Huntsman spider

Description:

A large long-limbed spider. Huntsman spiders are so named because rather than building a web or a trap they run down their prey. They are exceptionally quick moving and use their long front legs to pull their prey into their large palps.

Habitat:

Fairly universal in Australia where they can be found under tree bark, in houses and cars, and just about anywhere else they can sequester themselves.

Notes:

This one was hunting on the outside of our sliding glass door. We frequently see them on our windows in the evening, as they seem to have learned that the moths are attracted to the light from inside and they simply wait for one to alight near them.