huntsman spider

Huntsman spiders belong to the family Sparassidae and are known for their large size, hairy bodies, and eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. They are typically gray or brown and found in tropical regions. Their flattened bodies are adapted for living in narrow spaces, and their legs extend sideways, giving them a crab-like appearance.1

Despite their intimidating look, huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. While they are venomous and their bites can cause pain, they are generally reluctant to attack and prefer to flee when threatened. The giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima) holds the record for the largest leg span of any known spider, reaching up to 30 cm (11.8 inches). These spiders actively hunt their prey, which includes insects, small rodents, and reptiles, subduing them with venom.123