Sparassidae Gnathopalystes

Gnathopalystes kochi Simon, 1890

Koch’s Huntsman

This is one of the 22 species of Singapore spiders described by the French arachnologist Eugène Simon in the 19th century. Simon named it after the German arachnologist Ludwig Koch who obtained a female specimen from Singapore. Although it is widespread in the region, it is rarely seen in Singapore.

This is a large species with each leg I measuring 50–60 mm in the female, and close to 50 mm in the male. It is more closely related to Gnathopalystes spp. A and B than Gnathopalystes spp. C and D, sharing with the former group features such as robust legs with long bristles, and a distinct median longitudinal line running over a carapace clothed with fine and soft wool-like hair. Like Gnathopalystes sp. B, legs I and II show a chequered flag pattern ; and the abdomen is covered with stiff and erect bristles. Another recognition feature is the black colouration of its coxae and sternum (chest plate on the underside).