Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

Key Takeaways – Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous?

• Huntsman spiders in Australia are large, hairy arachnids with a leg span of 7–12 cm and crab-like sideways walking.

• Males have longer legs and smaller abdomens, while females are larger-bodied and often aggressive when guarding egg sacs.

• Common habitats include forests, rock crevices, under bark, inside homes, and even hiding in cars during weather changes.

• Diet mainly consists of insects, geckos, and cockroaches, making them beneficial pest controllers.

• Huntsman spider bites are not fatal to humans but can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, nausea, and vomiting.

• Severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis are rare but require immediate first aid intervention.

• Despite their fearsome appearance, huntsman spiders avoid human contact and typically flee when approached.

• Females produce egg sacs with up to 200 eggs and guard them for weeks without feeding.

• Learning spider bite first aid can help manage symptoms and reduce health risks.

• CPR First Aid Liverpool courses provide training for spider bites, CPR, and other emergency situations across Australia.

Due to the venom in their fangs, plus their creepy crawler factor, spiders are generally feared. This is especially true in certain parts where spider bites can prove fatal. One such place is Australia.

People with a healthy fear of arachnids have undoubtedly heard about red-back and funnel-web spiders. Their bites could cause death in minutes. 

Another spider people would know about is the Huntsman, known for its large size and distinct look. Armed with its fearsome appearance, does it bring something else to the table that makes it dangerous to people? 

Join us as we explore whether huntsman spiders are dangerous to humans.

On the Hunt: Characteristics and More

Physical Appearance

The physical appearance of these giant huntsman spiders from the family Sparassidae (formerly Heteropodidae) is very distinct, making them quite recognizable to many people. Next, let’s talk about the size of the Australian huntsman spider. These spiders are vast, with big bodies capable of flattening out. They also have longer legs than most, with the front legs reaching longer than their hind legs. This species of huntsman spider has a leg span of 7 to 12 cm, according to the University of Florida.

Another defining feature of this type of spider is its hairiness. Its bodies are patched with hair, often brown or beige. Banded colour periodically appears on parts of its legs. 

Finally, their legs are unique in that they do not bend vertically. Instead, their twisted legs are splayed outward and forward, allowing them to walk sideways like crabs. There are differences, though, between Huntsman spider males and females. Let’s investigate these differences.

Differences Between Males and Females

When seen in their natural habitat, both genders of this spider are about the same size. However, there are some differences between a male and a female huntsman.

For starters, the females have a larger and heavier abdomen. The males are about the same size, with much smaller abdomens but longer legs. 

In cultivating huntsman spiders, it was seen that the males tend to mature faster but in smaller bodies. 

This is particularly important as female huntsman spiders of this species prefer males. When selecting mates, they tend to go with the larger ones and kill off the smaller ones. 

The females will also mate with the smaller ones if it is not their choice. 

Habitat

These are often found in Australian forest-like areas. They are often found in many places, such as trees, rocks, rock walls, loose bark, tree bark, rock crevices, and within or under logs. Their flattened body size allows them to squeeze into tiny spaces. 

Despite living within forest settings, they have also been known to travel around and enter certain places near humans. 

It is expected that a few of these spiders will be found within the house. Changes in the weather and climate usually cause this. 

They can also easily sneak into cars and hide in small spaces like visors. 

Specific species are also found in some regions of Australia and other countries. For instance, Holconia immanis is found in eastern Australia from Queensland to Victoria. The Flat Huntsman Spider, also known as the Social Huntsman Spider (Delena Cancer ides), is famous in Tasmania.

Other countries and regions are also home to these. New Zealand has the Social Huntsman spider, the Americas (Florida, Texas, and California) has the Pantropical Huntsman spider, and Laos in Asia has the giant Huntsman spider (Heteropoda). Recent news also states that new genera and species have been discovered in South Africa and Namibia.

Online resources such as the Australian Museum provide photos of these species with appropriate image credits.

Diet

Insects and other invertebrates like geckos and cockroaches are the favourite.

How do They Multiply?

When multiplying, it is essential to understand the behaviour of these spiders—specifically the female—to address the question of danger.

According to the Australian Museum, the female produces an egg sac containing up to 200 eggs after mating. The first order of business is keeping it safe. They do this by placing it under a log, a rock, or a crevice. 

Once this is done, the mother stands to watch for three weeks. During that period, they do nothing but guard their eggs, not needing to feed or eat. 

When it is time for their spiderlings to emerge, the mother may opt to help break open the sac. 

Is the Huntsman Spider Dangerous?

Attitude Towards Humans

It is time to address whether Huntsman spiders are dangerous to humans. 

In truth, their general attitude towards humans indicates the opposite. When confronted with people, they usually opt to run. They are more afraid of people than we are of them. 

They have a funny way of showing their fear, though, often trying to run up to someone instead of away. 

However, there are some instances when they are poised to attack. If cornered and with nowhere to go, they use their fangs.

In addition, females who are disturbed while protecting their egg sacs are known to be overly aggressive. 

The Danger of the Bite

The bite of the Australian Huntsman Spider is not as dangerous as other spiders, such as spider wasps, tarantulas, giant crab spiders, and jumping spiders. In fact, in most cases, they are incapable of killing people with their bite. 

Like many other spiders, their Huntsman spider bite contains some venom. This venom, though, isn’t fatal for people. It only introduces a few minor symptoms to the general population, who still need the application of a cold pack and further medical attention. 

Here is a list of symptoms from this spider’s bite. 

Instant Pain 

These spiders have large jaws and prominent fangs; the first thing people will feel when bitten is pain. 

People can instantly see the area where they were bitten, connoted by puncture wounds. In some cases, there will only be one wound instead of two. It is likely because only one fang touched a person’s skin. 

Reports indicate that the pain felt here is the worst of all the symptoms. 

Swelling and Inflammation

Along with pain, the afflicted area may swell and become inflamed, and it may also have a tinge of itchiness. Such symptoms may occur, especially if the bite came from a Badge Huntsman Spider (Genus: Neosparassus, Order: Araneae), a species within the same family.

These are common symptoms of a spider bite, and people use them to indicate that they have been bitten. However, knowing which spider bit them is essential, as this will help us understand how harmful the bite is and whether other symptoms are likely to follow. 

These will usually go down independently, but medical assistance should be sought immediately if they persist. 

Nauseous and Vomiting

Finally, people bitten by the Huntsman can also feel nauseous and have a bit of a headache. This will be accompanied by a need to vomit. If a person rests and keeps hydrated, they should come out just fine.

It must be stated again that if any of these symptoms persist, it is in people’s best interest to seek first aid. 

Anaphylaxis

In some rare cases, people may prove allergic to this spider’s bite and the spider itself. If a person who is allergic to any of these comes into contact with them, anaphylaxis may be triggered, which is dangerous in its own right. 

In one study, a Huntsman spider crawled over a man for about half an hour, leaving tracks of rashes along his arms. After medications, he recovered in just six hours. 

Danger Is as Danger Does

As an offshoot of Forrest Gump’s quote, “Danger is as danger does.” This means that depending on what happens and how it is understood, there is still a chance that something is dangerous. 

Sometimes, “danger” is subjective and must be clearly defined. For starters, there is a distinction between fatal and dangerous. If the question is whether a social Huntsman Spider can kill humans, the answer is no. 

Despite that, their venomous bite is something to be cautious about, presenting several dangers to people. 

One of the best things to do is learn first aid and be prepared for any spider bite. 

Learn relevant first aid practices via CPR First Aid’s Liverpool course today. From a first aid course, a CPR refresher course, and childcare first aid courses to name a few, CPRFA offers various courses that will no doubt benefit you.Terms and conditions apply.