Q&A for How to Take Care of a Huntsman Spider

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use a bigger cage or aquarium?
    Brandon Runyon
    Entomologist
    Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University.
    Entomologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can use a larger cage or aquarium for huntsman spiders, especially if you plan to keep them for the long term. A bigger enclosure provides more space for the spider to move around and creates a more natural environment for them. However, if you're not keeping them for an extended period, a smaller cage or aquarium should suffice. Whichever size you choose, make sure that the enclosure has adequate ventilation, hiding spots, and substrate to meet the spider's needs for shelter and security.
  • Question
    How can I make a huntsman come to me without scaring it?
    Community Answer
    There is no guarantee but one way is to not make too many sudden movements and let it get to know you. That said, it really depends on the personality of the spider.
  • Question
    How big do the enclosures need to be?
    Community Answer
    A 10-gallon aquarium should be ample space for the comfort and well-being of your spider. Make sure there is a lot of foliage and other outdoor material to help the spider feel as though it is in its regular habitat.
  • Question
    How do I make a good shedding spot for a huntsman?
    Community Answer
    Any rough sticks or rocks that it can rub away the skin on could be added, but aren't necessary. Be sure to avoid aggravating them or feeding them while they are shedding.
  • Question
    Do spiders need water?
    Addison Smith
    Community Answer
    Spiders do need water, but obviously nowhere near as much as humans. Just put out a little bit so it doesn't drown.
  • Question
    How big are these spiders?
    Sosig
    Top Answerer
    Adult spiders have a body length of 2.2 to 2.8cm (approximately 1 inch) and have a leg span of 7 to 12 cm (approximately 3 to 5 inches). Females have larger abdomens than males.
  • Question
    Why can't we handle them? I have seen it done in videos.
    Sosig
    Top Answerer
    The people handling them in those videos likely know how to properly handle them without disturbing them. You could try to handle them, but one mistake and you're in for quite a painful bite. Always be careful around venomous animals.
  • Question
    How much food do they need per week?
    Sosig
    Top Answerer
    As said in the article, you should feed them at least 2-3 times per week. But, if your huntsman does look hungry and starts to move around less, you could feed it then. Be sure to avoid giving it food directly before and after molting, as they will be stressed out.
  • Question
    Can I feed the spider mealworms since I have a colony of mealworms?
    Sosig
    Top Answerer
    Yes, of course! Huntsmen will definitely eat mealworms if you feed them to your spider. Make sure they are alive and visible to your spider though.
  • Question
    Do they eat each other? I have 3 and they haven't yet but it pays to be cautious.
    Sosig
    Top Answerer
    Some huntsman spiders are cannibalistic and some are not. Do some research to see whether the species of huntsman you have are cannibalistic or not.
  • Question
    If I get another spider, will they fight?
    Sosig
    Top Answerer
    Most huntsmen are actually pretty social (unlike other spiders)! Of course, by most, I mean most and not all. There will be many huntsmen spiders who will not enjoy company, so make sure you know whether it's a social species of huntsman or not.
  • Question
    Can I use other substrates like plantation soil other than sand?
    Sosig
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can use soil and sand as a substrate.
  • Question
    How can you tell the sex?
    Sosig
    Top Answerer
    Female huntsmen will always be bigger than males. Female huntsmen can also be distinguished by a very large abdomen, which is most of the time, slightly larger than their head. Male huntsmen's abdomens are smaller, and even when they're full, their abdomen does not grow to the size of a female's.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article