
Community identification
Huntsman Spider
Sparassidae family (likely Heteropoda venatoria)
- Order & Family
- Araneae, Sparassidae
- Size
- Leg span up to 3-5 inches (7-12 cm); body length 0.7-1 inch (1.8-2.5 cm).
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, often found in houses, sheds, and under loose bark or rocks.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly insects and other invertebrates; occasionally small lizards or frogs. They are active hunters and do not build webs to catch prey.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal hunters known for their incredible speed and ability to walk sideways or on vertical surfaces. They are generally shy of humans but can be defensive if cornered.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Excellent natural pest control for cockroaches and silverfish. Risks: Their bite can be painful but is not considered medically significant to healthy humans; however, their large size and speed can cause distress to arachnophobes.