Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
[ Site Map ] [
Rainforest Search Engine ]
Back ] Home ] Up ] Next ]



Huntsman Spider


Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide

Huntsman Spiders

  • 'Huntsman Spiders' are of the family Heteropodidae  (formerly Sparassidae)

  • They are often large spiders that are usually quite flattened in appearance, with long, laterally pointed legs.

  • Their long legs give some of the larger specimens a total span of 16 centimetres (Egerton 1997).

  • Their legs can also bend forward, which enables them to scurry sideways in a crab-like motion.

  • These appearances and behaviours are generally an adaptation to their life underneath the bark of trees.

  • The fact that they do not use webs, and that they may chase down their prey, gives them their most commonly used name of “Huntsman”.

  • However they most probably use a ‘sit and wait’ hunting strategy, placing themselves on tree trunks near busy paths and preying on the passing traffic.

  • The Huntsman family can potentially be found all around the world, but seem much more common in the tropics.

  • Some have adapted to living with humans quite well, and thus Huntsmans can often be seen on the walls inside toilets and lodges and other outside buildings.

  • Despite their size and speed, most Huntsmen are harmless; only the “Badge spiders”, Olios spp. are considered a little dangerous.

Script: Courtesy of  Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide


Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Lake Eacham, Atherton Tablelands
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
PH & Fax: 07 4095 3754 International: 61 7 4095 3754

http://www.rainforest-australia.com/accommodation


Book Online Now

A great Australian rainforest experience

Click Here To Send An Email

[Accommodation ]
[One Bedroom Lodge] [Five Bedroom Lodge] [Guest Lounge
[Directions] [Bookings] [Weather] [Search Engines]
[
Birdwatching Opportunities at The Chambers] [Bushwalking Opportunities at The Chambers]
[Rainforest Environment Surrounding The Chambers] [Nocturnal Animals at The Chambers]
[
Atherton Tableland Natural Attractions You Can See During Your Stay at The Chambers]
[Travel Information for Australia]
[ Tour Group Photos ]

All content, layout and design in this website
are protected by copyright 1998-2017 John Chambers.