Huntsman spider

What is a huntsman spider and what does it look like?

Huntsman spiders are arachnids. They have large, hairy and flat-bodies. Their legs fan out sideways enabling them to walk forwards and sideways. They are found in a variety of colours and patterns but are mostly brown, black or grey. Some species are very large reaching over 16 centimetres in leg span.

Huntsman spiders are one of Australia’s largest native spiders.

Where do huntsman spiders live?

Huntsman spiders occur Australia-wide and are usually found on tree trunks, under bark, beneath stones and even on the walls inside houses. Their flat body allows them to squeeze into narrow places.

Huntsman spiders live on tree trunks and under bark.

What do huntsman spiders eat?

Huntsman spiders eat invertebrates as well as small lizards and frogs. Their fangs are large and can be used to hold the prey until it is paralysed by their venom.

What is the role of huntsman spiders in the ecosystem?

Huntsman spiders control invertebrate populations and pest species such as the household cockroach. They are also food for other animals such as birds, geckos and spider wasps.

Huntsman spiders hunt prey such as cockroaches at night. This dead huntsman spider was found at Field of Mars Reserve.

What are the features and adaptations of huntsman spiders?

Cephalothorax

The cephalothorax is the head and thorax fused together. Huntsmen have 8 eyes to spot approaching prey and predators.

Located at the front of the spider are the mouth parts called chelicerae that includes their fangs which they use to inject venom into their prey. Beside the chelicerae are the pedipalps which the huntsman uses to feel and touch things around them and also helping to catch and hold onto prey. Males of some species use their pedipalps when mating.

All the spiders' jointed legs are attached to the cephalothorax. The legs have sensitive hairs to pick up sounds, vibrations and air currents.

Huntsman spiders have 8 eyes. The mouth parts are called chelicerae. The leg hairs sense vibrations.

Abdomen

The abdomen has no appendages except for small spinnerets at the rear base which produce silk.

Huntsmen spiders build silk egg sacks the size of a 20 cent piece to protect their eggs. These can often be found under bark.

The abdomen – back body part – of a huntsman spider has no appendages except tiny spinnerets.

Invertebrate explorer digital book

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Written by teachers, the Invertebrate Explorer digital book explores the incredible world of Australian invertebrates.

Students can use the book to investigate classification, features, adaptations and habitats of a variety of Australian invertebrates through narrated videos, stunning images, interactive activities and detailed text.

Content supports living things, Australian animals and class studies on invertebrates.

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