Spiders often spark a blend of curiosity and concern among people, prompting questions about their presence and characteristics. Understanding the various creatures that share our environments can help alleviate apprehension and foster a more informed perspective on the natural world.
Huntsman Spiders in Texas
Huntsman spiders are present in Texas, particularly in subtropical areas and along the Gulf Coast. The most common species in the region is Heteropoda venatoria, also known as the banana spider or giant crab spider. These spiders are not native to the United States, originating in Asia. They likely arrived in the U.S. through accidental transport, often via produce shipments like bananas. Their presence in Texas is part of a broader distribution across warmer southern states, including Florida and California, where the climate supports their survival.
Identifying a Huntsman Spider
Huntsman spiders are large, with a leg span extending up to 5 inches. Their bodies are flattened and range from brown to grey or tan, often with mottled patterns. Females are typically larger, with a brown body and a tan band on their carapace, while males may have longitudinal bands on their abdomen.
Their unique leg arrangement is a key identifying feature; long, flat legs twist forward in a crab-like manner, allowing sideways movement. Unlike tarantulas, huntsman spiders have less bulky bodies and are not as hairy, though they do have black spots on their legs. They possess eight eyes arranged in two rows of four, forward-facing. They do not build webs for catching prey, relying instead on speed and agility for hunting.
Where Huntsman Spiders Live
Huntsman spiders prefer warm, humid environments. Outdoors, they commonly reside under loose tree bark, rocks, logs, crevices, woodpiles, and dead trees, seeking shelter.
They frequently venture indoors, especially when seeking warmth or prey. They are often encountered in human dwellings such as garages, sheds, basements, and living spaces. Their flattened bodies allow them to squeeze into surprisingly tight spots, including under furniture, behind wall hangings, in closets, and through small gaps under doors.
Encountering a Huntsman Spider
Huntsman spiders are shy and non-aggressive, preferring to flee. They are fast movers, which can be startling. Bites are rare, occurring only if threatened, such as when trapped against skin or protecting an egg sac.
Their venom is not medically significant for humans. Bites usually result in mild, localized symptoms like pain, redness, and minor swelling. Some individuals might experience nausea or headaches, but severe reactions are uncommon.
If found indoors, they can be safely removed by placing a container over them and sliding a piece of paper or cardboard underneath, then releasing them outside in a shaded area. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, persist, or if signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or dizziness, develop.