Huntsman Spiders
WouterHuntsman spiders are large arachnids. They are mostly nocturnal. They are usually found in forested areas. They prefer to live in crevices or under loose bark on trees. They are known for their speed and agility. They can run up to 5 meters per second.
Huntsman spiders are members of the Sparassidae family, which is primarily found in Southeast Asia. There are about 1,200 species of huntsman spiders. The largest of these spiders is 4.6 cm (1.8 inches) long.
Female huntsman spiders are very protective of their egg sacs. They will protect them for up to three weeks. The spiders will carry the egg sac under their body. During this time, the females will lay around 200 eggs.
The male huntsman spiders will seek out females using pheromones. They will then insert their palpi into the epigynum of the female. During the mating ritual, they will caress the female for hours.
They are most likely to bite you when they feel threatened. The bite may feel like a small sting, but it can be very painful. You can minimize the pain by applying ice.
The venom of the huntsman spider is used to immobilize prey and as a muscle relaxant. The venom is harmless to healthy people. However, it can cause swelling and nausea.
If you find a huntsman spider, it is best to try and remove it. Some spiders are very large, and can enter your house or even sit on your shoes.
