexible silicone caulk. If an unusually heavy infestation develops across many cracks — which is extremely rare — an AEPMA-accredited pest manager can confirm whether sealing alone is sufficient.
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Image Gallery
Visual identification guide for Tube Spider
Images of Tube Spider showing key identifying features: