What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Hawaii? Is it pristine beaches and relaxing days sipping on tropical drinks in the warm sunshine? Or perhaps surfing or whale watching are your go-to images of this beloved state. But there’s another side to Hawaii, one filled with big centipedes and tarantulas lurking around every corner, leaving many travelers wary of what they can expect to find. If you plan on visiting Hawaii, it’s essential to be aware of the creepy crawlers that inhabit the islands – and some may surprise you. Keep reading to learn more about creepy crawlers to beware of in Hawaii.
Creepy Crawlers To Beware In Hawaii
Cane Spiders
The Cane Spider is a species of large spider native to Hawaii and can be incredibly intimidating due to its size. In addition, the Creepy Crawler To Beware looks like two spiders fused with its two front legs angled forward, forming an almost humanoid stance. Bites from this spider are generally not dangerous, but it’s still highly necessary to exercise caution in areas they are known to inhabit.
The Cane Spider lives in urban and rural areas such as gardens, sand dunes, and natural shrubbery; their webs can often be seen on tree trunks and walls. It is important for people exploring these areas to remain aware of their surroundings because the Cane Spider can move quickly and surprise unsuspecting individuals who wander too close. For anyone visiting Hawaii, understanding the characteristics of this spider is a must before venturing into environments they prefer living.
Big Centipedes
As Hawaiian islands are home to diverse wildlife, visitors must be aware that some of the creatures living on and around the islands can be potentially dangerous. Big centipedes, particularly, are bugs native to Hawaii that should not be taken lightly. Growing up to 8 inches long, these arthropods may look intimidating and possess some menacing characteristics, such as the ability to inject venom when threatened.
Fortunately, although they are scary bugs to watch out for a while in Hawaii, their venom is generally not of enough potency to cause serious harm to most people. However, if bitten by one of these pests, it is still a good idea to seek medical attention to ensure that no bad reactions occur and prevent any potential infection caused by the bite itself.
Great Golden Digger Wasps
The sight of a Great Golden Digger Wasp might be enough to make some visitors flee for safety! These formidable bugs can grow up to two inches long and are easily identified by their striking yellow, black, and white striped markings. Although these wasps don’t usually sting unless provoked, their sheer size is intimidating enough to give anyone pause.
Whenever possible, it’s best to stay far away from them, as they are pretty aggressive when defending their nests with stings that can be painful and cause swelling. Despite their risks, savvy hikers in Hawaii can enjoy outdoor adventures knowing that they might just as easily spot more docile insects, such as butterflies or grasshoppers, along the way.
Assassin Bugs
Assassin Bugs have earned their ominous name by being ambush predators; they lurk, often motionless, and then suddenly lunge to attack unsuspecting prey. In Hawaii, the species known as “Bugs of Prey” are capable of piercing human skin and delivering a potentially serious wound by injecting saliva and toxins through their specialized snout.
Thankfully, their relatively small size of 0.39–1.37 in (10–35 mm) means they are rarely a lethal threat to humans—aside from some severe allergic reactions they can cause due to toxins within their saliva, but medical attention is typically recommended should one be bitten or stung by an assassin bug. Despite this dangerous trait, they still serve an essential role in the environment as they feed on a variety of harmful insects which threaten crops and other vegetation.