Bug Identifier
Huntsman Spider
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).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.