With eight very long legs, the ability to dart like lightning, and the name “hunts man”, it’s no wonder this iconic Australian arachnid is as feared as it is well-known.
But while many are quick to label these spiders as terrifying or gross, they play a role both inside our homes and elsewhere by controlling unwanted insects.
Despite their intimidating appearance, huntsman spiders pose no real threat to humans or pets. In fact, you’re far more likely to have an adverse reaction to a march fly than to a huntsman.
I believe switching the perspective to fascination (or at least to respect), is crucial – especially in light of the alarming decline in invertebrate populations, a crisis mirroring the broader loss of biodiversity worldwide.
So, let’s take a closer look at why these misunderstood and over-vilified creatures deserve a little more appreciation.
(Image: François Brassard)
Are huntsman spiders dangerous?
While the huntsman spider’s appearance often inspires a misconception of danger, the real data tell a different story.
These spiders rarely pose any major threat to humans, with research finding that from 168 definitive huntsman spider bites, there were no cases of allergic reactions or necrotic ulcers.
This is not to say that a bite doesn’t hurt – each spider-bite case from this study reported pain/discomfort, however this only occurred for a median of five minutes.
What does a huntsman spider bite look like?
Due to their large fangs, two puncture marks are likely to be visible if bitten, with some cases of short-lived swelling in the area.
Encounters that do result in bites are usually provoked (eg picked up or caught), so it is best to leave them be.
An alternative for many people will be killing them. However, would one dead spider be a better alternative to a house overrun with cockroaches, beetles, moths and even other spiders?
These stealthy housemates, whether you’re aware of their presence or not, are likely a big reason your home isn’t overrun by other unwanted critters – critters that might prefer your cosy bed sheets and clothes over the huntsman’s hidden retreats, like behind the fridge.
Where do huntsman spiders live?
Huntsman spiders don’t build webs and live a “nomadic” lifestyle, so they are notoriously hard to track down.
As their name suggests, they are hunters rather than web-builders, but they do produce silk to enclose their (approximately) 200 eggs. They are flat-bodied, allowing them to squeeze behind tree bark, under rocks or in-between foliage during the day.
As they don’t make a web, they actively hunt during the night, feeding primarily on other invertebrates, but aren’t opposed to an unlucky skink or gecko.
Some species of huntsman, known as lichen huntsman spiders, have extraordinary cryptic camouflage, mimicking lichen on tree trunks allowing them to remain hidden in plain sight during the day.
Other species, that are not so well camouflaged, can make their way into our homes and stand out like a sore thumb on the wall.
Though they are naturally outside-dwelling spiders, thanks to their flattened bodies, slipping between doors or windows isn’t a hard task when they’re seeking shelter, looking for prey and water, or to find a mate.
With a relatively short and solitary lifespan, the huntsman spider is a low-maintenance, no-fuss housemate. It’ll keep your pests minimal, make no mess, and—bonus—it’ll be dead and gone in two years anyway!
(Image: Charlotte Raven)
How big do huntsman spiders get?
Huntsman spiders are impressively large, with some international species reaching a leg span of up to 30cm or more, making them the largest spider in the world. Luckily (or unluckily for us spider fans), the largest species of huntsman here in Australia only(!) reach a leg span of approximately 23cm.
Can huntsman spiders jump?
Huntsman spiders appear to jump away in a spring-like fashion when escaping predators or prying human fingers.
However, this is more like a tactical falling technique, with their long legs making it look like a small leap.
This ‘jumping ability’, along with their speed, helps them navigate their environment and avoid threats – because even the hunter can become the hunted.
Due to their large size, agility, and swift movements, huntsman spiders are well-equipped for survival in the wild.
Unfortunately, these very traits that help them thrive in nature are often the reason we fear them.
Their quick, unpredictable movements and imposing size can trigger a sense of alarm, making them easy targets for unwarranted vilification or ‘the boot’, giving them a reputation that far outweighs the minimal threat they pose.
(Image: François Brassard)
How do you get rid of huntsman spiders?
If you’re looking to get rid of huntsman spiders, the best approach is often prevention rather than elimination.
These spiders are drawn to places with water sources (like kitchens and bathrooms) and shelter.
Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors to prevent their entry and consider using natural repellents such as essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint. If you do find one inside and would prefer it to be outside, gently relocate it using an appropriately sized cup or tub and a sheet of paper —after all, they're not looking to harm you.
Like it or not, we, and our homes are part of the natural world, and learning to coexist with these mostly harmless creatures isn’t just easier—it’s a reminder that even the not-so-cute and cuddly deserve our respect because we are all sharing the same planet (or house).
(Image: François Brassard)
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au