Huntsman Spider Named Fastest on Earth: Australian Native Clocks 3.59 Metres per Second; That's Faster Than a Human Jog

Australia's brown huntsman spider has been officially crowned the fastest spider on Earth, clocking a blistering 3.59 metres per second (13 km/h) in a comprehensive study of 258 species. The research, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, found the Queensland native's medium size and long legs give it a perfect "sweet spot" for speed.

The humble huntsman spider, a common sight in Australian homes, has claimed an unexpected title: the fastest spider on the planet. A new study of 258 spider species has clocked the brown huntsman at a staggering 3.59 metres per second that's roughly 13 kilometres per hour. While that might not sound like much to a human runner, it's faster than the average jog, and at close range, this eight-legged sprinter could easily catch you before you had time to accelerate.

The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Greifswald and Imperial College London, involved testing 236 individual spiders from 162 species, collected from Europe, North America, and Australia. They combined these new measurements with previously published data on a further 96 species, creating the most comprehensive database of spider running speeds ever compiled.

What Makes the Huntsman So Fast?

The secret to the huntsman's speed lies in its anatomy, according to the study. The brown huntsman has what scientists describe as a "sweet spot" in body design. It is large enough to have long, powerful legs that provide a long stride length, but not so large that its abdomen becomes a heavy burden.

Biomechanics researcher Dr Christofer Clemente from the University of the Sunshine Coast, whose earlier data was used in the study, explained that spiders use a unique combination of muscles and hydraulic pressure to move. He noted that the huntsman appears to have "the best spider body type for speed" not too big, not too small, with legs that are long enough to cover ground efficiently.

• Top Speed: 3.59 metres per second (13 km/h or 8 mph).
• Sustained Speed: Approximately 2 metres per second.
• Mass of the Record Holder: About 1 milligram.

The Previous Record Holder Dethroned

The Moroccan flic-flac spider was previously considered the world's fastest, reaching speeds of about 1.7 metres per second. However, scientists have argued that the flic-flac's signature rolling and tumbling escape maneuver isn't technically running, which is what gave the huntsman the edge.

Not Just About Size

The study also revealed that a spider's speed is not simply a matter of size. While larger spiders tend to be faster, there is significant variation. The tiny orange goblin spider, weighing just 0.1 milligrams, was clocked moving at over 20 centimetres per second "practically teleporting" across the testing arena, according to researcher Shreyas Kuchibhotla. The researchers found that relatively longer legs, rather than slender ones, were the key factor in achieving higher speeds.

Here is the question this discovery raises. For years, the Moroccan flic-flac spider held the world record, but its speed involved tumbling rather than running. With a new champion in the brown huntsman, and the possibility that even faster species remain untested, have we simply been measuring speed wrong this whole time?

As the huntsman is crowned the world's fastest spider, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When a common backyard spider can outrun your average jog, and the science of arachnid locomotion reveals a "sweet spot" in body design, what other secrets are the spiders in your garden hiding?

FAQ:

Q: How fast is the fastest spider in the world?
A: The brown huntsman spider, native to Australia, has been clocked at a top speed of 3.59 metres per second (approximately 13 km/h or 8 mph).

Q: What is the fastest spider in Australia?
A: The brown huntsman spider (Heteropoda jugulans) is the fastest spider in Australia and has been crowned the fastest spider on Earth.

Q: Can a huntsman spider outrun a human?
A: While a human can reach higher top speeds in a sprint, the huntsman spider can move at 3.59 metres per second (13 km/h), which is faster than a human jog. At close range, it could likely catch you before you could accelerate.

Q: What is the speed of a huntsman spider?
A: The brown huntsman spider can reach speeds of up to 3.59 metres per second (13 km/h). Its average sustained speed is closer to 2 metres per second.

Q: Are huntsman spiders dangerous to humans?
A: Huntsman spiders are venomous but rarely bite humans. The effects are generally mild, and they are considered harmless to humans despite their scary appearance.

Q: Are huntsman spiders the fastest spider on Earth?
A: Yes, according to a new study that analysed 258 spider species, the brown huntsman spider is the fastest spider ever recorded.