Probably the most commonly encounted large and “terrifying” spider in New Zealand. One species can grow to around 16 cm leg span!

• Commonly found indoors at night, especially on warm summer nights. Fast runner, and will often leap when threatened. Often found in shoes left outdoors.
• During the day lives in cracks and under bark. Hunts at night. Has the ability to flatten and enter spaces that appear impossible. Can grow to size of a large man’s hand.
• Bite not highly toxic but can cause pain, swelling and infection. Often tend to sink fangs so deep that they can be difficult to dislodge.
• Are the source of many funny stories about unexpected encounters between spiders and humans as people are usually more terrified of the spider than the spider is of them.