The common huntsman spider frequently startles visitors to Australia. However, locals know that, in spite of its intimidating appearance, the huntsman is virtually harmless. This spider can reach up to 6 inches across measuring from the tips of its long, hairy legs. It has a flat body that allows it to crawl into narrow spaces. It's often found beneath loose bark on trees, within rock crevices and underneath logs and rocks on the ground. It also prefers foliage and other types of leafy shelter.

A non-poisonous spider, the huntsman's bite is painful and may cause swelling but is never lethal. It feeds exclusively on insects and other invertebrates. Found throughout southeastern Australia, the huntsman spider is very common in urban areas and is an expert at breaking into houses and cars.

Mating begins with the male's pedipalps, a pair of leg-like appendages located between the fangs and the first pair of true legs that aid in scent detection, manipulating prey and reproduction. The male drums his pedipalps on a tree trunk to attract nearby females. He then inserts the pedipalps into his mate to fertilize her eggs. The pregnant female then builds a silken retreat where she lays up to 200 eggs inside a flat, silken egg sac. She spends about three weeks aggressively defending her eggs, during which time she won't leave or eat. When it's time for her spiderlings to hatch, the attentive mother may even tear open the egg sac to help free them.

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