Giant Banded Sydney Huntsman Spider

The Giant Banded Sydney Huntsman Spider is an impressive Australian huntsman known for its large size, long legs and distinctive banded appearance. An excellent display species for arachnid enthusiasts, huntsman spiders are fascinating to observe as they explore their enclosure and actively hunt live prey.

Unlike web-building spiders, huntsman spiders are active hunters. Their flattened body shape and long legs allow them to move rapidly across surfaces and hide within narrow spaces, making a well-designed enclosure with plenty of climbing surfaces and secure retreats important.

Key Features

• Impressive Australian huntsman spider
• Large size and distinctive banded appearance
• Fascinating active hunting behaviour
• Excellent display species
• Fast and agile climber
• Does not rely on a traditional prey-catching web
• Best suited to keepers comfortable with fast-moving spiders
• Australian native arachnid

Housing

A secure, escape-proof enclosure is essential for a Giant Banded Sydney Huntsman Spider. Huntsman spiders are excellent climbers and can move surprisingly quickly, so doors, lids and ventilation openings should be appropriately secured.

The enclosure should provide plenty of vertical and horizontal climbing surfaces along with sheltered areas where the spider can retreat during the day.

Suitable enclosure furnishings can include:

• Cork bark
• Natural branches
• Leaf litter
• Suitable substrate
• Secure hiding areas
• Climbing surfaces

Good ventilation should be maintained while providing environmental conditions appropriate for the spider.

Feeding

Giant Banded Sydney Huntsman Spiders are predatory and can be offered appropriately sized live feeder insects.

Suitable foods may include:

• Crickets
• Wood roaches
• Other appropriately sized feeder insects

Prey size and feeding frequency should be adjusted according to the size, age and condition of the individual spider.

Handling

Huntsman spiders are extremely fast and agile, and routine handling is not recommended. They are best kept as display animals where their natural hunting, climbing and hiding behaviours can be safely observed.

Care should also be taken whenever the enclosure is opened for feeding, cleaning or maintenance to prevent accidental escape.

Who Is This Spider Best Suited For?

The Giant Banded Sydney Huntsman is an excellent choice for arachnid enthusiasts looking for a larger, visually impressive Australian spider.

Due to their speed and agility, huntsman spiders are generally better suited to keepers who are confident maintaining fast-moving invertebrates and understand the importance of secure housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Giant Banded Sydney Huntsman Spiders build webs?
Huntsman spiders are primarily active hunters rather than traditional web-building spiders. They may use silk around retreats or other areas of their enclosure.

What do they eat?
They can be fed appropriately sized live insects such as crickets and wood roaches.

Can I handle a huntsman spider?
Routine handling is not recommended. Huntsman spiders are extremely quick and are best enjoyed as display animals.

What type of enclosure do they need?
A secure, well-ventilated enclosure with climbing surfaces, hiding areas and suitable substrate is recommended.

Do you sell spider enclosures and food?
Yes. We stock a range of suitable enclosures, substrates, décor and live feeder insects for invertebrate keeping.

Live Animal Information

Individual spiders may vary naturally in size, colour, markings and appearance. The animal supplied may therefore differ from representative photographs.

Please ensure you understand the relevant state or territory wildlife regulations and licensing requirements before purchasing or keeping Australian native wildlife.