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Delena cancerides
Large, hairy brown spider with legs that "fold" sideways so it can fit into very flat spaces (like in the gap of you car door). For that reason also called the Flat Huntsman Spider
Across most of Australia
According to Wikipedia they are unusual among spiders, as they are a social species, even sharing prey.
Spotted on Nov 9, 2011
Submitted on Nov 11, 2011
4 Comments
Vedkarve - The Huntsman spider is very common in NSW. Everyone seems to have at least one "Huntsman in my car" story. To answer your question, they don't spin webs but do hunt down their prey - thus the name. The Wolf Spider, which also lives in this area does the same.
I think the large palps indicate it is a male. Yes indeed the social huntsman will nest communally. All other spiders have two pairs of legs forwards and two positioned backwards. Huntsman spiders have all knees bending backwards (retrograde). Yes they are friendly, and no, no-one else agrees.
Interesting behavior! I have read also that it is harmless to humans
Haha, so you're telling us this is a friendly spider..?! :-)