Huntsman

Fact Box Species: Delena cancerides (RM) Family: Sparassidae formerly Heteropodidae Body length: female: 28 mm male: 24 mm Habitat: Under loose bark of tree trunks but sometimes enters houses; it is usual for one adult female and many juveniles to congregate under a single piece of loose bark, most of them immediately dropping to the ground if the bark is torn from the tree trunk. Toxicity: Uncertain; probably harmless

Underside With spiderlings The male Male, close up

Like most other huntsman spiders, this species has legs that curve forwards like those on a crab and possess obvious scopulae.

An identifying feature of this species is the plain, light brown upper body surfaces and dark legs and chelicerae though younger juveniles have a pale blue-green hue.

Known range: Recorded from Rockhampton down the east coast to Tasmania and westwards across to Geraldton.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Some other huntsman species.