The Spider Research Project

White-tailed Spider

Huntsman Spiders

Common Huntsman spiders: Isopeda, Isopedella
Shield Huntsman spiders: Neosparassus
Tropical Huntsman spiders: Heteropoda

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITS:

Isopeda, Isopedella and Neosparassus are widely distributed throughout Australia. Heteropoda is common in northern tropical areas.

The Common Huntsman spiders are found living under loose bark. Both Tropical and Shield Huntsman spiders are found under bark, on foliage and in leaf litter. They sometimes enter houses.

IDENTIFICATION:

Huntsman spiders are large, long-legged spiders, measuring up to 15 cm across the legs. They are mostly grey to brown, sometimes with bands across the legs. Common Huntsman spiders have flattened bodies adapted for living under loose bark.

Shield Huntsman Spider

Shield Huntsman spiders are usually fawn or grey on top, with bands on the underside of the legs and distinctive colour combinations of black, white, orange or yellow under the abdomen (the 'shield'). Tropical Huntsman spiders are patterned in motley brown, white and black. Both Tropical and Shield Huntsman spiders have less flattened bodies than Common Huntsman spiders.

BITE:

Huntsman spider bites usually result only in transient local pain and swelling. However, some Shield Huntsman spider bites can result in prolonged pain, inflammation, headache, vomiting and irregular pulse rate.

FIRST AID:

An ice pack may relieve local pain. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

The Spiders! exhibition has closed but the Spiders! website is still here.

search & discover
Australian Museum 6 College St SYDNEY 2000.	Phone: 02 93206202 Fax: 02 93206065 Send email

[competition/_private/navbar.htm]