Giant huntsman spiders are the largest member of the huntsman spider family Sparassidae with a leg span stretching up to 12 inches across — roughly the size of a dinner plate.

Huntsman spiders are large, long-legged spiders, measuring up to 1 foot across the legs. Many have flattened bodies adapted for living in narrow spaces under loose bark or inside rock crevices.

The average huntsman spider has a body span of 2 centimetres (0.7 inches) for females, and 1.6 centimetres (0.62 inches) for males. Their leg span reaches up to 15 centimetres (5.9 inches).

Huntsman spiders, despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, are not considered to be dangerous and while they do possess venom, their bite typically only causes mild effects. 4.

Unlike most spiders, huntsman spiders don't build webs or nests. "They're a type of spider that doesn't build a retreat, they wander to find their food," Dr Harvey said.