Discovered in 2001, the giant huntsman spider lives in the caves of Laos. They are known as the giant crab spiders and have a leg span of up to five inches. The giant huntsman spider can grow to be 12 inches across, which is larger than a human head.
Spiders range in body length from 0.5 to about 90 mm (0.02–3.5 inches). The largest spiders are the hairy mygalomorphs, commonly referred to as tarantulas, which are found in warm climates and are most abundant in the Americas.
The giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima) is a species of the huntsman spider family Sparassidae found in Laos. It is considered the world's largest spider by leg span, which can reach up to 30 cm (1 ft).
Australian researchers have discovered a super-sized species of trapdoor spiders found only in Queensland. The females of this rare species can live for over 20 years in the wild and grow up to 5cm long - large in trapdoor spider terms.
Sydney Funnel Web Spider
Found nearly exclusively in Sydney, this spider is often considered the most deadly in the world. With fangs that can pierce through fingernails, and one specimen reaching 10cm stretched out, this spider is serious business. A single bite can kill a human in 15 minutes.
Researchers in Australia discovered a rare, giant species of trapdoor spider found only in Central Queensland. Its name, Euoplos dignitas, comes from the Latin word meaning dignity or greatness, "reflecting the impressive size and nature of the spider," the Queensland Museum said in a statement.
The wolf spider is one of the most intimidating spiders because of its hairy nature. It is often mistaken for the tarantula , but unlike the tarantula, it's venom is not dangerous to humans. The wolf spider is quite large, and they are usually brown and black with grey coatings.
Urban spiders fatter
“The spiders are probably larger in the urban areas as a result of more food, warmer temperatures (that is, the urban heat island effect) and a relaxation of predation,” Elizabeth says.
According to the Guinness World Records, the Sydney funnel-web spider, Atrax robustus, is the most dangerous spider to humans in the world. Native to Australia, this poisonous spider is found in moist habitats such as under logs or in gardens.
Do huntsman spiders intentionally chase you? No. If you try to catch a huntsman and it runs towards you, it isn't attacking. It is trying to get to a safe place, away from the giant human thing looming over it.
The Samoan moss spider, the world's smallest arachnid at a third of a millimeter, is nearly invisible to the human eye. The largest spider in the world is the goliath bird eater tarantula, which weighs 142 grams and is about the size of a dinner plate.
On average, a huntsman spider's leg-span can reach up to 15 cm (5.9 in), while their bodies measure about 1.8 cm (0.7 in) long. Like most spiders, Sparassidae use venom to immobilize prey. They have been known to inflict serious defensive bites on humans.
Can huntsman spiders jump? Huntsman spiders have an unusual leg arrangement – they sit away from the body – which gives rise to their alternative name, giant crab spiders. Huntsman do sometimes 'jump', or more often 'fall' from a surface to escape, but it's their speed that is their real asset.
Huntsman spiders are found in most states and territories of Australia, so you've got a good chance of spotting this buddy. In warm weather, or when it rains, they are often seen inside homes, on walls and ceilings.
An estimated 5 per cent of Australians have arachnophobia, but there are plenty of others happy to get close to the creepy crawlies.
In Australia they are only found in the southeastern part of the country, from South Australia to Queensland via Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. You won't find them in the dry and arid zones. On the other hand, huntsman and wolf-spiders are found all over the country.
Due to their low weight compared with body surface area, and the thread acting as a parachute, a true spider should survive a fall. However, if it is a type of house spider, it may not survive outside regardless of any issues with falling.
Researchers now say that it may be home to the world's fastest lunging predator. The karaops spider is a small and flat spider found only in Australia. The spider is a predator that gets its food by killing and eating other insects.
Find out what to do if you're bitten and how to identify a spider. Australia is well-known for its spiders, but the place isn't overrun with them. While we may have some of the world's most venomous species, you are unlikely to come across one unbless you go looking for one or happen to disturb one hiding away.
Animals which feed directly on spiders include birds, reptiles, mammals and many arthropods, including other spiders, centipedes, scorpions and even some insects.
Use natural oils such as peppermint or citrus spray
Spiders dislike the scent of peppermint, eucalyptus oil, tea-tree, or citrus. Thus, regularly spraying them down likely entrances deters them from coming in. Simply fill a standard spray bottle with water.
Introduction. Wolf Spiders are found throughout Australia. They are robust, agile hunters that live on the ground in leaf litter or burrows.