what spider found in new zealand is in the movie "Arachnophobia"?

Answer 1

The Huntsman Heteropodidae spider is what you are looking for....these spiders are also incorrectly known as 'tarantulas' or 'giant crab spiders'. Tarantulas is a name given to the large and hairy spiders belonging to the families Ctenizidae, Dipluridae and Theraphosodae.
One of the largest spiders found in Australia with a legspan up to 160 mm! The family contains 13 genera and 94 descibed species.
They have a flattened body, which allow them to find shelter between loosened bark. They have eight eyes set in two rows of four. All huntsman are nocturnal. At the start of the evening the spiders leave theit hiding places and wander aroundsearching for prey. When found, they kill the victim with a bite from its strong, curved fangs.
Because a spider has to change their skin, the skin of these giants can be found hanging on trees or wires.

Huntsman are widely spread in large numbers throughout the country and may find shelter at your home.
And .... sit on the toilet roll.

Answer 2

It was the Avondale spider that was in the movie Arachnophobia... The Avondale spider (named after the Auckland suburb) is a variant of the Australian Huntsman.

Originally found in Australia it was accidentally introduced to the Avondale area of New Zealand in the 1920s.

The body of the spider may be up to 30 mm long, is light brown and covered in dense, fine hairs. The legs are also hairy, and can span up to 200 mm (8 inches).

Approximately 374 Avondale Spiders were used in the film.

Answer 3

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