Imagine for a moment that you are coming back from a trip to Africa, you are unpacking your luggage and suddenly a spider with a diameter of 28 cm appears. This is what happened to a Scottish traveler who discovered a Sparassidae spider, also known as a “Huntsman”, in his suitcase. Known for its speed and jumping ability, this species is one of the largest in the world. But before you shout “invasion,” let’s take the time to take a closer look at this fascinating creature and understand if it might actually be coming to our homes.
A 28 cm African jumping spider?
The Sparassidae, or huntsman spider, is a species that can reach a wingspan of about 28 cm. She is known for her speed and jumping ability. It hunts in search of quick prey, hence its English name Huntsman Spider. These spiders are native to warm and tropical regions in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Is it dangerous for humans?
Despite their intimidating appearance, these spiders are harmless to humans. They have venom, but they never attack humans. You are not aggressive. In fact, they are very useful for controlling the populations of other insects in our homes.
How did she get to Scotland?
In the case of our Scottish traveler, the spider snuck into his luggage and traveled to his home in Edinburgh. When discovered, she was captured and turned over to the SPCA, an animal welfare organization in Scotland.
Can it reach our homes?
Technically yes. As the story of our Scottish traveler shows, these spiders can hide in luggage and travel around the world. However, it is important to note that this is not a common occurrence. Additionally, these spiders prefer warm, tropical climates, so they are unlikely to settle in colder regions.
What use do they have in the garden?
Hunter spiders are nocturnal hunters that live in a wide variety of habitats. They can end up in human dwellings if they find prey there, like cockroaches, to hunt. In a garden, they can help control populations of other insect pests. They are therefore rather beneficial to the ecosystem of your garden.
So is a 28 cm African jumping spider about to invade our homes? The answer is probably no. Although these spiders can travel the world hidden in luggage, they prefer warm, tropical climates and are unlikely to settle in colder regions. In addition, they are harmless to humans and may even be useful in controlling other insect populations. So the next time you hear about a giant spider, don’t panic. She is more of an ally than a threat.
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