Huntsman Spiders

IUCN

Not evaluated

Scientific Name：Sparassidae (e.g. Heteropoda spp.)

Basic Information

Scientific classification

name：Huntsman Spiders
Scientific Name：Sparassidae (e.g. Heteropoda spp.)
Outline：Arthropoda
Family：Sparassidae Heteropoda

Vital signs

length：Body length 1–4 cm; large species with 12–15+ cm leg span
Weight：Varies; large species may weigh several grams, smaller species hundreds of milligrams
lifetime：Typically 1–2 years; large species up to 2–3 years

Feature

Flattened, fast-running hunters; nocturnal; important predators of cockroaches and other insects around buildings.

Distribution and Habitat

Tree trunks, rocks, shrubs and human structures in tropical, subtropical and some warm-temperate regions worldwide.

Appearance

Flattened body with long laterally extended legs; brown, grey or yellowish colours with spots or bands for camouflage.

Details

Huntsman spiders are large, fast-running spiders belonging mainly to the family Sparassidae. They are common in Australia, Asia, Africa and many tropical to warm-temperate regions worldwide. With flattened bodies and long, laterally spread legs, they are adapted to living on tree trunks, rock faces, walls and inside buildings, where they actively hunt insects and other small invertebrates.

Basic Biology

Scientific scope: Family Sparassidae – huntsman spiders (e.g. Heteropoda spp.)
Size: Body length often 1–4 cm; leg span of large species can exceed 12–15 cm.
Longevity: Commonly 1–2 years; larger species may live 2–3 years under good conditions.

Ecology & Behaviour

Most huntsman spiders are nocturnal. They shelter by day under bark, stones, roofing, or behind furniture and become active at night, patrolling for cockroaches, moths, beetles and other prey. They do not build large capture webs; instead, they rely on speed, agility and good vision to overpower prey.

Venom & Human Interactions

Huntsman spiders possess venom to subdue prey. Bites to humans can be painful with local swelling, but are rarely medically serious in healthy individuals. Their size and speed can be startling, yet they are generally shy and prefer to flee rather than bite unless cornered or handled roughly.

Reproduction

Females produce a flattened or oval egg sac and may guard it in a retreat or carry it beneath the body. Spiderlings hatch and pass through several moults before dispersing, with some species remaining near the mother for a short period.

Ecological Role

By preying on cockroaches and many other insects, huntsman spiders provide valuable natural pest control in forests, orchards, farmland buildings and homes. For people uncomfortable with spiders, gently relocating individuals outdoors is usually preferable to heavy pesticide use.

References

McKeown, K.C. 1952. Australian Spiders: their lives and habits. Angus and Robertson.

York Main, B. 1976. Spiders. William Collins Publishers Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW.