Living in a place where Huntsman spiders are everywhere—both inside my house and around it—I’ve had plenty of firsthand encounters with these fascinating creatures. I know their behavior, their habits, and most importantly, just how big they can get.
Since many people seem to be both fascinated and terrified by their size, I want to share my personal insights and real-life comparisons to help paint a clear picture of how massive these spiders truly are.
How Big Are Huntsman Spiders?
From my experience, the size of a Huntsman spider can vary depending on the species, but they’re always impressive. Their leg span can range anywhere from a few inches to nearly a foot across! The ones I commonly see around my house have legs that easily stretch wider than my hand, while some of the larger ones could almost cover my entire face—not that I’d let them!
The Largest Huntsman Spider I’ve Seen
While I haven’t personally come across the world’s biggest Huntsman spider, I do know that the Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima) holds the record with a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 cm). However, in my own home, I’ve definitely seen some that are close to that size, especially hanging out on my walls at night. Sometimes, when I turn on the lights, I spot one scurrying away, and it’s honestly amazing (and a little startling) to see just how big they can get.
Size Comparison With Other Spiders
People often ask me how Huntsman spiders compare to other well-known spiders, so here’s my take:
- Tarantulas vs. Huntsman Spiders – Tarantulas have a much bulkier body, but their leg span is often smaller than that of a large Huntsman. If you’re just looking at leg span, a big Huntsman can actually seem more intimidating!
- Wolf Spiders vs. Huntsman Spiders – I see wolf spiders from time to time, but they’re nowhere near as big as Huntsman spiders. Huntsmans are faster and much better at climbing walls.
- Daddy Long Legs vs. Huntsman Spiders – Some people think Daddy Long Legs are huge, but when you put them next to a Huntsman, they look tiny. Huntsman spiders have thicker, more powerful legs and a much larger body.
How Big Are They Compared to Everyday Objects?
Since I see them so often, I’ve come up with a few relatable comparisons:
- A fully grown Huntsman spider can be bigger than my entire hand, fingers included.
- Some of the really large ones I’ve spotted are as wide as a dinner plate when they stretch out.
- Even a medium-sized Huntsman can easily cover a smartphone, which is pretty shocking when you see it in person.
Why Do Some Huntsman Spiders Get So Big?
Through observation, I’ve noticed that not all Huntsman spiders are the same size. Some factors that seem to influence their size include:
- Species – Some species naturally grow bigger than others.
- Environment – I live in an area where they have plenty of hiding spots and warm temperatures, which helps them thrive.
- Food Availability – The more insects around, the more food they have to grow. I see them feasting on moths, cockroaches, and even small lizards sometimes.
Are Huntsman Spiders as Scary as They Look?
A lot of people freak out when they see a huge Huntsman spider, but after living with them for so long, I’ve realized they’re not aggressive. They move fast, which can be alarming, but they’d rather run away than attack. I’ve even had a few occasions where they suddenly appeared on my ceiling or behind furniture, but they usually don’t bother me unless I disturb them.
Conclusion
From my personal experience, Huntsman spiders are some of the biggest and most misunderstood spiders out there. Yes, their size can be intimidating, especially when you see one casually stretched out on your wall, but they’re harmless to humans. If you ever come across one, take a moment to appreciate how incredible they are—just be ready for them to vanish in a flash if you get too close!
