Woman is left horrified after finding a HUGE spider on her window as more could be on their way

HUGE tarantula horrifies woman who found it on window at her house – and more of the giant spiders are on the move now due to wet weather

  • Pictures posted by a woman of a huge tarantula has left her ‘sleepless’
  • The huge spider was pictured in the Lower Daintree in far north Queensland
  • Though fearsome in appearance, the spiders are not lethal to humans
  • Commenters suggested she keep her pet dogs away 

A woman who discovered an enormous tarantula spider on the window of her home says she has been left ‘sleepless’ and fearing for the safety of her pet dogs.

Sue Richardson shared the pictures of the huge spider on window outside her home in the Lower Daintree in far north Queensland. 

The self-professed insect lover posted the picture in the hope someone could identify the species of spider that caused her ‘sleepless night’. 

The huge Tarantula was capture in the Lower Daintree, far north Queensland

The post Ms Richardson wrote pleaded with viewers to help her identify the spider

The post Ms Richardson wrote pleaded with viewers to help her identify the spider

The pictures posted on the pictures to the Amateur Entomology Australia Facebook group prompted hundreds of spider aficionados to share information about the spider. 

One helpful comment said: ‘Australian tarantula, and can be lethal bite for dogs, not too awful for humans tho, but painful.’

‘Beautiful male tarantula…. Most likely looking for a female’, another wrote. 

Many spider lovers were stunned to see such a big spider out in the open

Many spider lovers were stunned to see such a big spider out in the open 

‘Beautiful spider. A lovely tarantula… Would love to see one myself’, one wrote. 

Dr Robert Raven, an expert on arachnids at the Queensland Museum, said the spider was a male Northern Tarantula that was at least seven years old.

‘It’s common to see them when there is good rain around, it’s when they moult,’ he said.

‘It happens when the pressure drops, and usually there’s rain with that. 

‘Rain is critical, so usually summer is their active season. Males go wandering looking for females in logs, under leaves and in the ground.’ 

He recommended relocating the spider for its own benefit – as well as the peace of mind of the home-owner. 

‘He’s looking for females, so let them go at night, in the bush’, he said. 

Ms Richardson captioned the picture ‘OMG! WT* is this? I love beetles, stick insects, butterflies, moths etc.. can someone please ID the reason I’m having a sleepless night??? Will this eat my dogs? (I’m worried it might have found my spare key!)’

Some commenters took a lighthearted approach.

‘If it’s moved into the spare room and asking for you to hook up Netflix I can come help?’ One user shared. 

‘Put a saddle on him and go for a ride’, another wrote. 

Many users shared their adoration towards the massive Tarantula

Many users shared their adoration towards the massive Tarantula

The Tarantula was pictured on the outside of her window

The Tarantula was pictured on the outside of her window

Many users noted that the spider was a male and was likely looking for a female to mate with

Many users noted that the spider was a male and was likely looking for a female to mate with

‘It’s definitely got your spare key, in it’s leather jacket. That thing is bad ass’, a third commented.  

Tarantula spiders 

Australian tarantulas are often known as whistling or barking spiders because of the sounds most species can produce.

They have a large, heavy body, which varies in colour from dark chocolate-brown to pale fawn, often with a silvery sheen. 

They usually have a body length of 6 cm and a leg span of 16 cm 

Adult female Australian tarantulas live in web-lined burrows in the ground.

Younger stages and males may use flimsy silk retreats under rocks and logs. 

The spiders mainly eat insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders.  

Australian tarantulas are not usually aggressive, but if provoked will ‘rear up’ and appear menacing.

Their bite is painful due to their large fangs, severe illness can result and nausea and vomiting can last as long as six to eight hours. 

Source: Australian Museum: Australian Tarantulas   

https://australian.museum/learn/animals/spiders/australian-tarantulas/ 

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