Damon Mcknight
Australia is home to a wide variety of spiders, with over 15,000 species of arachnids in the country yet to be formally classified. One of these is the giant huntsman spider, often referred to as the 'dinner plate-sized spider' due to its impressive leg span of up to 12 inches (30 cm). The giant huntsman spider is the largest member of the huntsman spider family Sparassidae, which is native to tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide, including Australia. While they are large, huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans, and will typically try to run away rather than bite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Huntsman spider |
| Scientific Name | Heteropoda venatoria |
| Size | Up to 15 cm leg span, with bodies about 1.8 cm long. Some mature males can reach close to 20 cm. |
| Appearance | Brown or grey with black-and-white undersides. |
| Eyes | 8 eyes in two rows of four |
| Claws | 2 |
| Venomous | Yes, but less dangerous to humans than the brown recluse spider. |
| Behavior | Hunts prey rather than catching them in webs. Can move up to a yard (almost 1 meter) per second. |
| Habitat | Under rocks, bark, and similar shelters. |
| Region | Australia, Africa, Asia, the Americas |
| Related Species | Green huntsman spider, Tropical or brown huntsman, Banded huntsman, Badge huntsman |
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What You'll Learn
Huntsman spiders are the largest by leg span
Huntsman spiders, members of the family Sparassidae, are the largest spiders by leg span. They are commonly found in warm temperate to tropical regions, including Australia, Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean Basin, and the Americas.
The giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima), native to Laos, can have a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 centimetres), making it one of the largest spiders in the world. The average huntsman spider has a leg span of around 5.9 inches (15 centimetres) and a body length of about 0.7 inches (1.8 centimetres).
In Australia, the Typostola barbata species of huntsman spider is considered one of the largest, with a leg span of around 10 inches (25 centimetres). While not as large as the giant huntsman, it is still significantly bigger than most spiders found in the country.
Huntsman spiders are known for their unique appearance, with legs that splay out to the sides in a crab-like fashion, rather than bending vertically under their bodies. This characteristic, along with their size, often leads to their misidentification as tarantulas. However, their legs have twisted joints that allow them to extend forward, enabling them to move sideways like crabs.
Huntsman spiders are active hunters, using their speed and venom to catch prey rather than relying on webs. They typically live under rocks, bark, and in similar shelters, but human encounters are common in sheds, garages, and other infrequently disturbed places. While they generally try to avoid humans, they may bite if they feel threatened, and their bites can cause local swelling, pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
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Typostola barbata: Australia's biggest huntsman species
Huntsman spiders, members of the family Sparassidae, are known for their hunting prowess and impressive size. While they are found in various regions, Australia is home to some of the most notable species, including the Typostola barbata, which is arguably the country's largest huntsman species.
The Typostola barbata, first described by Eugène Louis Simon in 1897, is a formidable member of the genus Typostola, native to the South Pacific region, particularly Queensland in Australia and Papua New Guinea. This spider has earned a reputation for its impressive dimensions, with mature males occasionally reaching sizes of up to 20 cm, while females can be even larger, spanning standard dinner plates measuring 25 cm across.
One distinctive feature of the Typostola barbata is its leg span, which can reach remarkable lengths. The legs of these spiders are positioned in a unique manner, splayed out to the sides in a crab-like fashion, which is a characteristic trait of huntsman spiders. This leg positioning sets them apart from spiders like tarantulas, which have legs that bend vertically under their bodies. The legs of the Typostola barbata can measure up to and even exceed the diameter of a standard dinner plate, contributing to its imposing appearance.
In terms of colouration, the Typostola barbata typically displays shades of brown or grey on its upper surfaces, similar to other huntsman spiders. However, its underside may exhibit aposematic markings in black and white, serving as a warning to potential predators. While their venom is not considered highly dangerous to humans, they do possess venom that they use to immobilize their prey.
The Typostola barbata, like other huntsman spiders, prefers certain habitats. They can often be found in natural settings like forests and wooden areas, but they have also been known to take up residence in human structures such as sheds and garages, leading to unexpected encounters with people. Despite their intimidating size, these spiders generally try to avoid humans and will only bite when feeling threatened or protecting their young.
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Huntsman spiders are venomous
Huntsman spiders are members of the family Sparassidae, and they are often referred to as giant crab spiders due to their size and appearance. They are commonly found in Australia, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Mediterranean Basin. With a leg span of up to 15 cm (or even 25-30 cm in some rare cases), these spiders are indeed impressive in size.
But are they venomous? The short answer is yes. Like most spiders, Huntsman spiders do possess venom, which they use to immobilize and kill their prey. However, their venom is not considered highly dangerous to humans. While bites from these spiders have been reported, the effects are typically mild and may include local swelling, pain, nausea, headache, vomiting, and irregular pulse rate. It is worth noting that the formal study of spider bites is challenging due to various factors, including unpredictable infections, dry bites, shock, and misdiagnosis.
In Australia, Huntsman spiders are more active during the warmer months, often entering homes in search of food or shelter. Despite their size and venomous bite, these spiders are generally harmless to humans. They tend to run away from humans rather than bite and are even considered beneficial for keeping other pests under control. Some Australians regard them as "completely harmless and useful in the house to eat bugs."
While Huntsman spiders may not pose a significant threat to humans, it is always important to exercise caution and seek medical advice if bitten by any spider. Additionally, if you wish to minimize encounters with these eight-eyed giants, you can take preventive measures such as sealing gaps around doors and windows, removing clutter, and using fly screens.
In conclusion, Huntsman spiders are indeed venomous, but their venom is not highly dangerous to humans. They play an essential role in the ecosystem by preying on insects, and their impressive size continues to captivate and fascinate arachnid enthusiasts worldwide.
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Huntsman spiders are native to tropical and warm temperate regions
Huntsman spiders, scientifically classified under the family Sparassidae, are a diverse group of large and imposing arachnids. They are native to tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide, including Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Huntsman spiders are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, including human settlements. They are commonly found in homes, sheds, garages, gardens, forests, and other natural habitats.
In terms of appearance, huntsman spiders are often referred to as "giant crab spiders" due to their size and the positioning of their legs. Their legs are splayed out to the sides, similar to a crab's legs, and they can have a leg span of up to 15 cm, with some male giant huntsman spiders (Heteropoda maxima) in Laos attaining a leg span of 25-30 cm. The bodies of huntsman spiders are typically smoothly furry, with inconspicuous shades of brown or grey on their upper surfaces. Many species have undersides marked in black and white, and their legs bear fairly prominent spines.
Huntsman spiders are active hunters and do not rely on webs to catch their prey. They are swift and efficient predators, using their long legs to pursue and capture small prey. They possess two claws and eight eyes divided into two rows, which help them detect approaching humans or other large animals from a distance. While they are venomous, their bites are not considered to be medically significant, and they will usually try to run away from humans rather than bite. However, female huntsman spiders can be extremely aggressive when protecting their eggs and are known to bite if they perceive a threat.
Huntsman spiders are widespread and diverse, with over 1,000 Sparassidae species occurring in various parts of the world. Some species have unique locomotion abilities, such as the wheel spider from the Namib, which uses a cartwheeling motion, and Cebrennus rechenbergi, which uses a handspring motion. While they may not be everyone's cup of tea, huntsman spiders play an important role in their ecosystems and contribute to the balance of nature.
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Australia has many new spider species to discover
Australia is home to a wide variety of spiders, with new species being discovered regularly. The country's diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, provide a range of habitats for these eight-legged creatures. One of the most well-known Australian spiders is the huntsman spider, which can be found in various parts of the country. While they are often associated with having a large size, with some claiming they can reach "plate sizes", this is often an overestimation. The average huntsman spider's leg span reaches up to 15 cm, with some mature males occasionally reaching close to 20 cm. However, these larger sizes are rare.
The giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima), found in Laos, has a leg span of up to 12 inches, which is roughly the size of a dinner plate. This particular species is not native to Australia, but it showcases the impressive variation within the spider family. The banded huntsman (Holconia), found in Australia, is large and grey to brown with striped bands on its legs. Another species, the badge huntsman (Neosparassus), is brown and hairy, while the tropical or brown huntsman (Heteropoda) is also large and hairy with mottled brown, white, and black markings. These spiders are known for their hunting abilities and are often found under rocks, bark, and in sheds or garages.
In addition to the huntsman spiders, Australia has recently discovered a new species of funnel-web spider, dubbed "Big Boy". This spider, named Atrax christenseni, was first discovered in the early 2000s near Newcastle, about 170 km north of Sydney. It is larger than the typical Sydney funnel-web spider, with longer fangs and larger venom glands, making it even more venomous. This discovery highlights the ongoing exploration and identification of new spider species in Australia.
The Australian Museum has played a crucial role in spider research, housing one of the world's largest spider collections. The museum's extensive collections, including hundreds of thousands of spider specimens, have supported international scientific collaboration and modern research approaches. This has led to breakthroughs such as the discovery of "Big Boy" and the realization that the Sydney Funnel-web is comprised of three different species. The museum's Climate Solutions Centre is also committed to addressing the impact of climate change on Australia's diverse wildlife, including spiders.
With over 52,500 known living spider species globally and potentially many more to be discovered, Australia remains a hotspot for arachnid exploration. The country's unique ecosystems and diverse habitats continue to intrigue scientists and enthusiasts alike, leading to exciting discoveries and a deeper understanding of the intricate world of spiders.
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Frequently asked questions
The Typostola barbata is a species of huntsman spider native to Australia that has been described as "plate-sized".
The leg span of a huntsman spider can reach up to 15 cm, with some male giant huntsman spiders attaining a leg span of 25-30 cm. The body of a huntsman spider is about 1.8 cm long.
Yes, Australia is home to many large spiders, including the Sydney funnel-web spider, which is considered the country's largest deadly funnel-web spider, growing up to 3.5 inches (9 cm) long.
Huntsman spiders tend to live under rocks, bark, and similar shelters, but they can also be found in human-made structures such as sheds and garages.
While huntsman spiders are venomous, they are not considered to be dangerous to humans. In most cases, they will attempt to run away from humans rather than bite them. However, female huntsman spiders are more likely to bite when they perceive a threat to their young.
