Huntsman spiders are often maligned because of their size and their ability to eat really huge things like rodents and birds. In this article, you’ll discover where do huntsman spiders live and why they won’t attack you.
The name Huntsman spider is enough to make some people run for cover. Though these creatures are not the worst of the lot, who would want to suffer a nasty spider bite?
Despite their scary appearance, huntsman spiders are quite timid and scaredy cats. They often run away at the first sign of danger.
However, if you are one of those who simply cannot stand a spider, leave alone a giant spider in the room, it is best to stay away from their path.
Knowing where they live can help you stay away from them and save yourself some trouble. In this article, we will talk about the habitat of Huntsman spiders.
What Are Huntsman Spiders?
Members of the Sparassidae species of spiders, the Huntsman spider is one of the fastest-hunting spiders in the wild. They are also known by a few other names like the ‘giant crab spider’ or ‘wood spiders’ because of their size and appearance.
Huntsman spiders prefer tropical and temperate climate, and this is where most of them are found. They populate parts of Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas, where they are found in dense, woody areas.
Huntsman spiders are also the world’s largest spiders by leg span. They are known for their unique ways of movement. These spiders are often observed to cartwheel when they are hunting, giving them speed.
Where Are Huntsman Spiders Found?
Huntsman spiders are native to different areas of the world. Most species are native to Asia, concentrated around Laos.
They can also be found in Africa, the Americas, and Australia, scattered around the Australasian region of temperate and tropical forests.
Are Huntsman Spiders in the US?
Huntsman spiders are found in warm subtropical areas and a few coastal states of the US. Their presence in the US has been traced back to Asia, where the original species are found.
What States Do Huntsman Spiders Live in?
They have been found in the states of Florida, Texas, and California, as well as the coastal states of South Carolina and Georgia.
In Florida, where there are multiple species of large spiders, the huntsman is recognized by its flat brown body and black spots.
They often come into areas inhabited by humans, sometimes making their way indoors as the weather gets cold.
A little dip into the folklore of America claims that the giant huntsman spider was brought into the American continent in banana boxes from Asia.
Perhaps this is the main reason for these spiders being called banana spiders across America.
Huntsman Spider Habitat
Huntsman spiders have a lot of different areas where they live.
In the wild, their habitat is limited to
- The loose bark of dead trees,
- Crevices on rock walls and logs,
- Among foliage and
- Slabs of tree bark on the ground.
A lot of these spiders are found in woody areas where they can hide easily. As we mentioned before, despite their size, these creatures are quite timid, and they always look for things to hide under.
A lot of social Huntsman spider species, like the Delena cancerides, are known to gather around under the bark on trees, sitting together. You are also likely to find them in a group on the ground under rocks.
When huntsman spiders come close to human habitation, they can make their way indoors. In cold weather, these spiders are known to enter houses through cracks in windows.
Huntsman spiders can get into areas where you least expect them – in Australia, there are many reports of these spiders found inside cars and scaring the daylights out of drivers. They get inside the car through sun visors and other small cracks or crevices
Frequently Asked Questions
Do We Have Huntsman Spider in California?
There are a number of large spider species that can be found in California.
The huntsman spider is one of them and is often spotted in wooded forests such as the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest or Sierra National Forest.
Huntsman spiders have the largest leg span among US spider species.
Do We Have Huntsman Spider in Texas?
Yes, Huntsman spiders can be found in Texas. These spiders are not the largest species found in North America, but they can get fairly large in size.
Their leg span can be upto five inches on their one-inch bodies. They can usually be recognized by a narrow body and legs.
Do Huntsman Spiders Live in Florida?
The pantropical species of huntsman spiders, scientifically called the Heteropoda venatoria are found in Florida.
They are mainly found in Southern parts of Florida and can be grey or brown in color. They can be recognized by the brown bands on their legs.
Will huntsman spiders chase you?
A huntsman spider is fairly timid in nature. Most spiders will run away at the sight of humans rather than attack them.
You might find several reports online of huntsman spiders chasing humans. The fact is that their eyesight is not too great, so what you think of as chasing is actually them trying to run away in the (comically) wrong direction.
But they can become aggressive if they feel provoked in any way or are manhandled. Moreover, females can be super aggressive when they are laying eggs.
The best idea is to keep a safe distance from the spider if you come across one.
Wrap Up
The size and appearance of a Huntsman spider are enough to intimidate humans.
Though not aggressive in nature, they can cause painful bites that would need medical attention if you happen to cross paths with them.
These big spiders are found mostly in temperate climates on almost all continents. In the US, you might run across one in Florida, Texas, California, and coastal areas.
So the best idea is to steer clear of these creatures and maintain a safe distance if you see one.
Thank you for reading!
