Huntsman Spider
Heteropoda venatoria
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Sparassidae
- Genus: Heteropoda
- Species: venatoria
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Heteropoda venatoria: //ˌhɛtərəˈpoʊdə vɛˌnəˈtɔːriə//
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Summary
Heteropoda venatoria, or the Huntsman Spider, is a pantropical species known for its flat body and considerable leg span, adept at pursuing and consuming insects. It is a beneficial household spider not typically regarded as dangerous to humans.
Physical Characteristics
Adults have a flat, brown body 2.2 to 2.8 cm (0.8 to 1.1 inch) long, with leg spans of 7 to 10 cm (3 to 5 inches). Males are black on the carapace and have longer legs, while females lack the black coloration. Juveniles may exhibit a mottled pattern.
Identification Tips
Males are recognized by their black carapace and longer legs, while females have a tan or cream carapace. The clypeus is cream or yellowish, and the legs have erectile setae marked with a black dot.
Habitat
Found in houses and other structures such as barns and sheds; sensitive to cold and prefers warmer climates.
Distribution
Pantropical species, present in the Gulf states (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, TX) and California, commonly found year-round in warm temperatures.
Diet
Insects, including cockroaches, butterflies, and moths. Also known to prey on scorpions and bats.
Life Cycle
Egg sacs can contain over 100 eggs, with larger sacs holding over 400. Spiderlings undergo their first molt while still in the egg sac.
Reproduction
Females carry their egg sac beneath their body with their pedipalps. Males exhibit courtship behavior by producing a sound through abdominal vibrations.
Ecosystem Role
Considered a beneficial resident in households due to its role in pest control.
Economic Impact
May be regarded as useful in controlling pest insect populations in households.
Cultural Significance
Commonly called giant crab spider, pantropical huntsman spider, or cane spider; confusion with the identity of house spiders in Bermuda.
Health Concerns
Although not considered dangerous, they can deliver a painful bite due to venom, which contains the toxin HpTX2.
Collecting Methods
- Hand capture
- Light traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol
- Freezing
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with other spider species, particularly with Southern house spiders and wolf spiders due to common names.
Tags
- Huntsman Spider
- Arachnids
- Pest Control
- Spider Identification