huntsman spider size:Adult specimens have a body length of 2.2 to 2.8 cm (about 1 inch), and have a leg span of 7 to 12 cm (3 to 5 inches) . Adult females have a larger body size, especially the abdomen, than males.
are huntsman spiders dangerous：Despite their often large and hairy appearance, huntsman spiders are not considered to be dangerous spiders . As with most spiders, they do possess venom, and a bite may cause some ill effects. However, they are quite reluctant to bite, and will usually try to run away rather than be aggressive.Huntsmen spiders are one of Australia’s best-known spiders and are particularly terrifying to arachnophobes due to their size, speed, and fondness for human housing. Although their regular diet is bugs and other invertebrates, there’s no shortage of people who’ve experienced a huntsman spider bite.
Huntsmen are an iconic species in Australia, as they’re large, distinctive, and quite common. They’ve loaned their name to everything from automotive parts companies to warrior bands in fantasy literature. They’re also a source of particular terror to tourists, who generally aren’t used to spiders the size of your palm lurking on the roof above your bed.But ironically, they’re also one of the most harmless spider species and one you might want to consider leaving alive to roam your house.
Introduction
Australian Huntsman spiders belong to the Family Sparassidae (formerly Heteropodidae) and are famed as being the hairy so-called ‘tarantulas’ on house walls that terrify people by scuttling out from behind curtains.
Identification
Huntsman spiders are large, long-legged spiders. They are mostly grey to brown, sometimes with banded legs. Many huntsman spiders, especially Delena (the flattest), and including Isopeda, Isopedella and Holconia, have rather flattened bodies adapted for living in narrow spaces under loose bark or rock crevices. This is aided by their legs which, instead of bending vertically in relation to the body, have the joints twisted so that they spread out forwards and laterally in crab-like fashion (‘giant crab spiders’). Both Brown (Heteropoda) and Badge (Neosparassus) Huntsman spiders have less flattened bodies.
Brown Huntsman (Heteropoda species) spiders are patterned in motley brown, white and black.
Habitat
Huntsman Spiders are found living under loose bark on trees, in crevices on rock walls and in logs, under rocks and slabs of bark on the ground, and on foliage. Dozens of the social huntsman species, Delena cancerides, can be seen sitting together under bark on dead trees and stumps (notably wattles) but they can also be found on the ground under rocks and bark slabs.
Huntsman spiders of many species sometimes enter houses. They are also notorious for entering cars, and being found hiding behind sun visors or running across the dashboard.
Distribution
These genera are generally widely distributed throughout Australia, although Heteropoda is absent from most of Southeastern Australia and Tasmania has only a few Huntsman species, notably Delena cancerides and Neosparassus sp.
Life history cycle
The female Huntsman (Isopeda, for example) produces a flat, oval egg sac of white papery silk, and lays up to 200 eggs. She then places it under bark or a rock, and stands guard over it, without eating, for about three weeks. During this period the female can be quite aggressive and will rear up in a defensive display if provoked. Some species will even carry their egg sac under their bodies while moving about. Delena females lay a ground-sheet of silk upon which the egg sac is anchored while the eggs are laid into it. They will then complete her egg sac and pick it up, leaving the silk ground-sheet behind. Incubation periods vary and are probably influenced by climatic conditions.
In some cases (Isopeda), the female may moisten and tear the egg sac open, helping her spiderlings to emerge. The mother stays with them for several weeks. Young Huntsman spiders are pale. They undergo several moults while still with their mother, hardening to a darker brown, and eventually disperse.
Huntsman spiders, like all spiders, moult in order to grow and often their old skin may be mistaken for the original spider when seen suspended on bark or in the house.
The lifespan of most Huntsman species is about two years or more. Discover more about spider survival.
Breeding behaviours
In the genus Isopoda, the male and female Huntsman spiders have a lengthy courtship, which involves mutual caresses, with the male drumming his palps on the trunk of a tree. He then inserts his palps into the female to fertilise her eggs. The male is rarely attacked, unlike some other species, and in fact many huntsman spiders live peacefully together in large colonies. A silken retreat is often built for egg laying, as well as for moulting.
Predators
Predators of Huntsman Spiders include birds and geckoes, Spider Wasps, nematode worms and egg parasites (wasps and flies).
Danger to humans
A cold pack may relieve local pain. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
do huntsman spiders bite，Are huntsman spiders aggressive?
Huntsman spiders are generally not considered to be aggressive towards humans. They are shy creatures that will often try to escape if they sense a threat, rather than attacking. However, they can become defensive if they feel threatened or cornered, and they may bite if they feel that their life is in danger.
It’s important to note that Huntsman spiders are not considered to be dangerous to humans. Their venom is not strong enough to cause significant harm in healthy adults, although it can cause mild symptoms such as pain and swelling at the bite site. In rare cases, their venom may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a rapid heartbeat after a bite.
Huntsman spiders are not aggressive by nature, but they may bite if they feel threatened or cornered. While their venom is not considered to be dangerous to healthy adults, it is still best to avoid contact with them whenever possible to reduce the risk of a bite. If you do experience symptoms after a bite, it’s important to seek medical attention.
What do huntsman spiders do?
Huntsman spiders are active predators that play a critical role in maintaining balance in their ecosystem. They feed on a variety of small animals, including insects, spiders, and even small mammals and birds, helping to control populations of these species.
In addition to hunting and feeding, Huntsman spiders also play an important role in pollination and seed dispersal. Some species are known to carry pollen on their bodies, which they transfer from flower to flower as they move about. This helps to ensure the survival and reproduction of plants in their ecosystem.
Huntsman spiders are also known for their distinctive behavior and fast, agile movements. They use their long, spindly legs to move quickly and easily, and they are able to navigate through tight spaces and climb on walls and trees. They are also known for their ability to “run” across flat surfaces, which allows them to escape from danger or pursue prey.
Another important aspect of the biology of Huntsman spiders is their ability to reproduce. Female Huntsman spiders lay eggs in silk sacs, which are often hidden in crevices or protected in other ways. The eggs hatch into spiderlings, which grow and mature over time, reaching full size and sexual maturity after several molts.
Huntsman spiders play a critical role in maintaining balance in their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of small animals and helping to control populations of these species. They are also important pollinators and seed dispersers, and they are known for their fast, agile movements and distinctive behavior. Additionally, they are able to reproduce, laying eggs and hatching into spiderlings that grow and mature over time.
Do huntsman spiders spin webs?
Huntsman spiders are not known for spinning webs. Instead, they are hunting spiders that rely on their speed, agility, and hunting skills to catch their prey.
Unlike other spider species, such as orb weavers or cobweb spiders, Huntsman spiders do not use webs to capture their food. Instead, they use their long legs and quick movements to chase and catch insects, other spiders, and even small vertebrates such as lizards and geckos.
Huntsman spiders are often found on the ground, on trees, or on the walls of buildings, where they hunt and live. They do not spin webs for protection or to catch prey, but they may use silk to help them move around or to protect their eggs.
Huntsman spiders are not known for spinning webs, as they are hunting spiders that rely on their speed, agility, and hunting skills to catch their prey. They do not use webs to catch food or to protect themselves, but they may use silk for other purposes such as movement or egg protection.
How do I get rid of huntsman spiders?
If you have Huntsman spiders in your home or garden, there are several methods you can use to get rid of them:
Vacuuming: You can use a vacuum cleaner to suck up Huntsman spiders and their webs. This is an easy and convenient method that can be done without having to come into direct contact with the spiders.
Clean up the yard: Trimming plants and trees, clearing away leaves and debris, and removing any other hiding spots for Huntsman spiders can help reduce their populations in your yard.
Remove their habitat: Huntsman spiders like to live in dark, hidden places, so removing their habitat is one of the most effective ways to get rid of them. This includes clearing away piles of wood or leaves, sealing cracks and holes in your home’s foundation, and installing door sweeps and weather stripping to keep spiders from entering your home.
Make your home less attractive to spiders: You can make your home less attractive to Huntsman spiders by reducing the number of insects and other prey they feed on. This can be done by sealing food, keeping counters and floors clean, and using insecticides to control other insect populations in your home.
Use sticky traps: Sticky traps are an effective way to trap and remove Huntsman spiders from your home. Simply place the traps in areas where you have seen the spiders and dispose of them once they have been trapped.
Use spider repellents: There are various types of spider repellents available in the market, such as sprays, plug-in devices, and pouches. These products emit scents or vibrations that are unpleasant to spiders, and can help keep them away from your home.
Apply insecticide: You can use an insecticide spray to kill Huntsman spiders. Choose a product that specifically targets spiders and be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Use natural remedies: Some people prefer to use natural remedies to get rid of Huntsman spiders. For example, you can use vinegar or essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil or lemon oil, to deter spiders. Simply spray these remedies in areas where you have seen the spiders or around the perimeter of your home to keep them away.
Call a pest control professional: If you have a large population of Huntsman spiders in your home or garden and are unable to get rid of them on your own, you can consider calling a pest control professional. They can provide a more comprehensive solution that includes the use of insecticides and other methods to get rid of the spiders.
How Aggressive Are Huntsmen?
Huntsman spiders generally display a non-aggressive behaviour towards humans, with the exception of females who protect their egg sacs. Their natural inclination is to retreat rather than engage in confrontation unless they feel provoked.
These remarkable arachnids typically avoid direct conflicts with humans and tend to prioritise evasion over aggression. However, when it comes to safeguarding their precious egg sacs, female huntsman spiders can become defensive and display protective behaviour.
In most cases, encounters with huntsman spiders involve them swiftly scurrying away from human presence, seeking refuge in their preferred habitats. Their instinctive response is to flee rather than initiate an attack, as they prioritise self-preservation and avoiding potential threats.
It’s important to note that while huntsman spiders generally exhibit a peaceful disposition, it is advisable to treat them with respect and refrain from provoking them unnecessarily. By maintaining a respectful distance and refraining from actions that may be interpreted as threats, both humans and these fascinating creatures can coexist harmoniously.
Huntsman are certainly a frightening thing to look at. But the truth is that they’re mostly harmless to humans, helpful to have around, and easy to relocate if needed.
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.
