Palystes castaneus is a species of huntsman spider found in parts of South Africa.

[2] P. castaneus is the type species for the genus Palystes, and was first described by Pierre André Latreille in 1819.

[3] P. castaneus often appears in the home just before the onset of rain, where they hunt geckos (usually Afrogecko porphyreus).

[2] After mating in the early summer, the female constructs a round egg sac about 60–100 mm in size made of silk, with twigs and leaves woven into it.

[3] The Pompilid wasp species Tachypompilus ignitus is at least largely a specialist hunter of mature Palystes females.