The brown huntsman spider (Heteropoda jugulans) is potentially faster than the current world record-holder for spider speed, reaching a peak speed of 3.59 metres per second (approximately 13km/h or 8mph).
Brown Huntsman Outpaces Previous Speed Records
For years, the Moroccan flic-flac spider held the title for the fastest spider, clocked at 1.7 m/s. However, the new data suggests the brown huntsman more than doubles that speed. Dr. Jonas Wolff of the University of Greifswald in Germany noted that the flic-flac spider achieves its speed by tumbling downhill rather than traditional running.
The brown huntsman’s peak speed of 3.59 m/s was recorded for a fraction of a second. According to Dr. Christofer Clemente, an evolutionary biomechanist at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, the spider’s average sustained speed is closer to 2 m/s.
The Mechanics of Spider Locomotion
Spiders do not rely solely on muscle to move. Dr. Clemente explains that they use a hybrid system: muscles are used to retract limbs, while hydraulic pressure pushes the legs outward. This mechanism differs fundamentally from the muscle-driven locomotion found in most other animals.
Clemente suggests that the brown huntsman may have hit a “sweet spot” in biological design. He posits that speed is optimized when legs and muscles are long, but not so massive that the spider must support an excessive body mass. While he notes they haven’t completed the formal science on this specific body-type theory, the huntsman’s size and agility support the hypothesis.
Comparative Study of 162 Spider Species
The research team utilized cameras and gridded paper tracks to measure 162 different species. These specimens were sourced from London, Greifswald, North America, southern Europe, and Australia. To broaden the data set, the team integrated existing studies, including Clemente’s 2021 research on backyard spiders.
Dr. Wolff described this as the broadest comparative study of running speed in spiders ever conducted. The data revealed several key biological insights:
- Mass vs. Speed: The largest species were not necessarily the fastest.
- Hunting Style: Web-building spiders were not consistently slower than active hunters.
Is the Brown Huntsman Officially the Fastest?
While the data places Heteropoda jugulans at the top of the list, researchers are cautious about declaring an absolute world record. Dr. Wolff stated that he would not rule out the existence of other huntsman species that may be even faster but have not yet been tested.
Speed Comparison Table
| Spider Species | Peak Speed | Movement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Huntsman | 3.59 m/s | Running/Hydraulic |
| Moroccan Flic-Flac | 1.7 m/s | Tumbling |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are brown huntsman spiders dangerous to humans?
They are venomous, but according to the research context, they very rarely bite humans. When bites do occur, the effects are generally mild.
How do spiders move so quickly?
They use a combination of muscles for retraction and hydraulic pressure to extend their limbs, a system described by Dr. Christofer Clemente.
They primarily live along the east coast of Australia, with a high prevalence in south-east Queensland.
Does size correlate with speed in spiders?
What do you think about the brown huntsman’s speed? Does the idea of a fast-moving spider in the house bother you, or do you find the biology fascinating? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more wildlife insights.
