Australian Biological Resources Study

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Family SPARASSIDAE Bertkau, 1872

Huntsman Spiders


Compiler and date details

30 March 2006 - Valerie Todd Davies (1984, including the Lycosidae by R.J. McKay); B.J. Richardson & Marek Zabka (Salticidae); Robert J. Raven (2006, updated and expanded); Nephila updated May 2008

Introduction

Amongst the largest of Australia's spiders, the Sparassidae inspire more fear than many other spiders. Their claw tufts and flattened profile allow them to scurry sideways out of our peripheral vision, which behaviour has been attributed to causing a number of road accidents.

 

Diagnosis

Typically large spiders with laterigrade legs, dense scopulae and claw tufts, but no strong paired spines on the ventral tibiae; the distal edge of the pedal metatarsi forms three lobes or triangles. Sparianthidinae have the spinnerets extended as if an additional segment is present.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
15-Oct-2020 20-Jun-2012 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)