Huntsman Spider Identification Melbourne
Identify huntsman spiders — large, fast but mostly harmless Melbourne spiders.
Huntsman Spider in Melbourne — Quick Answer
Huntsman spiders are among Melbourne's most recognisable spiders due to their large size and fast movement. Adults can reach 15 cm leg span with a flattened, brown body. They do not build webs, instead hunting prey on walls and ceilings. While intimidating, huntsmen are not considered dangerous — bites are rare and cause only mild, localised pain. T47 Pest Control helps Melbourne residents manage huntsman spiders when they become a persistent indoor nuisance.
How to Identify Huntsman Spider
Size
Up to 15 cm leg span; body 20–25 mm
Colour
Brown to grey-brown, often mottled; flattened body shape
Behaviour
Fast-moving, does not build webs, hunts by ambushing prey; enters homes seeking shelter; nocturnal
Habitat
Under bark, behind wall hangings, in crevices; frequently enters homes, garages, and cars
Look-Alikes & Confusion Notes
May cause alarm due to size, but huntsman spiders are easily distinguished from dangerous species. They have a distinctive flat body, crab-like leg position, and do not build webs. Not to be confused with funnel-webs which are stockier with a glossy appearance.
Risk & Urgency
Low. Huntsman spiders are not considered medically significant. Bites are uncommon and cause only mild, localised symptoms. The main risk is startling people or causing accidents when found unexpectedly on car visors or walls.
Where Found in Melbourne
Huntsman spiders are found across all Melbourne suburbs and are the spider most commonly seen inside homes. They are particularly active during warmer months and often enter buildings during storms or temperature changes.
What to Do Now
Huntsmen are generally beneficial as they eat pest insects. If you want to remove one, place a container over it and slide paper underneath. For persistent indoor issues, T47 Pest Control can apply perimeter treatments to reduce entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are huntsman spiders dangerous?
- Huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Bites are rare, cause only mild localised pain, and do not require medical treatment. Their main risk is causing panic reactions due to their large size and speed.
- Why do huntsman spiders come inside?
- Huntsman spiders enter homes seeking shelter from extreme weather, hunting prey insects attracted to indoor lighting, or following warmth during cooler months. They also shelter behind items mounted on exterior walls and follow gaps inside.