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Photo#648081
Large Desctructor Spider - Heteropoda venatoria

Large Desctructor Spider - Heteropoda venatoria
Residential Mt. Dora, Lake County, Florida, USA
May 27, 2012
Size: Large huntsmen-like
Down here in the non-spider-expert world of central Florida, we've always called each and every massive brown spider the huntsmen. Heteropoda venatoria is the assumed genus/species pretty much all over the place. For many people in my circle, at least. But I'm worried there's more to the story -- more possible genus/species. It seems that's always the case with arthropods. So, what do you think with this one? Is this Heteropoda? If so what species? If not, what genus? Your help would be appreciated!

Hunstman
I'd say your circle is pretty well educated. There is only one species in the genus in North America. There are two other genera in the family. You can see them by looking at the family info page.

Moved from ID Request.

 
Awesome, Lynette. Good to hea
Awesome, Lynette. Good to hear and I thank you! I think what throws me off is (what I assume to be) the sexual dimorophism between males and females. The back patterns are starkly different from one another and I see some (usually bigger ones) right on or near the waterline and others (usually smaller, but still big) in residential areas and orange groves. Very cool. Glad to know I can bundle them together!!!