There are 1,383 known species of huntsman spiders, which belong to the family Sparassidae. The Giant huntsman spider is the largest member of this family. These spiders are known for their large leg span and are often called "huntsman" because of their fast movement and hunting behavior. They are sometimes referred to as crab or wood spiders, but they are not related to baboon spiders, according to the Australian Museum.
The largest huntsman spider on record had a leg span of about 11 inches. However, it's worth noting that huntsman spiders, on average, are not particularly large, with most species having a leg span of around 5 inches or less. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, huntsman spiders are generally quite docile and are not known to be aggressive toward humans. They are also known for their placid nature and tend to be quite gentle.
How Huge Is the Biggest Huntsman Spider Ever Recorded?
The largest huntsman spider on record, according to documented measurements, had a leg span of 30 cm (12 inches) and a body length of 4.6 cm (1.8 inches). However, there have been reports of an individual huntsman spider named Charlotte that was rescued by a farm in Queensland, Australia, in 2015 and was believed by some to be even larger. While the farm did not officially measure Charlotte, it was reported that she had a leg span of around 20 cm (8 inches). It is not clear if Charlotte's size has been verified by experts or if her size is considered accurate by the scientific community, following The Dodo's report.
The huntsman spider has a unique appearance, with eight eyes arranged in two rows of four on the front of its head. Some subspecies of huntsman spiders can vary in appearances, such as the banded huntsman, which is large and has striped legs, or the tropical huntsman, which is large, hairy, and has brown, white, and black markings. Male giant huntsman spiders in Laos can have a leg span of up to 11.8 inches. These spiders are known for their twisted legs, which extend forward like a crab, which has earned them the nickname "crab" spider. The tops of their bodies are typically brown or gray, while their undersides are often black and white with reddish spots on their mouthparts. Their legs have spines while their bodies are smooth and fuzzy.
Is Huntsman Spider Aggressive?
Huntsman spiders are known for their hunting and searching behavior, as they do not spin webs like some other spider species. As adults, they primarily feed on insects and other invertebrates, although they may also occasionally consume small lizards and geckos. These spiders are often found in the fissures of trees, but they are also known to hunt and catch fast-moving insects like cockroaches, which can bring them into contact with humans. Despite their large size and somewhat intimidating appearance, huntsman spiders are generally not aggressive toward people and will generally only bite if they feel threatened or provoked, as reported by AZ Animals.
Like all spiders, huntsman spiders have venom that they use to catch and kill prey. Although they are generally not aggressive towards humans, they may bite if they feel threatened or if they are mistreated or harassed in some way. Female huntsman spiders may also be more likely to bite if they perceive a threat to their egg sacs or young. If a huntsman spider does bite a person or pet, the symptoms may include local pain and swelling. While huntsman spider bites are generally not severe enough to require medical attention, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention if you are concerned about the bite or if you are experiencing unusual symptoms.
It is worth noting that huntsman spiders are known for their speed and agility, and they can walk on walls and ceilings. They may also display a "clinging" reaction if they are picked up, which can make them more prone to biting. If you do encounter a huntsman spider and need to remove it, it is generally best to do so using a broom or another similar tool, rather than trying to handle the spider directly.
What Is Bigger than the Giant Huntsman Spider?
The Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula is known for its large size, with a body length of up to one foot and fangs that can grow up to one inch long. While the bite of this spider is not poisonous to humans, it can still cause severe pain, nausea, and sweating. Despite its size, the Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula is not the largest spider in the world based on leg span. That distinction belongs to the huntsman spider, which can have a leg span of up to 11.8 inches in some species, as per Pest Expert.
The Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula is also known for its ability to shoot tiny hairs from its body as a defense mechanism when it feels threatened. These hairs can cause irritation and discomfort if they come into contact with skin or mucous membranes. While the Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula is not typically aggressive toward humans, it is important to handle all spiders with caution and to respect their natural defenses.
It is important to recognize that, despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, most spiders are generally not aggressive and prefer to go about their business of catching insects and living their lives in peace. This is also true of huntsman spiders, which are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened or provoked. While female huntsman spiders may be more protective of their egg sacs during the summer, they are still more likely to flee than to attack unless they are provoked.
Can You Touch a Huntsman Spider?
Huntsman spiders can be found in many parts of the world, including much of Australasia, Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Americas. They are found in a variety of climates, including tropical, subtropical, and mild temperate regions. Some species, such as the green huntsman spider, are native to colder areas like Northern and Central Europe. Many tropical species, such as the cane huntsman and the social huntsman, have been introduced to subtropical regions, such as New Zealand. In addition, some huntsman spider species, such as those found in Southern Florida, are considered invasive, having been introduced from Asia.
Huntsman spiders are commonly found in areas that are not frequently disturbed, such as sheds, garages, and other outdoor structures. They may reside behind rocks, bark, or other covers, and they may prey on pests like cockroaches that find their way into houses.
If you are interested in learning more about huntsman spiders or other spider species, it can be helpful to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to appreciate their unique characteristics and ecological roles. While it is natural to feel some fear or trepidation around spiders, it is important to remember that they play important roles in the ecosystem and are generally not a threat to humans.
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