Sparassidae (family)

A Huntsman Spider at Ainslie, ACT

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Identification history

Neosparassus sp. (genus)	18 Jun 2023	YumiCallaway
Sparassidae (family)	16 Jun 2023	YumiCallaway
Sparassidae (family)	10 Jun 2023	CarbonAI
Sparassidae (family)	10 Jun 2023	Hejor1

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3 comments

Hejor1 wrote:

16 Jun 2023

@YumiCallaway thank you! Is there any way to determine beyond family without a microscope? Interested to know which angles are most helpful

YumiCallaway wrote:

18 Jun 2023

Hi @Hejor1 , I confirmed this one to a family level for a few reasons. First, it appears young and I am not well-versed on young huntsman spiders! By confirming this to the family level, it is easier to improve on our database over time, as my knowledge improves. When the times comes that I learn to ID juvenile huntsman spiders consistently well, I will go straight to "Sparassidae (family)" and sort through the sightings there the best I can. Any other spider moderator could make use of this approach too. In saying so, this is my preference towards maintaining integrity as a moderator; I only wish to confirm as far as I know for certain. Another spider moderator could have more knowledge on this topic! If so, they can extend on the ID and you're welcome to ask them any questions! Similarly, if you learn how to ID these, or find literature or references, please bring them along!! We can learn how to identify these huntsmans together :)

YumiCallaway wrote:

18 Jun 2023

As for angles, this is a great consideration! For huntsman spiders, the ventral (underneath) view can be helpful — this makes the Neosparassus genus very clear, as they have a beautiful badge! Of course, this is usually only possible if they are on glass or a branch etc. In situations like your sighting, the collection of photos you have provided are plentiful. You've taken enough to show the environment/location, and general features (eyes, legs, top of the abdomen, colouration, and posture). I can see the thought you have put into capturing from various angles and this is as much as we could ever ask!

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