Huntsman Spider
Scientific Name: Sparassidae Family (Various Genera)
Order & Family: Order: Araneae; Family: Sparassidae
Size: Commonly 1-2 inch body length with a leg span of up to 5-6 inches.
Natural Habitat
Inhabits cracks in tree bark, under loose stones, or in human structures such as garages and sheds. Commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily insects and other invertebrates; occasionally small lizards and frogs. They are active hunters that do not build webs to catch prey.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal hunters known for their extreme speed and ability to walk sideways (crab-like). They display maternal care, with females often carrying their egg sacs.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest populations like cockroaches. While they possess venom and can bite if provoked, they are generally not dangerous to humans and prefer to flee.
Identified on: 4/23/2026