Large Spider found in Nagano Prefecture Japan, during a recent trip (Kiso Valley area is where it was found). Warm and damp and humid climate, it had just finished raining. It was a few weeks ago (month of September). It was about 3 - 3.5 inches top to bottom. Had fangs on it. Hope someone can ID it, I am curious to know if it was venomous or not.
Sorry but the photo I took is the best i've got. Hope it helps. Much appreciated.
This spider is in the family Sparassidae (huntsmen/giant crab spiders). There are several species native to Japan; see http://tinyurl.com/2fexv88 for an example. They are capable of delivering a painful (but not dangerous) bite if handled carelessly.
Interesting...that picture in the link you provided looks bang on. So painful bite but non-venomous...correct? Thanks very much for the response
Like the vast majority of spiders, they are venomous; just not dangerous...
ahhh...very right you are. Venomous but not dangerous - got it. Thanks very much Suunto. It seems like you're the go to guy for ID'ing spiders...you've answered just about everyone's post i've checked asking for a spider to be ID'ed. Thanks again.
