Australian Wildlife
Huntsman Spiders

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Photo 1

I found this large huntsman spider sitting on a piece of wall-board in my back shed. It appeared to be as interested in me as I was in it.

Fortunately I had my camera with me. I took this photo about 300 mm from the spider, thinking it would run away if I got any closer.

Photo 2

When the huntsman stood its ground, I gradually moved closer. I was able to get close enough to take this hand-held shot with the Lumix's zoom lens set on macro.

I didn't realize I could see all of the spider's eight eyes until later when looking at the photo on my computer.

Photo 3

I decided to go for broke and get closer, but the photo shoot ended abruptly when the spider decided to crawl onto the lens, possibly looking at its reflection.

I carefully put down the camera then backed away until the spider decided to go hunting elsewhere. I don't think I ever want to get that close to a huntsman again.

All photos on this page were taken using a Panasonic Lumix FZ50 digital camera.