Huntsman

Fact Box Species: Isopeda vasta (see comments below) Family: Sparassidae formerly Heteropodidae Body length: female: 40 mm male: 32 mm Habitat: Normally under loose bark in eucalypt forests but may enter houses and is most active at night Toxicity: Uncertain; may cause mild illness and necrotising arachnidism but is not naturally agressive

Side view The male Underside of spider Male palps

The hairs on the body surfaces cause this species to appear a grey colour with a distinct pattern of small black markings. This is one of the most common huntsman species in South-east Queensland.

PLEASE NOTE: The correct scientific name for this species appears to be in doubt. In Australian Spiders (1965) John Childs presented it as Isopoda (now Isopeda) vasta and this is still listed by world spider authorities as a common Queensland species. However, what appears to be the same species is shown on an Australian Museum website as Isopeda villosa, and this is an accepted NSW species name. Conversely, in Bert Brunet's 1996 Spiderwatch book there is a photo bearing the title Holconia vasta. Finally, Ed Nieuwenhuys' spider website shows a very similar spider with the name Heteropoda venatoria. Thus, until this matter is resolved the species presented on this page will continue to be shown as Isopeda vasta.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Other huntsman species, including Delena cancerides and Holconia immanis.