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Animal India - Heteropoda Venatoria

Huntsman spiders (Heteropoda venatoria) are a species of large spiders in the family Sparassidae, found in warm and tropical areas of Australasia, Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean Basin, and the Americas. They are named for their speed and hunting mode. Native to tropical regions of the world, their common names include giant crab spider and cane spider. Huntsman spiders use venom to immobilize prey and are known to inflict serious defensive bites on humans. The female Huntsman produces a flat, oval egg sac of white papery silk, laying up to 200 eggs. During this period, the female can be quite aggressive and will rear up in a defensive display if provoked. Huntsman spider bites can cause nausea, headaches, vomiting, irregular pulse rate, and sometimes even heart palpitations. A female Huntsman spider was observed carrying its egg sac under its body in a corner and door of a house in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on 01/06/2024. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11298704
Date Taken	1 June 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto

Huntsman spiders Heteropoda venatoria Sparassidae large spiders warm areas tropical areas Australasia Africa Asia Mediterranean Basin Americas speed hunting mode giant crab spider cane spider venom immobilize prey defensive bites humans egg sac white papery silk 200 eggs aggressive defensive display nausea headaches vomiting irregular pulse rate heart palpitations Tehatta West Bengal India Soumyabrata Roy NurPhoto.