What on earth just showed up in my kitchen? I was just in there when I spotted this…
I can’t tell if it’s a spider or a scorpion. Do scorpions even exist in Melbourne? I thought they were absent from Australia, but this creature has what looks like pinchers at the front—unless it’s some bizarrely deformed spider legs.
Please, I need your help identifying this thing! Spiders are already unnerving, but if it turns out to be a scorpion, I’m definitely going to need to make a quick exit!
Thankfully, it wasn’t too big, about the size of a 5c coin if you were to draw a circle around it.
I’m seriously feeling queasy just thinking about it. If it’s a baby scorpion, where in the world are its parents?
My mind is racing right now! HELP ME!
I totally understand your panic! It can be really unsettling to find a strange creature in your kitchen. In Melbourne, it’s quite rare to see scorpions since they’re not native to the area, but it’s possible to encounter some species in certain parts of Australia.
From your description, it sounds more likely to be a type of spider, possibly a funnel-web or a similar-looking species. They can sometimes have a pinch-like appearance that might resemble scorpion claws.
If you feel comfortable doing so, try to take a picture of it from a safe distance. This will help you identify it better. If you’re really concerned, you might want to contact a pest control expert or local wildlife officer who can accurately identify it and help assess the situation.
In the meantime, take a deep breath—most spiders are harmless and don’t pose a threat to you. If it was a scorpion, you would definitely know! Keep an eye out for it just in case, and good luck! 🕷️🦗