huntsman spider

noun

plural huntsman spiders

: any of a family (Sparassidae) of very large, typically gray or brown, hairy spiders that are found mainly in tropical regions, have eight eyes in two rows of four and legs extended sideways resembling those of a crab, and include one (Heteropoda venatoria) introduced into warmer parts of the U.S.

Many huntsman spiders have rather flattened bodies adapted for living in narrow spaces under loose bark or rock crevices. This is aided by their legs which, instead of bending vertically in relation to the body, have the joints twisted so that they spread out forwards and laterally in crab-like fashion.—

Charlotte Karp

The large and hairy huntsman spiders are, despite their appearance, not considered dangerous. They are venomous and can cause pain with their bites, but experts say they are reluctant to attack and would rather scamper away when feeling threatened.—

Matt Mathers

called also giant crab spider

Examples of huntsman spider in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In fact, huntsman spiders are common elsewhere, especially in Asia. —

Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2023 Despite their chilling appearance, huntsman spiders are not considered to be dangerous, according to the Australian Museum. —

Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 7 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of huntsman spider was in 1889

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Huntsman spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/huntsman%20spider. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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