Hysterocrates gigas

size 3/4”

Everyone’s favorite brown spider. Reaching 6 inches as adults; these spiders use their powerful hind legs to dig extensive tunnel systems in which they live in. There’s is some controversy about how much this species likes to “swim” as I’ve heard for years how much they love the water. However 30 years later I’ve yet to see a video of one that wasn’t gently nudged in the water, and the rumors of them hunting fish underwater are unfounded. These spiders have had some success being raised in a communal setting with the mom feeding the slings and juvies. Easy to keep species that is lacking in color, but is still impressive to see a large fresh molted adult.  Super easy to breed, these spiders were described in 1897 by Reginald Innes Pocock.