From “EEK!” to “THANK YOU!”: The Surprising Truth About Japan’s Largest Huntsman Spider

I’m Ken Kuwako, your science trainer. Every day is an experiment.

Have you ever shrieked, “A spider!” and jumped in surprise?

When I found a huntsman spider at school, I got that same jolt. The one I saw before was so big and imposing that it made me shriek, “Yikes!”

But the one I found this time was mini-sized, about 2cm, and it looked kind of cute. Despite its small stature, the huntsman spider is actually one of the largest spiders living in Japan.

With its foreign-looking appearance, you might wonder, “Is it an invasive species?” The truth is, the huntsman spider, which originally lived in India, spread all over the world by stowing away in cargo on human ships. In a way, we humans helped them on their journey, making them “traveling spiders.”

And their most surprising ability? They hunt cockroaches! Huntsman spiders are known as the natural enemy of cockroaches and are considered a “beneficial insect” because they eat pests that live in our homes. When they sense a cockroach, they sneak up on it quickly and silently, finishing it off in an instant. Their movements are like a ninja’s. They might look a little scary, but they are a very reassuring ally to us.

What’s even more surprising is their lifespan. They can live for an astonishing 8 to 10 years! This is very long for a spider. Throughout their long life, they tirelessly take care of pests for us.

Although they’re often avoided because of their scary appearance, huntsman spiders are very shy and have almost no aggressive tendencies. They rarely attack humans and will usually flee when they feel threatened.

Is it a scary spider? No, it’s actually a dependable hero!

So, if you see a huntsman spider at your home or school, don’t be scared. Instead, thank it in your heart, “Thanks for the pest patrol today!” They are the silent heroes protecting our lives in the shadows.

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