Heteropoda venatoria
(Huntsman Spider)

Comments & ID Thoughts

I photographed this big guy on my 2 gallon plastic sprinkler container. I estimate it was 6 inches including legs. It was apparently living in the empty sprinkler container out on my open deck and when I put a half gallon of water and organic fertilizer into the container and then poured it out onto my herb plants, the spider exited and perched on the spout as you see. The spider was not agressive and stayed as you see it as I carried it to a bush in my yard and released him unharmed.

I have had guesses of Wolf Spider and Huntsman Spider, although not by experts so I'm looking for more information. Thanks for your help in identifying this beauty.

• Submitted by: 
  
  chuck-hunter
• Submitted: Dec 9, 2025
• Photographed: Dec 8, 2025
• Spider: Heteropoda venatoria (Huntsman Spider)
• Sex: 
  
  Female,
• Location: Tucson foothills, Arizona, United States
• Spotted Outdoors: Man-made structure (building wall, fences, etc.),Desert area
• Found in web?: No
• Attributes: