🕷️ Huntsman Spider Care Guide
Introduction
The Huntsman Spider (family Sparassidae) is one of the most iconic and misunderstood true spiders in the world. Known for their lightning speed, impressive leg span, and surprisingly calm nature, huntsman spiders make a captivating display species for experienced arachnid keepers.
Found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe, these spiders are often mistaken for aggressive giants — yet in reality, they are gentle, intelligent, and fascinating to observe, especially during night-time hunting activity.
Huntsman spiders are an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to explore beyond tarantulas and experience the behaviors of one of nature’s most efficient predators.
🌎 Natural Habitat
Huntsman spiders inhabit warm, humid environments such as forests, caves, rocky outcrops, and even inside homes and sheds. They are nocturnal hunters, relying on agility and sharp vision to ambush prey rather than building webs.
Species such as Heteropoda venatoria (the common “House Huntsman”) are particularly adaptable, thriving in human environments where insects are abundant. Their natural habitats should be mimicked in captivity with ample space, vertical surfaces, and stable humidity.
🏡 Enclosure Setup
Huntsman spiders are arboreal, meaning they prefer to climb and rest on vertical surfaces. Unlike web-builders, they require space to move freely and stalk prey.
Recommended enclosure size:
- Juveniles: 15 × 15 × 20 cm (6 × 6 × 8 in)
- Adults: 25 × 25 × 30 cm (10 × 10 × 12 in) minimum
Setup essentials:
- Substrate: 2–3 cm of moist coco fibre or soil to retain humidity.
- Decor: Vertical cork bark slabs, branches, or artificial plants to climb on.
- Hides: Bark pieces, curved cork, or hollow bamboo tubes make ideal retreats.
- Water: A small, shallow dish or droplets from occasional misting.
- Lighting: Ambient room light or natural daylight cycles — no special UV needed.
- Ventilation: Excellent ventilation is crucial to prevent mold in humid conditions.
Provide a tall, spacious enclosure that balances airflow and humidity — huntsman spiders dislike stagnant air but need a bit of moisture in the environment.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Most huntsman species thrive in warm, humid conditions similar to tropical climates.
- Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Humidity: 65–75 %
- Misting: Light misting every 2–3 days, ensuring one side remains dry.
Avoid over-misting, as stagnant moisture can stress the spider or promote mold growth.
🍴 Feeding
Huntsman spiders are active predators that will readily take down prey their size or larger. Their hunting style is fast, calculated, and thrilling to watch.
Offer a variety of live foods such as:
- Crickets
- Small roaches
- Mealworms or waxworms (as treats)
Feed once or twice a week, depending on spider size and appetite. Juveniles benefit from smaller, more frequent meals.
Tip: These spiders often stalk their prey rather than attacking immediately — patience during feeding time can reveal fascinating behavior.
⚖️ Growth & Molting
Huntsman spiders grow rapidly, with juveniles molting frequently. Before a molt, they may:
- Stop eating for several days
- Remain motionless and hang upside down
- Appear dull or faded in color
After molting, the spider will appear pale and soft — allow 3–4 days before feeding again to avoid injury. Maintain moderate humidity to support successful molts.
⚠️ Temperament & Handling
Despite their size and speed, most huntsman spiders are shy and non-aggressive. They may sprint to escape if disturbed but rarely bite unless cornered.
While bites are uncommon and not medically significant, handling is discouraged due to their fragility and lightning-fast reflexes. Instead, admire them as display animals that showcase natural predation and mobility unlike any other spider group.
🧬 Lifespan & Size
- Body length: 25–35 mm (1–1.4 in), species dependent
- Leg span: Up to 13 cm (5 in) or more
- Lifespan: 2–3 years for females; males typically shorter-lived
Some species, such as Heteropoda venatoria, are among the largest true spiders by leg span, while others like Holconia immanis can reach impressive adult sizes.
🌿 Breeding Notes
Breeding huntsman spiders can be challenging but rewarding. After mating, females produce a flat, disc-shaped egg sac that they may guard fiercely. Spiderlings hatch after several weeks and can be reared separately once dispersed.
Ensure consistent warmth and humidity during breeding, and introduce the male carefully to avoid aggression.
✅ Key Care Summary
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific Family | Sparassidae |
| Common Name | Huntsman Spider |
| Origin | Tropical & Subtropical Regions Worldwide |
| Category | Arboreal / Fast-Moving |
| Adult Size | Up to 13 cm leg span |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| Humidity | 65–75 % |
| Temperament | Shy, fast, non-aggressive |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Handling | Not recommended |
🔗 Related Guides
- True Spider Care Guide
- Jumping Spider Care Guide
- Miami Wolf Spider Care Guide
- Golden Silk Orb-Weaver Care Guide
🎥 For More Arachnid Related Content
Please see our YouTube Channel — The Tarantula Vault — for care videos, feeding clips, and behind-the-scenes content featuring spiders from around the world.
© The Tarantula Vault
Dedicated to providing accurate, passionate care information for every species. Visit thetarantulavault.com for more guides and husbandry tips.