Huntsman spiders are large, fast, and often misunderstood. While their size might scare some people, these spiders are not dangerous and play an important role in nature by eating insects. There are many types of Huntsman spiders around the world, each with its own color, shape, and behavior.
Here, I’ll share 7 different types of Huntsman spiders, including how to identify them, where they live, and how they behave.
1. Giant Huntsman Spider
The Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima) is the largest known spider by leg span. It can grow up to 12 inches across, which is about the size of a dinner plate. This spider was discovered in 2001 in a cave in Laos, Southeast Asia. Even though it looks scary, it is not harmful to humans.
Identification
- Pale yellow to light brown body
- Legs stretch sideways, like a crab
- Black or brown spots on legs
- Body size: about 4.6 cm (1.8 in)
- Leg span: up to 30 cm (12 in)
- Flat body helps it hide in narrow spaces
Habitat
The Giant Huntsman prefers dark, warm, and humid places like tropical caves or forest areas with lots of cover. It’s rarely found near people. These spiders are hard to find because they live in deep caves or forests where few humans go.
Behavior
Giant Huntsman spiders are nocturnal, meaning they come out at night. They are fast runners and active hunters. Unlike web-building spiders, they do not wait for prey. They chase and catch insects, small lizards, or other spiders.
They may look scary because of their size, but they are shy and avoid humans. Their bite is not dangerous. If cornered, they might bite, but the bite usually causes only mild pain and swelling.
2. Social Huntsman Spider
The Social Huntsman Spider (Delena cancerides) is special because it lives in groups, unlike most spiders that live alone. It’s common in Australia and is often found under tree bark or in sheds.
Identification
- Grey or brown body
- Long legs with banded patterns
- Flat and wide body
- Body size around 3 cm (1.2 in)
- Leg span can reach 10 cm (4 in)
Habitat
This spider is usually found in Australia, living under bark, logs, or sometimes inside homes. It forms large groups, sometimes up to 100 spiders, all living together peacefully. They use silk to build a shared shelter but don’t build webs to catch food.
Behavior
They are called “social” because they cooperate and live in family groups. The young stay with the mother for weeks. These spiders hunt together at night and share food. Despite their group size, they are not aggressive to humans and prefer to stay hidden.
3. Golden Huntsman Spider
The Golden Huntsman (Olios giganteus) is a large, golden-brown spider found in parts of the United States and Mexico. It is known for its size and color.
Identification
- Golden or light brown body
- Thin, long legs
- Smooth body without many hairs
- Body size up to 2.5 cm (1 in)
- Leg span around 10–12 cm (4–5 in)
Habitat
It lives in deserts, woodlands, and even near homes in the southwestern U.S. These spiders are solitary and hide under rocks or in trees during the day.
Behavior
Golden Huntsman spiders are fast-moving hunters. They are active at night and use their speed to catch insects and other small prey. They don’t spin webs and usually avoid humans. Their bite is not dangerous, but they might bite if handled roughly.
4. Green Huntsman Spider
The Green Huntsman Spider (Micrommata virescens) is found in Europe and is easy to recognize due to its bright green color. It blends well in grass and leaves.
Identification
- Bright green body
- Females are larger than males
- Slender and smooth body
- Body size up to 1.5 cm (0.6 in)
- Long legs, also green
Habitat
This spider lives in grassy areas, gardens, bushes, and meadows. It uses its green color as camouflage to hide from predators and surprise prey. It is common in spring and summer.
Behavior
Green Huntsman spiders are daytime hunters, which is rare for spiders. They don’t use webs to catch food. Instead, they chase insects in the grass. They are harmless to humans and are often seen resting on leaves or flowers.
5. Flat Huntsman Spider
The Flat Huntsman Spider (Holconia immanis) is named for its flat body, which helps it hide under bark and inside narrow gaps. It is native to Australia and often seen inside homes.
Identification
- Flat, wide body
- Light brown or grey color
- Legs stretched sideways
- Body size about 2.5 cm (1 in)
- Leg span up to 15 cm (6 in)
Habitat
It lives in wooded areas, under tree bark, or inside sheds and homes. Because of its flat shape, it can easily slip into small spaces. It is commonly found in eastern and southern Australia.
Behavior
Flat Huntsman spiders are fast and active at night. They hunt insects by chasing them instead of using webs. Even though they look big, they are harmless and shy. Many people find them on walls or ceilings but they usually run away when disturbed.
6. Tree Bark Huntsman Spider
The Tree Bark Huntsman (Pandercetes gracilis) is known for its amazing camouflage. It can blend in perfectly with tree bark, moss, or leaves.
Identification
- Brown, grey, or greenish body
- Patterns that look like bark or moss
- Thin legs with uneven coloring
- Body size about 2–2.5 cm (0.8–1 in)
- Flat body shape
Habitat
Found in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, this spider lives in rainforests. It hides during the day on tree trunks and comes out at night to hunt.
Behavior
Tree Bark Huntsman spiders are ambush predators. They sit still and wait for prey to come close. Their camouflage helps them avoid predators. They are not aggressive and rarely seen unless you’re looking closely.
7. Brown Huntsman Spider
The Brown Huntsman (Isopeda villosa) is one of the most commonly seen Huntsman spiders in Australian homes. People often spot them on walls or ceilings.
Identification
- Light to dark brown body
- Hairy legs
- Large, crab-like shape
- Body size around 2.5 cm (1 in)
- Leg span up to 15 cm (6 in)
Habitat
It lives in gardens, tree bark, garages, and indoor spaces. It is very common across Australia, especially in warmer climates.
Behavior
Brown Huntsman spiders are fast runners and active hunters. They are not dangerous but may bite if cornered. Most bites are mild and don’t require medical help. They help control insect pests, making them useful in homes.
Comparison Table: 7 Types of Huntsman Spiders at a Glance
| Name | Color | Size (Body / Leg Span) | Region | Special Feature |
| Giant Huntsman | Pale yellow to brown | 1.8 in / 12 in | Laos | Largest leg span of any spider |
| Social Huntsman | Grey or brown | 1.2 in / 4 in | Australia | Lives in large family groups |
| Golden Huntsman | Golden or light brown | 1 in / 4–5 in | USA, Mexico | Smooth golden body |
| Green Huntsman | Bright green | 0.6 in / Medium | Europe | Blends perfectly in grass and leaves |
| Flat Huntsman | Brown or grey | 1 in / 6 in | Australia | Flat body for hiding in cracks |
| Tree Bark Huntsman | Brown, grey, mossy | 0.8–1 in / Medium | Asia, Australia | Camouflage matches tree bark |
| Brown Huntsman | Light to dark brown | 1 in / 6 in | Australia | Common house spider, very fast |
FAQ About Huntsman Spiders
How big is a Huntsman spider?
Most Huntsman spiders are quite large compared to other spiders. Their body length ranges from 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.5 cm), and their legs can span up to 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). Some species, like the Giant Huntsman, are even bigger. Their legs stretch out sideways, giving them a wide, crab-like look.
Is a Huntsman spider poisonous?
Huntsman spiders are not poisonous to humans. They do have venom, which they use to kill insects and small prey, but this venom is not strong enough to harm people. If they bite, it might feel like a bee sting—mild pain, some redness, and slight swelling. Serious reactions are very rare, and most people don’t need any medical treatment.
What does the Giant Huntsman spider eat?
The Giant Huntsman Spider is a nocturnal hunter. It comes out at night to search for food. It eats a variety of insects, cockroaches, crickets, and sometimes small lizards or frogs. It doesn’t spin a web to catch prey. Instead, it uses its speed and good eyesight to chase and grab its food.
Is the Huntsman spider poisonous?
No, the Huntsman spider is not dangerous or poisonous to humans. Although they may look scary due to their size and speed, they are usually very shy and non-aggressive. They only bite if they feel trapped or threatened. Even then, the bite is not serious and heals quickly in most cases.
How big can a Huntsman spider get?
The largest species, the Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima), can reach a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 cm)—that’s about the size of a dinner plate. Its body length is around 1.8 inches (4.6 cm). Other Huntsman spiders are slightly smaller but still much larger than common house spiders. Their size helps them move quickly and hunt efficiently.
