The Huntsman spider, known for its imposing size and incredible speed, is a common sight in warmer climates, often finding its way into human dwellings. These arachnids, with their flattened bodies and long, crab-like legs, can reach a leg span of up to 15 centimeters in some species, making them one of the larger spiders encountered indoors. Unlike many of their relatives, Huntsman spiders do not spin webs to capture food, relying entirely on their hunting prowess to secure a meal.
The Core Diet of the Huntsman
The primary food source for Huntsman spiders is a wide range of terrestrial arthropods and insects. They are highly opportunistic feeders. This often includes common household pests, a feature that makes them surprisingly helpful to humans. Insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets form a regular part of their diet. Huntsman spiders are particularly effective at controlling populations of cockroaches, making them a natural form of pest management in domestic settings.
They are also known to prey on other spiders, including individuals from different species or smaller Huntsman spiders, showcasing a degree of cannibalistic behavior. These spiders are primarily nocturnal hunters, meaning they are most active and seeking food during the nighttime hours when many of their insect prey are also active. Their flattened body structure allows them to squeeze into tight crevices and under bark, providing excellent ambush points from which to launch their attacks.
Hunting Methods and Prey Capture
The Huntsman spider employs a strictly active hunting strategy that uses speed and power rather than silk for capture. They utilize both stalking and ambush techniques to locate and approach their food. The spider will often wait in a hidden location, such as under loose tree bark or a wall cavity, before rapidly pouncing on an unsuspecting victim. Their remarkable speed allows them to run down prey, often closing the distance with a sudden, springing jump.
Prey Immobilization and Consumption
Once the prey is within range, the spider uses its powerful legs to grasp and hold the animal firmly. This physical restraint is immediately followed by a venomous bite. The venom, which is generally considered mild to humans, is effective in quickly immobilizing the spider’s target. After injecting the venom, which also contains digestive enzymes, the Huntsman holds the prey until it is subdued. These enzymes begin to liquefy the internal tissues of the meal, allowing the spider to consume the nutrients by sucking up the dissolved contents.
Notable Dietary Exceptions
While their diet primarily consists of insects, larger Huntsman spiders occasionally take advantage of opportunities to consume small vertebrates. These instances are not common, but they have been reliably documented. The most frequently observed vertebrate prey includes small lizards, such as geckos, which can be found alongside Huntsman spiders in homes. These larger meals demonstrate the spider’s opportunistic nature, where size is not an absolute barrier if the spider is large enough to subdue the victim. There have also been rare reports of Huntsman spiders preying on very small mammals, such as juvenile mice, though this is considered an exceptional event rather than a regular dietary component.