Are huntsman spiders dangerous?
Huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to people. Their bite can be painful but rarely causes more than mild symptoms. These large, flat, fast-running spiders are common across Australia.
Huntsman spiders can have a leg span of up to about 15 centimetres. Their flat bodies let them squeeze under bark, behind pictures and into car sun visors, which often surprises people.
They do not build webs to catch prey. Instead, they hunt insects and other small invertebrates at night, running quickly and pouncing.
Helpful house guests
Huntsmen often enter homes, especially before rain. Many people leave them alone because they eat cockroaches and other insects.
Female huntsmen guard their egg sacs and can be defensive.
Some species, such as the flat social huntsman, live in large family groups under bark, which is unusual for spiders. Australia has around 100 or more huntsman species, ranging from small brown species to large grey ones. Drivers sometimes panic when a huntsman appears from a sun visor, so experts suggest checking the car calmly and gently guiding the spider out with a container.
Did You Know?
The giant huntsman of Laos has a larger leg span than any Australian species.