Huntsman spiders are known for their large size and distinctive appearance. These spiders belong to the family Sparassidae and are commonly found in warmer climates.
With more than 1,000 species of huntsman spiders worldwide, it can be challenging to differentiate between them.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at the various types of huntsman spiders, their habitat, behavior, and unique features.
What are Huntsman Spiders?
Huntsman spiders are a family of spiders that are known for their large size and distinctive appearance. They are commonly found in warm and tropical regions of the world, including Australia, Asia, Africa, and South America.
These spiders are also known as giant crab spiders, wood spiders, and rain spiders, among other names.
Huntsman spiders are so named due to their hunting and chasing behavior.
Types of Huntsman Spiders
There are more than 1,000 species of huntsman spiders worldwide, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are some of the most common types of huntsman spiders:
Common Huntsman Spider
The common huntsman spider, also known as the brown huntsman spider, is one of the most widespread species of huntsman spiders.
They are found in many parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, and Asia. These spiders are typically brown in color and can grow up to 15 centimeters in leg span.
Giant Huntsman Spider
The giant huntsman spider is one of the largest species of huntsman spiders, with a leg span of up to 30 centimeters.
These spiders are found in Laos, Vietnam, and neighboring countries. Despite their large size, they are not considered dangerous to humans.
Badge Huntsman Spider
The badge huntsman spider is found in Australia and is named for the distinctive pattern on its abdomen that resembles a badge.
These spiders are typically brown or gray and can grow up to 10 centimeters in leg span.
Banded Huntsman Spider
The banded huntsman spider is found in Australia and is named for the distinctive banding on its legs. These spiders are typically brown or gray and can grow up to 15 centimeters in leg span.
Dwarf Huntsman Spider
The dwarf huntsman spider is one of the smallest species of huntsman spiders, with a leg span of up to 4 centimeters. These spiders are found in Australia.
Yellow Banded Huntsman Spider
The yellow banded huntsman spider is found in Australia and is named for the distinctive yellow banding on its legs. These spiders can grow up to 12 centimeters in leg span and are typically brown in color.
Red Huntsman Spider
The red huntsman spider is found in Australia and is named for its red-colored body. These spiders can grow up to 15 centimeters in leg span and are commonly found in gardens and forests.
Six-Spotted Huntsman Spider
The six-spotted huntsman spider is found in Australia and is named for the six distinctive spots on its abdomen. These spiders can grow up to 12 centimeters in leg span and are typically brown or gray in color.
Social Huntsman Spider
The social huntsman spider is found in Australia and is unique among huntsman spiders because it lives in communal groups. These spiders can grow up to 12 centimeters in leg span and are typically brown in color.
Elegant Huntsman Spider
The elegant huntsman spider is found in Asia and is named for its delicate and slender appearance. These spiders can grow up to 10 centimeters in leg span and are typically brown or gray in color.
Habitat of Huntsman Spiders
Huntsman spiders are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and urban areas.
They prefer warm and humid environments, and they are often found in homes and buildings, where they can hide in dark corners and crevices.
Hunting and Feeding Habits
Huntsman spiders are ambush predators that hunt for prey at night. They do not spin webs but instead rely on their speed and agility to catch their prey.
Huntsman spiders feed on a variety of insects and other arthropods, including cockroaches, crickets, and moths.
Venom of Huntsman Spiders
Huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans, and their venom is not known to be harmful.
While huntsman spiders can deliver a bite, they are generally not aggressive and will only bite in self-defense.
How to Identify a Huntsman Spider
Huntsman spiders can be identified by their large size and distinctive appearance.
They have long, spindly legs and flattened bodies. The coloration of huntsman spiders varies depending on the species, but they are typically brown or gray in color.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Huntsman spiders mate during the warmer months, and females lay their eggs in a silken sac. The female huntsman spider will guard her eggs until they hatch, and she may even carry the sac with her as she hunts for prey. The young spiders will stay with their mother until they are large enough to hunt on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are huntsman spiders dangerous to humans?
Huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans, and their venom is not known to be harmful. While huntsman spiders can deliver a bite, they are generally not aggressive and will only bite in self-defense.
How can I prevent huntsman spiders from entering my home?
To prevent huntsman spiders from entering your home, seal up any cracks or gaps around windows and doors. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, and store firewood and other materials away from your house.
Do huntsman spiders make good pets?
Huntsman spiders are not typically kept as pets, as they require a large amount of space and can be difficult to care for.
How long do huntsman spiders live?
The lifespan of huntsman spiders varies depending on the species, but most live for several years.
How can I safely remove a huntsman spider from my home?
To safely remove a huntsman spider from your home, use a glass or jar to trap the spider and then slide a piece of paper or cardboard under the opening to capture the spider inside. Release the spider outside, away from your home.
Huntsman spiders are a diverse group of spiders found around the world. With their large size and distinctive appearance, they can be both fascinating and intimidating to observe.
While they may seem intimidating, huntsman spiders are generally harmless and play an important role in controlling insect populations.
By understanding more about these spiders and their habits, we can learn to coexist with them safely and respectfully.