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!
50 Comments.
Indeed, it was about 4cm and was found on a Greek island.
Thanks for the supporting comment.
Update: October 14, 2012
We believe we have correctly identified this Huntsman spider as Eusparassus walckenaeri based on this photo posted to the Crab Spiders website and this photo from the Forum Natura Mediterraneo site.
Yeah that has to be it, thanks for helping!
We found one of the 6 legged males in our bedroom last night, about 3 inches leg span. Unfortunately, as my sister and I are huge arachnophobes, the spider was disposed of. But before it was moved, it made a strange noise, almost like a cross between a hiss, a squelch and cling film being crumpled. Was this a mating call or were we all hallucinating?
And bite wise, (we’re in France), do we have anything to worry about if we find another one in our bed?
We did not know that Huntsman Spider stridulated, which is the term for rubbing together body parts to make noise. Large Huntsman Spiders might bite, but the common species, also known as the Banana Spider, is not considered dangerous.
Hello
Can this spider live in Georgia?
Yes. We have a report from as far north as Tennessee.
Hi, would it be possible for the stripped huntsman spider from Aegean to be found in nsw Australia
With thanks
Tim
Australia has many species of Huntsman Spiders that are native. It is always possible for an organism from one locale to be sited at a location on the other side of the planet, but in a situation like that, we would suspect human intervention and not natural range expansion.
Hi, would it be possible for the stripped huntsman spider from Aegean to be found in nsw Australia
With thanks
Tim
I’ve seen these in New Orleans. They seem to like very dark, warm and humid places. I had a storage shed that had maybe 10-15 of them just sticking to the walls. They freaked me out good. A friend tried to step on one and only got a leg, the spider tore his own leg off and ran away. That was enough for me.
We do see numerous images of Huntsman Spiders missing legs.
What kind of spider is this? I live in Hallandale Beach Fl
The Huntsman Spider, Heteropoda venatoria, is well established in Florida where it was introduced many years ago, most likely on shipments of bananas.
Good timing. It has been storming quite heavily here the past few days in Queensland and a similar large Huntsman made its way inside last night and took up residence on the wall near the TV. Unfortunately for it, that wall attracts a lot of insects since it is bathed in the light from the TV and has become a favoured hunting ground for a native gecko, one of several that live in the ceiling. It soon spotted the Huntsman and quickly turned it into dinner despite them being not that dissimilar in size.
How you tease us Trevor. Where was your camera during that Food Chain sighting?
We also have them here in Brazil in a great range.
I feel validated in so many ways! Perhaps 5 or 6 years ago I was in my hometown of Cleveland, tn (about an hour’s drive south of Knoxville) when I approached the back door of my mom’s home. I opened the screen door and began to put the key in the lock. As I was doing so a spider that only belongs in horror movies or some exotic land greeted me by falling down centimeters from my face. I panicked and without thought grabbed the nearest object and began swinging (as though killing it would mean saving myself, family, and country from this alien beast). Since that day I have tried to describe this spider to others and no one I have told can say they’ve seen or heard of such. Many suggested it was a wolf spider that I saw, and I investigated this possibility , however the pictures I found of wolf spiders did not do my memory justice. I’ve even wondered if I over exaggerated or remembered wrong until now. Seeing and reading this site validates my memories. It was this spider that traumatized me that day!!!!!!
Another more likely possibility is a Fishing Spider in the genus Dolomedes.
I live in Lakeland, FLA. (Polk County) And this Huntsman Spider, just how DANGEROUS can it be, I have 2 boy’s (3) 5 & 8 and a new born. is there a safe way to (for them and my boy’s) get rid of them, (and not the boy’s) I’m on a very low fixed income $460.00 per month.
It states in the posting that this particular Huntsman Spider is harmless. According to Featured Creatures: ” It is not a dangerous spider, but a locally painful bite can be delivered to any human who carelessly handles a huntsman spider.”
I found one of these in the bathroom of my new home and mistaken it for a RECLUSE SPIDER…. I unfortunately killed it, and feel terrible for doing so. 🙁
Found one at our home in Clinton, TN…North of Knoxville. I killed it. Because I am a human. And it wasn’t. 8 legged bugger. Biggest I’d seen in the wild. How can I post a picture so you can tell me for sure?
Found one in my shed and took a picture of it. Friend in Australia identified it immediately and said they have them there as well.
OMG! have one in my lillys. 6 legs and has spun a web around some of the blooms and laid 2 pods of eggs. Just back from vacation and there it was! Hasn’t moved for two days straight. I am in Northern Wisconsin, considered zone 4, somestimes zone 5.
Are you sure it isn’t a harmless Fishing Spider, a more typical species in your area.
https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2005/09/04/nursery-web-spider-5/
I recently came across a huntsman spider in my bathroom in Hanoi, Vietnam, hiding behind the toilet. It is very shy and quick, and seems to be larger than 4 inches across (gonna let it live inside and see if it gets larger). I suspect that’s why the cockroach population has dwindled to zero. They’re quite good at keeping the pest population at bay, so don’t kill them! They look a bit intimidating but are all help and no harm.
Thanks for providing our readership with a good reason to consider cohabitation with Huntsman Spiders.
I had one that had 6 legs and a bunch of eggs in kelowna bc canada… but you say males have 6 legs. …? Not the female?
Huntsman Spiders, both male and female, should have eight legs, but they occasionally lose one or more legs for a variety of traumatic reasons, hence individuals with only seven, six, five or possibly even fewer legs.
Hello Mr. Bugman
I have a friend who has little red spots on his legs, believed to be spider bites after sleeping in a bed at his Mom and Dad’s home in Punta Gorda Floria. Any idea as to what species of spider it might be?
Thanks…Ri
I found one exactly like that in my kitchen in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
If I would have known it was a huntsman, I would have been friendlier to him.
There is a YouTube video where a huntsman kills a brown recluse…
I found one exactly like that in my kitchen in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
If I would have known it was a huntsman, I would have been friendlier to him.
There is a YouTube video where a huntsman kills a brown recluse…
I did not know that Huntsman spiders are to been seen in South Africa?
I just found one of these in southern oregon
One just ran across my living room wall behind me. It was so quick and made me jump. It ran to the kitchen area behind the fridge, I’d rather have the spider than the critters it eats and it appeared to not want to be near us.
-Vung Tau (south coast Vietnam)
One just ran across my living room wall behind me. It was so quick and made me jump. It ran to the kitchen area behind the fridge, I’d rather have the spider than the critters it eats and it appeared to not want to be near us.
-Vung Tau (south coast Vietnam)
My husband was bitten in Vietnamby a spider or some bug that lays dormant and reoccurs when the area is hit just right. He develops a black area with puss and red streaks up his arm. His hand also swells. US doctors can not explain or understand type. They treat with strong antibiotics. Dies anyone know what type this may be? Any help appreciated. This has been on going since his tour in 1072.
It sounds like recurrent lymphangitis. The underlying problem may be a skin fungal infection or a hypersensitivity to a previous infection. I’d suggest next time it happens you see an ID physician and get pus samples to look for a fungus.
Ide like more info on the phoneutrignigriventer- brazilian spider- on the subject of it’s venom as an aphrodisiac (sp).
An article I read a couple of years ago stateted that a doctor helped a young lad that was bitten by one.
To my knowledge no one has followed up on this yet
It could be the best thing ever for ED for men over all the other so called mail orders that have been tried with no results.
If there is anyone that can search this topic and get back to me on it or who may want to try and developed it please reply.
Hello Mr.bugman I live in Tallassee Alabama,and we get these giant spiders that get to be 3 or 4 inches long with yellow,black,and white spots on them. What are they?
We suspect you might have encountered a Golden Silk Spider.
I found one today in my car. In Puerto Rico
I found a 6 legged very fuzzy spider{?}flattened against the wall of my garden shed here in the Northern Neck of VA. What could it be? Several hours later it had moved and was not to be seen.
Thanks,
Mary
Amazing I am a spider lover I catch and keep them when ever I can they are so cool I will be looking for a huntsman spider can you tell me were is a good place too look for them
Are these spiders poisonous?
Hi I found two recently in my bedroom, I’m a little concerned as we have a two month baby , can they cause any harm ?
Yes, a simple Google search will show you that their bite can be very painful (though likely not fatal).
This is Melissa McCarthy after being bitten by one:
https://www.fm104.ie/news/buzz/melissa-mccarthy-hospitalised-following-terrifying-huntsman-spider-bite/