#palystes

[snototter]

A karoo rainspider (Palystes karooensis) shows off its threat display at Golden Pagoda Ridge, South Africa

by Gigi Laidler

[onenicebugperday]

Rain spiders in the genus Palystes, Sparassidae (Huntsman Spiders)

Despite the aggressive threat display found in rain spiders, their venom is mild and their bite is not considered medically significant for humans. Found throughout the southern half of Africa.

Photos 1-2 by gigilaidler, 3-4 by karoopixie, 5 by linkie, 6 (female on nest) by gigilaidler, 7-8 (featuring horsehair worm) by wynand_uys, and 9-10 (for scale) by samhanekom

[dark-space-exotics]

African rain huntsman spider, Palystes sp. A very large huntsman spider on par with the aussie giants, seemingly just as placid as well which is nice.