In the heart of the Indochinese peninsula, Laos giant spider or the giant huntsman spider, was found in the deep caves, which later gained attention for its massive size. Here's what you need to know about its characteristics, habitat, behavior, and whether it’s safe to be around.
What is the Laos Giant Spider?
The giant huntsman spider, scientifically known as Heteropoda maxima, belongs to the huntsman spider family (Sparassidae). It was first discovered in 2001 by arachnologist Peter Jäger of the German Research Institute and Natural History Museum, during an exploration of a Laotian cave.
One of its most striking features is its extraordinary leg span, which can stretch up to 30 cm (11.8 inches)—it is about the size of a dinner plate. While its legs are long, the body itself is relatively compact and furry, with typically brown or gray color and distinct banded markings. Males usually have longer legs, while females tend to have larger bodies.
Habitat The giant huntsman spider
The giant huntsman spider is native to Laos and can also be found in other Asian regions. Though other huntsman spider species exist in warm parts of Africa, Australia, and South America, the giant huntsman spider is believed to have originated from the caves of Asia.
It thrives in dark, humid environments like limestone caves, beneath loose bark, or within dense forest foliage. These habitats provide ideal shelter for hiding from predators and for ambushing prey in silence.
Diet and Hunting Methods
Like its name, the prominent method for the giant huntsman spider to get food is by hunting. Unlike a common type of spider that spins webs to trap prey, the giant huntsman spider actively seeks and chases its prey.
Its long legs allow it to move quickly, covering a meter in just a second. Once it locates its target, it strikes forward, capturing the prey and injecting venom to immobilize it. Then, it devours its prey using its strong mouthparts.
This spider primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates that are commonly found in humid environments.
Reproduction and Mating Season
The mating rituals of the giant huntsman spider are relatively similar to other huntsman spiders. During the mating season, the male carefully approaches females and makes delicate vibrations using their pedipalps on surfaces like tree trunks to attract attention. This process may last for several hours. Once accepted, the male inserts his pedipalps to fertilize the female’s eggs.
However, in some cases, it often ends with the female exhibiting cannibalistic behavior, consuming the male post-mating. Though it is a common trait among many spider species.
In some cases, it is often found that the female giant huntsman spider performs cannibalism behavior. After mating, she will eat her male partner, which is considered normal for a spider.
A single fertilization can produce up to 200 eggs, which are later the female will later enclose in large silk sacs. Those eggs will be encased in big silk egg sacs, which she guards protectively until they hatch. Because of that, during this period, the female might become more aggressive to protect her eggs.
Is It Dangerous to Humans?
No—Despite its intimidating size, the Laos giant spider is not considered dangerous to humans. It will typically run away when approached by people. Bites are extremely rare and only occur if it feels provoked.
While its venom is potent enough to subdue small prey, it poses minimal risk to humans. In the case of a bite, symptoms may include mild swelling, headache, or nausea. What you need to do in this situation is remain calm to prevent the venom from spreading quickly in the body. An ice pack can also be useful to reduce the swelling.
Though its appearance might be frightening to some people, it is a harmless and essential creature in its natural environment. As the largest spider by leg span, the giant huntsman spider highlights the biodiversity hidden deep within the Asian region.
