Cane Spider Facts

If you don't like creepy crawlies, then you really won't like the cane spider. Native to all the Hawaiian Islands, the cane spider -- as its name implies -- mainly occupies sugar cane fields. While its menacing size is enough to unnerve even the most cool-headed person, the cane spider is generally seen as a beneficial part of the Hawaiian ecosystem.

  1. Physical Characteristics

    • The cane spider is a fairly large member of the arachnid family. The average cane spider measures between 3 and 4 inches in diameter -- approximately the size of a tuna fish can. Their bodies are brown in color with a darker "V" shape on their rounded backs. The hairy eight-legged cane spider has thick legs, similar to the shape of crab legs, which give them an even larger appearance.

    Hunting

    • The cane spider does not spin a web to trap its food. Instead, it is a carnivorous hunter that commonly feeds upon cockroaches, crickets, silverfish and other insects and primarily hunts at night. The cane spider does not stalk its prey; instead, it lies in wait for its prey to come to it. Once the prey is within close range, the cane spider moves quickly to attack and injects the poison into the victim.

    Habitat

    • Cane spiders are commonly found in houses. They can be found hiding under cover in any area of the home. Since they are active primarily at night, the cane spider may go unnoticed in the home unless an object it is hiding under is moved. Although the large spider is startling and invokes fear in many, the benefits of the cane spider keep them alive. Because they feed on insects, they are beneficial for insect control.

    Poisonous

    • The cane spider is unlikely to seek out a human and bite. The cane spider is more likely to run away and hide when humans or other animals come near it. If the spider feels threatened or is provoked, there is a possibility that it will bite to defend itself. As a poisonous spider it will inject venom through its bite, although this is very rare. No long-term problems are experienced from a cane spider bite.