Species of the Heteropoda genus is a part of the Sparassidae family, popularly known as the huntsman spiders comprising of about 197 species as per the December 2015 reports.
Size: They are big, and the largest species of this genus (Heteropoda maxima or giant huntsman) is 4.6 cm in length, having a leg span of about 30 cm.
Color: Brown is the dominant color, though the shades may vary, like, theHeteropoda davidbowie has a reddish- brown body, while the Heteropoda maxima appear yellowish-brown.
Other Characteristics: The legs of many species of this genus lack a particular pattern, thus, giving them a long, hairy look.
A small, oval sac holds a minimum of 100 eggs.
When in their juvenile stage, they have a lighter hue, which gets darker upon maturation.
Since they are a part of the huntsman spider family, most species of this genus do not make webs and hunt for their prey.
Some of them have toxic venom, which is dangerous for insects but not humans. They bite when provoked, and their sting could be painful but will not cause any long term problems.
| Lifespan | About two years |
| Distribution | Mostly tropical Asia and several parts of Australia (excepting the H. venatoria and H. variegata) |
| Habitat | Entrance of caves, on dead trees, sugarcane fields, banana, and avocado groves, as well as forests |
| Common predators | Wasps, geckoes, birds, and flies |
| Diet | Insects and birds |
Image Credits: en.wiktionary.org
Species of the Heteropoda genus is a part of the Sparassidae family, popularly known as the huntsman spiders comprising of about 197 species as per the December 2015 reports.
Size: They are big, and the largest species of this genus (Heteropoda maxima or giant huntsman) is 4.6 cm in length, having a leg span of about 30 cm.
Color: Brown is the dominant color, though the shades may vary, like, theHeteropoda davidbowie has a reddish- brown body, while the Heteropoda maxima appear yellowish-brown.
Other Characteristics: The legs of many species of this genus lack a particular pattern, thus, giving them a long, hairy look.
A small, oval sac holds a minimum of 100 eggs.
When in their juvenile stage, they have a lighter hue, which gets darker upon maturation.
Since they are a part of the huntsman spider family, most species of this genus do not make webs and hunt for their prey.
Some of them have toxic venom, which is dangerous for insects but not humans. They bite when provoked, and their sting could be painful but will not cause any long term problems.
| Lifespan | About two years |
| Distribution | Mostly tropical Asia and several parts of Australia (excepting the H. venatoria and H. variegata) |
| Habitat | Entrance of caves, on dead trees, sugarcane fields, banana, and avocado groves, as well as forests |
| Common predators | Wasps, geckoes, birds, and flies |
| Diet | Insects and birds |
Image Credits: en.wiktionary.org
