Huntsman spider

Scientific Name: Holconia immanis

Other Common Names: Sydney huntsman spider, Giant huntsman spider, Large huntsman spider, Grey huntsman spider

Species documented in 1867 by L. Koch.

Description

This common Huntsman is one of the largest of its species in Australia. The female being larger than the male, can grow to 47mm in length – the male can grow to approximately 30mm (Mascord, 1970).

Reproduction/Lifecycle

Habitat

Huntsman spiders are found throughout the east coast of Australia. They do not build webs, and are usually found under bark or ivy or other such sheltered plants. They can also seek shelter inside houses.

Diet

Typically Huntsman spiders are described to be sit-and-wait foragers where they ambush their prey, often choosing favourite ambush sites (Henle, 1993).

Miscellaneous

This species was accidentally introduced to New Zealand (CSIRO, 2004). Previously known as Isopeda immanis.

Found in:

NSW,QLD,VIC,