CM Simpson: Writer & Gamer

This not-so-little lady was roaming around the house. She was low enough on the wall that I almost walked into her, but she wasn't aggressive and I caught her in the plastic container you see there, using a piece of thick cardboard to close the top. The trick is not to put your hand on the base of the container above the spider, where it will look like a predator about to strike. That causes the spider to panic. This one, we put outside to make her own way. She'll be around somewhere if one of the other spiders didn't eat her.

You should always gloves when gardening in Australia - and you should keep a very careful eye out for the slightest flicker of movement. In May, which is the last month of autumn here, I was preparing my garden for winter when I spotted this lovely little lady. See if you can see her in the photos below. And, yes, she is still somewhere in my garden... I just don't know where.

In addition to the cute, we have the not so cute, and while I don't mind these guys outside, I have a problem with many of them being inside. This doesn't necessarily mean they get squished, but most get an assist in finding the great outdoors again. ...Unless, of course, you are a white tail - and a big one at that. This little lady was sitting above the kitchen door. She was just over an inch long. I've been told these are spider hunters, which may explain why she was working her way through a web. These guys and gals, however, almost always get a lift outside... usually in a plastic container. ... usually after they've finished stuffing their faces.

Huntsman spiders are nocturnal... I think I forgot to mention that. Heaven knows where they go during the day, but they certainly come out at night. This one was hunting the insects drawn to the light escaping from our foyer. Of course, I was startled at first., but then I worked up the courage to wind the focus in. The spider was quite relaxed, which is more than I can say for myself. Still, one of the most interesting and beautiful creatures around. Non-venomous, generally non-aggressive, the huntsman has distinctive banding on its legs and is insectivorous. It is quite a common sight around Australian households, and doesn't always stay outside, but it can be caught using a clear plastic container and lid or thick cardboard, provided you don't put your hand on the base of the container when doing so. Its eyesight is very good, and it can jump over a metre. Huntsman spiders will usually try to escape from humans, rather than attack.