Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Body length for adults typically ranges from 15mm to 40mm. Leg span is the most impressive feature, often reaching 15cm to 20cm, with some species like the Giant Huntsman (Heteropoda maxima) exceeding 25cm.
Coloration: Coloration is typically a mottled blend of grey, brown, and fawn, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark and leaf litter. Some species may have banded legs or distinctive markings on their abdomen, but they generally lack the bright, warning colours of more venomous spiders.
Key Features: The key distinguishing features are their large size, flattened body shape, and crab-like leg posture. Their incredible speed and ability to run sideways are also hallmark traits. They are often confused with Wolf Spiders, but Wolf Spiders have a different eye arrangement and a more robust, less flattened body.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: Huntsman spiders typically reproduce once or twice a year, depending on the species and environmental conditions. The female can store sperm and may produce a second egg sac without needing to mate again.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
After mating, the female Huntsman constructs a flat, oval-shaped egg sac from white, papery silk. She may carry this sac under her body or secure it in a protected location, such as under bark or a rock. She will guard the egg sac fiercely, often without eating, until the spiderlings emerge. An egg sac can contain up to 200 eggs. The incubation period depends on temperature and humidity but typically lasts for several weeks.
Larval Stage
Spiders do not have a true larval stage like insects. The first few moults may occur inside the safety of the egg sac.
Pupal Stage
Spiders do not undergo pupation. They have a gradual metamorphosis where nymphs (spiderlings) resemble miniature adults.
Adult Stage
Once the spiderlings emerge from the sac, they are independent and disperse, often by 'ballooning' on silk threads caught by the wind. They will go through numerous moults over their lifetime, shedding their exoskeleton to grow. The lifespan of a Huntsman spider is typically around two years, though some larger species may live longer. They reach sexual maturity after about one year.
Reproduction Rate
Huntsman spiders typically reproduce once or twice a year, depending on the species and environmental conditions. The female can store sperm and may produce a second egg sac without needing to mate again.
Generations Per Year
Generally, one generation is produced per year. Eggs laid in autumn may overwinter and hatch the following spring.
Development Time
The complete development from egg to mature adult usually takes about one year. This process is influenced by factors like food availability, temperature, and humidity, with warmer conditions and ample food accelerating growth.
Seasonal Cycle
Activity peaks during the warmer, more humid months of spring and summer, which is also their main breeding season. In autumn, females lay their eggs, and activity decreases as winter approaches. During winter, they become less active, seeking shelter under bark, in log piles, or inside buildings to wait out the cold.
Environmental Factors
Abundant prey, suitable shelter (like peeling bark or rock crevices), and warm, humid weather are the key environmental factors that support healthy Huntsman populations. Habitat loss can drive them into suburban areas in search of new territories and shelter.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Natural woodlands and forests, particularly under the loose bark of trees like eucalypts.
- Beneath rocks, in log piles, and within dense leaf litter.
- In rock walls and crevices which mimic their natural habitat.
- Human structures, including sheds, garages, and houses, especially in roof voids and wall cavities.
- Inside vehicles, famously behind sun visors or under dashboards.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Found in every state and territory of Australia, from the wet tropics of Queensland to the temperate forests of Tasmania and the arid zones of Western Australia.
Climate Zones
- Tropical
- Subtropical
- Temperate
- Arid
- Mediterranean
Urban vs Rural Distribution
They are extremely common in both rural and urban environments. In cities, they adapt well to living in and around houses and gardens, using buildings as artificial tree trunks and rock faces for shelter.
Native Range
Huntsman spiders (family Sparassidae) are found worldwide in temperate and tropical regions. Australia has a very high diversity of native Huntsman species.
Introduced Range
Not applicable as they are native and widespread in Australia.
Introduction History
Not applicable for Australia.
Current Spread
Their distribution is stable and widespread across the entire continent. There is no evidence of significant range expansion or contraction.
Limiting Factors
The primary limiting factors are extreme cold and the availability of suitable shelter and prey. They are less common in alpine regions with heavy frost and snow.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Predominantly nocturnal hunters. They spend the daylight hours resting in concealed locations and emerge at night to actively search for prey. Their peak activity is in the hours after dusk. This nocturnal behaviour is why they often surprise people by appearing on walls inside homes at night.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
They are carnivorous ambush predators and active hunters, consuming a wide variety of other invertebrates.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- Huntsman spiders are not known to transmit any diseases to humans.
- Their fangs are clean, and they are not associated with bacterial contamination.
- No viral transmission risks are known.
- No parasitic organism transmission is associated with them.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
While rare, some individuals may have a mild allergic reaction to the spider's venom, resulting in localised swelling, itching, or hives beyond the immediate bite area. Proteins in their exoskeleton or waste could theoretically cause minor allergies in highly sensitive people, but this is not a documented public health issue.
Contamination Risk
Food and surface contamination risk is negligible. They do not live in or infest food products and their presence does not indicate poor hygiene.
Vulnerable Populations
- Small children, who may be more frightened by their appearance.
- Individuals with a specific and rare allergy to spider venom.
- People who might panic at their sudden appearance, for example while driving, which can lead to accidents. This indirect risk is arguably the greatest danger they pose.
Symptoms of Exposure
- A defensive bite can be painful due to the mechanical action of their large fangs.
- Symptoms are usually localised and temporary, including sharp pain, redness, minor swelling, and sometimes itching.
- Nausea, headache, or sweating have been reported in some cases but are generally mild and short-lived.
- Symptoms typically resolve within an hour or two without any specific treatment.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent, or if signs of a significant allergic reaction (like difficulty breathing) occur.
Transmission Methods
- The only health risk is via a defensive bite, which is a direct injection of venom. They do not transmit pathogens through other means.
Risk Severity
Low. The health risk from a Huntsman spider is minimal. Their venom is not considered medically significant for humans.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$0 - Professional treatment is almost never required or recommended. If removal is desired, it's typically a call-out fee of $100-$200 for physical removal and relocation.
Prevention Costs
$20-$50 annually for things like weather strips and insect screens to seal entry points.
Diy Treatment
$10-$20 for a capture-and-release tool (e.g., a 'bug catcher') or a can of surface spray for other pests, which reduces the Huntsman's food source.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None. They do not damage buildings, wood, or other materials.
Garden Damage
None. They are beneficial to gardens, controlling insect pest populations.
Food Contamination
None. They do not infest or contaminate food.
Equipment Damage
None reported. It is conceivable a large spider could cause a short circuit on an exposed circuit board, but this is highly improbable.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
Their large size can be alarming to customers if one appears in a dining area, potentially causing complaints or negative reviews, but they are not a sign of poor sanitation.
Retail Impact
Minimal impact, though one appearing in a store could startle customers.
Reputation Damage
A business might suffer minor reputational damage if perceived as having a 'spider problem', even though Huntsmen are harmless and beneficial.
Operational Disruption
The only disruption would be the time taken to safely remove and relocate the spider.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None. They do not damage crops.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
They are highly beneficial in agricultural settings, providing natural pest control by preying on a wide range of insects that can damage crops. Their presence helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Economic Loss
Huntsman spiders provide a net economic benefit by reducing pest numbers. There is no economic loss associated with them.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Negligible. Medical treatment is rarely sought or required for a bite.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
Minimal costs associated with sealing entry points to buildings.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- The most obvious sign is the direct sighting of a large spider on a wall or ceiling.
- Finding large, shed exoskeletons (moults) in hidden places like behind furniture or in corners.
- The presence of a large, white, papery egg sac being guarded by a female.
- Discovering them unexpectedly when moving boxes, firewood, or other stored items.
- A sudden, fast-moving blur out of the corner of your eye is a classic sign.
Physical Evidence
- Shed skins (exuviae) are the most common physical evidence left behind.
- The flat, disc-like silk egg sac, which may be found even after the spiderlings have hatched.
- Unlike other pests, they do not leave droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting debris.
- Finding one in your car, especially behind the sun visor, is a very common occurrence in Australia.
Behavioral Signs
- The appearance of these nocturnal spiders after dark is the primary behavioral sign.
- A noticeable decrease in other household insects like cockroaches or crickets could indirectly point to the presence of an effective predator like a Huntsman.
- Their tendency to run and hide when exposed to light or movement.
Seasonal Indicators
- Increased sightings indoors during late spring and summer as they become more active.
- A tendency to move indoors during periods of heavy rain or extreme heat to seek shelter.
- Finding females with egg sacs is most common in autumn.
- Reduced or no sightings during the coldest months of winter.
Early Warning Signals
- Finding a single, smaller Huntsman can indicate that more might be around, or that a female has recently had young nearby.
- The presence of suitable habitat, such as piles of wood or debris against the house, increases the likelihood of them venturing inside.
- An increase in insect pests inside your home will attract predators like Huntsmen.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Reducing populations of other insect pests (their food source) through regular cleaning and proper food storage is an effective indirect prevention method.
- Keep floors free of clutter, as piles of clothes, boxes, or paper provide ideal hiding spots.
- While not a sanitation issue, clearing away cobwebs from other spiders will reduce one of their food sources.
Exclusion Methods
- Install tight-fitting insect screens on all windows and doors and repair any holes.
- Use weather strips on the bottom of doors to seal the gap.
- Seal cracks and holes in the building's exterior, particularly around pipes, vents, and foundations, using caulk or expanding foam.
- Check items being brought into the house, such as firewood, pot plants, or boxes that have been in storage, as spiders can hitch a ride.
Landscaping Tips
- Keep the perimeter of your house clear of debris, woodpiles, and thick vegetation, as these are prime Huntsman habitats.
- Trim trees and shrubs so that branches do not touch the walls or roof of the house, eliminating a direct pathway inside.
- Relocate compost bins and rockeries away from the immediate vicinity of the house.
- Opt for plants that do not create dense, low-lying foliage near entryways.
Monitoring Strategies
- Regularly inspect common hiding spots like behind curtains, under furniture, and in garages or sheds.
- The 'monitoring tool' is often simply being observant, especially at night.
- Before getting into your car, it's a common Australian practice to check behind the sun visors.
- There are no specific traps for Huntsmen as they are active hunters and are not attracted to bait.
Environmental Modification
- Switching outdoor lighting to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs can attract fewer insects, thus reducing the food supply for spiders near your home.
- Huntsman spiders themselves are not considered pests that require active 'control'. The focus should be on co-existence and preventing them from entering the home if their presence causes anxiety.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Chemical treatment is NOT recommended for Huntsman spiders. They are solitary and beneficial. Broad-spectrum spraying for them would be ineffective and environmentally irresponsible. A professional will instead recommend physical removal and exclusion methods.
Biological Control
Not applicable. They are a form of natural biological control themselves.
Physical Control
The most common professional 'treatment' is physical removal. A pest controller will capture the spider and relocate it to a suitable location away from the property. This is the preferred and most effective method.
Integrated Approach
An IPM approach would involve identifying and sealing entry points, advising on habitat modification (e.g., clearing debris), and physically removing any spiders currently inside.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
The best 'natural remedy' is to leave them be, as they provide free pest control. If removal is necessary, the 'glass and card' method is the gold standard.
Home Made Traps
Traps are ineffective. The best method is the 'glass and card' technique: place a large glass or container over the spider, then slide a stiff piece of card underneath to trap it. You can then release it safely outside.
Deterrent Methods
Some people use essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus around windows and doors, but their effectiveness is anecdotal and not scientifically proven. Sealing entry points is far more reliable.
Mechanical Control
Using a 'bug catcher' tool, which typically has a long handle and soft bristles, is a safe and effective way to capture and release them without getting too close.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Physical removal and relocation has a 100% success rate for dealing with an individual spider. Sealing entry points is highly effective for long-term prevention.
Timeframe
Removal is immediate.
Follow Up Required
No follow-up is needed for a single spider. If more appear, it indicates unsealed entry points that need to be addressed.
Seasonal Considerations
You are more likely to need to remove one during the warmer months when they are most active.
Application Techniques
- The 'Glass and Card' method: approach calmly, place a container over the spider, slide a card underneath, and relocate outside.
- The 'Bug Catcher' method: use a long-handled device to safely capture the spider for relocation.
- The 'Calm and Collected' method: if it is high on a wall, leave the room, and it will likely move on by itself overnight.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Chemical treatment is NOT recommended for Huntsman spiders. They are solitary and beneficial. Broad-spectrum spraying for them would be ineffective and environmentally irresponsible. A professional will instead recommend physical removal and exclusion methods.
Biological Control
Not applicable. They are a form of natural biological control themselves.
Physical Control
The most common professional 'treatment' is physical removal. A pest controller will capture the spider and relocate it to a suitable location away from the property. This is the preferred and most effective method.
Integrated Approach
An IPM approach would involve identifying and sealing entry points, advising on habitat modification (e.g., clearing debris), and physically removing any spiders currently inside.
Professional Treatment Costs
$0 - Professional treatment is almost never required or recommended. If removal is desired, it's typically a call-out fee of $100-$200 for physical removal and relocation.
Treatment Success Rates
Physical removal and relocation has a 100% success rate for dealing with an individual spider. Sealing entry points is highly effective for long-term prevention.
Treatment Timeframe
Removal is immediate.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
As temperatures rise, Huntsman spiders become more active after their winter slowdown. They begin to hunt more actively and males start searching for mates. Sightings may increase.
Summer Activity
This is the peak season for Huntsman activity. Warm, humid nights are ideal for hunting. This is when they are most commonly found, sometimes venturing into homes to escape extreme heat or to follow prey.
Autumn Activity
Mating continues, and females will begin to construct and guard their egg sacs. They may seek out dry, protected places (including indoors) to lay their eggs as the weather cools.
Winter Activity
Activity significantly decreases. They enter a period of low activity, hiding in sheltered locations like under bark, in woodpiles, or within wall cavities to conserve energy and survive the cold. Sightings are rare.
Breeding Season
The primary breeding season is from late spring through summer and into early autumn.
Peak Activity Period
It's not an 'infestation', but sightings peak during the summer months (December to February in Australia). This is also when people are more likely to find them inside cars or homes.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm temperatures dramatically increase their metabolic rate and hunting activity.
Humidity Effects
High humidity is often associated with increased insect activity, which in turn leads to more active and visible Huntsman spiders.
Photoperiod Effects
Their nocturnal nature is strongly tied to the light-dark cycle.
Weather Patterns
They are often seen indoors just before or during rain, as they seek dry shelter. Similarly, during heatwaves, they may move inside to find cooler temperatures.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Huntsman spiders are not considered a pest in any official capacity in Australia. They are classified as a beneficial, native species.
Control Regulations
There are no regulations governing the 'control' of Huntsman spiders. General regulations on the use of pesticides apply, but these should not be used for Huntsmen.
Professional Requirements
No specific license is required to remove a Huntsman spider, but a standard pest management license is needed to apply any chemical treatments in or around a property.
Environmental Considerations
As a native predator, they are an important part of the ecosystem. Eradication is discouraged. Conservation of their natural habitat is important, and co-existence is the recommended approach. Killing them removes a natural pest controller from your local environment.
Compliance Requirements
- No specific compliance requirements relate to Huntsman spiders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Huntsman spiders dangerous to humans or pets?
No, Huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans or pets. Their venom is not medically significant and is designed to subdue insect prey. While they can deliver a painful bite with their large fangs if they are provoked or feel trapped, this is a rare, last-resort defence. The symptoms of a bite are usually minor and temporary, consisting of local pain, redness, and slight swelling. They are not aggressive and will always prefer to run away. The biggest risk they pose is startling someone, particularly a driver, which could lead to an accident. For pets like cats and dogs, a bite is similarly unlikely to cause any serious issues beyond temporary discomfort. Their reputation for being dangerous is undeserved; they are gentle giants of the spider world.
Why do Huntsman spiders come inside my house?
Huntsman spiders enter homes for several reasons. Firstly, they are seeking shelter. To a Huntsman, a house is like a large, stable tree with plenty of warm, dark crevices to hide in during the day. They may come inside to escape extreme weather, such as heavy rain or intense heatwaves. Secondly, they are following their food source. If your home has a population of cockroaches, crickets, or other insects, a Huntsman will see it as a prime hunting ground. Finally, they can enter purely by accident. Their nomadic nature means they are always on the move, and an open door or window is an easy entry point. They are also frequently brought inside accidentally on firewood, plants, or in boxes.
What is the best way to get a Huntsman out of my house?
The best and most humane way to remove a Huntsman spider is the 'glass and card' method. Find a large container (a glass or plastic tub) and a stiff piece of paper or card. Calmly place the container over the spider against the wall or floor. Then, carefully slide the piece of card underneath the container, trapping the spider inside. You can then carry the container outside and release the spider away from the house, perhaps in a garden bed or near a woodpile where it can find a new home. Avoid using chemical sprays, as these are unnecessary and harmful to these beneficial creatures. If you are too frightened to get close, a long-handled bug catcher is an excellent tool for removing them from a safe distance.
If I see one Huntsman, does it mean there are more?
Not necessarily. Most Huntsman species found in homes are solitary. Finding one does not automatically mean you have an infestation or that a nest is nearby. It is most likely a single individual that has wandered in. However, there are a couple of exceptions. If you have found a large female, she might have an egg sac nearby, which could lead to many tiny spiderlings. Also, the Social Huntsman (*Delena cancerides*) lives in family groups, but these are more commonly found under the bark of trees than inside houses. Generally, if you remove a single Huntsman and have sealed potential entry points, you are unlikely to see another one for some time.
Is it true that Huntsman spiders scream?
No, this is a persistent urban myth. Spiders, including Huntsmen, do not have the necessary vocal cords, lungs, or respiratory system to produce a sound like a scream or a shriek. The myth likely originated from the startled screams of people who unexpectedly encounter one of these large spiders. The only sounds a Huntsman might make are very soft tapping or drumming noises on a surface, which males use as a form of communication during mating rituals. These sounds are subtle and not audible from a distance. The idea of a screaming spider, while frightening, is pure fiction.
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