Florida huntsman spider, Giant crab spider

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; often found in and around human dwellings, under bark, rocks, and leaf litter. They are known to enter homes and other structures.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feed on insects such as cockroaches, crickets, and other large arthropods. They are active hunters, ambushing prey rather than building webs for capture.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and solitary. They are very fast runners and can move sideways like a crab, which gives them one of their common names. They do not build typical capture webs but may spin silk for egg sacs or shelters. Females guard their egg sacs until the spiderlings hatch.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include a bite that, while not typically life-threatening to humans, can be painful and cause localized swelling, redness, and mild nausea. However, these spiders are generally not aggressive and prefer to flee. Benefits include serving as natural pest control by preying on common household insects.

Identified on: 11/17/2025