This massive huntsman spider in Australia is what nightmares are made of

This massive huntsman spider was rescued in Australia. Photo: Barnyard Betty's Rescue / Facebook

A photo of an enormous hunstman spider spotted in Queensland, Australia, is terrifying social media users.

Barnyard Betty's Rescue, an animal rescue and sanctuary in the Brisbane Valley, shared the photos of arachnid Charlotte on its Facebook page last year.

Barnyard Betty's staff admitted they were stunned when the photos of Charlotte began being shared by thousands around the globe this week.

Live Science notes that the average huntsman spider species is about 2.5cm long, with a leg span of up to 12cm. A giant huntsman has an average leg span of up to 30cm.

Online commentators have also argued that a "forced perspective" camera trick makes the spider look much bigger than it really is. Many more have described the arachnid as a "beautiful creature".

"I'm not sure why now but she is going absolutely viral and become an internet sensation!" Barnyard Betty's wrote in a Facebook post.

"She is a huntsman spider and we are located in Queensland, Australia, and yes she is very real and very large and not photoshopped!

Beautiful Charlotte the spider, one of my best rescues yet :-) To answer some of your questions: She is a Huntsman...

Posted by Barnyard Betty's Rescue on Monday, 19 October 2015

"She was a beautiful, calm spider, not aggressive in any way and like most spiders she just wanted to go about her business eating bugs and living in peace. She didn't or doesn't need to be killed! Poor spiders are so misunderstood!

"All creatures great and small are welcome here at Barnyard Betty's Rescue a safe haven no matter how you look!!"

The sanctuary added they released Charlotte on the farm shortly after rescuing her, adding: "Can you believe someone wanted to kill this amazing creature?"

Hundreds of Facebook users have commented on the photos. Marissa Cutts posted: "I'm weeping this is so scary."

"Kill it with fire then nuke it from orbit," another joked.

"This is actually what my nightmares are made of," said one user.