Huntsman Spider: Harmless to Humans Despite 12-in. Leg Span

Many hunstman spiders feast on cockroaches and other pests. Robert Pickett / Getty Images

The huntsman spider is one of the fastest and most agile arachnids on the planet. The species is often confused with tarantulas because of the hairy bodies, but their distinguishing trait is their long, angular, crab-like legs that help them move forward and sideways quickly.

Huntsman spiders are expert hunters (duh). Unlike other spiders that build webs to capture their food, huntsman spiders actively chase their prey, often darting across the ground or climbing trees. However, they generally aren't a high risk to humans because they don't attack people unless they feel cornered and can't run away.

While you might assume this giant spider is a domestic insect pest, most huntsman species are helpful to humans, eating those pesky cockroaches and mosquitoes that destroy plants and carry disease.

What Do Huntsman Spiders Look Like?

huge spider on baseboards — Hand-sized hunstman spiders like this one sometimes find their way into homes in parts of Japan and Australia. d3_plus D.Naruse @ Japan / Getty Images

The huntsman spider is famous for its large size and distinctive appearance. They are typically grey or brown with patterns that provide excellent camouflage under loose bark, rock crevices or leaf litter.

They can have a leg span of up to 12 inches (30.5 cm), and they have flattened bodies that help them thrive in narrow spaces. The body of the huntsman spider is relatively small compared to its legs, often measuring just 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm).

Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous?

These big arachnids are mostly harmless to humans. Sure, many huntsman spiders can bite if they feel seriously threatened, but their venom is mild and usually no worse than a bee sting.

Huntsman spiders are actually pretty helpful because they snack on pests like cockroaches and other bugs. So, if you spot one in your home, think of it as a natural pest control expert, not a creepy villain.

What Do Huntsman Spiders Eat?

Huntsman spiders are carnivorous predators that feed on insects, small lizards and other arthropods. Unlike web-building spiders, they actively hunt their prey, using their speed and stealth to ambush or chase down their meals. They are also capable of climbing walls and ceilings, allowing them to access a wide range of prey.

Their venom, while not dangerous to humans, is effective at immobilizing prey quickly. This makes the huntsman a valuable ally in controlling pest populations in homes and gardens.

Where Do Huntsman Spiders Live?

Huntsman spiders live in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts and urban areas. Their ability to adapt to different environments is one reason they are so widespread.

They are especially abundant in warm, humid regions like the tropics throughout South America, Africa, Asia and Central America. In the U.S., they are often found in the subtropical areas of Florida, Texas and California, and in coastal areas of Georgia and South Carolina.

Huntsman Subspecies

Huntsman spiders are part of the Sparassidae family, which includes over 1,000 species.

The badge huntsman spider (Neosparassus spp.), named for the badge-like marking on its abdomen, is common in Australia. According to the Australian Museum, badge huntsman spiders are "notorious for entering cars, and being found hiding behind sun visors or running across the dashboard."

Also native to Australia are social huntsman spiders (Delena cancerides), which can often be found in colonies of up to 300 under the bark of dead trees.

The giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima) is the largest member of the family and native to Southeast Asia. This is the huntsman spider species that can have legs up to 12 inches (30.5 cm).

Another large species is the giant crab spider, also known as the brown huntsman spider, which can have legs up to 10 inches (25.4 centimeters).

Social Habits

Spiders are generally independent creatures that only look after their offspring until they can go out on their own.

Many species of huntsman spiders are also solitary creatures, but there are a small number — like the social huntsman spider — that have been observed living in small groups, sharing food and even cooperating to care for young.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a huntsman spider begins when the female lays eggs in a silk sac, which she often guards fiercely. The sac may be hidden under loose bark, rocks or other sheltered spots to protect it from predators. The female may also carry the egg sac in her jaws, ensuring the safety of her offspring.

When the spiderlings hatch, they stay with their mother for a short period before dispersing to live independently. Huntsman spiders grow through several molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they increase in size. Depending on the species, they may live for up to two years.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.