What is the biggest spider in the world?
The answer may surprise you, or terrify you, depending on how you feel about these eight-legged creatures.
In this article, I will reveal the name and some facts about the world’s largest spider, as well as some of its close competitors.
If you are an arachnophobe, you may want to look away now.
But if you are curious and brave, read on to find out more.
The Biggest Spider in the World by Mass
The biggest spider in the world by mass is the Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), a type of tarantula that lives in the rainforests and swamps of northern South America.
This spider can weigh up to 6.2 oz (175 g), which is about the same as a small hamster.
It can also reach a body length of up to 5.1 in (13 cm), and a leg span of up to 12 in (30 cm).
That’s big enough to cover a dinner plate.
The Goliath birdeater gets its name from its ability to prey on small birds, although it rarely does so.
Its main diet consists of other large arthropods, worms, and amphibians.
It can also bite and deliver a venom that is comparable to a wasp sting, but its main defense is its urticating hairs that can cause itching and irritation to the skin and eyes2.
The Goliath birdeater is not a threat to humans, unless provoked or handled.
In fact, some people catch it and cook it, saying it tastes like shrimp.
Others keep it as a pet, feeding it insects and mice.
However, this spider is not for the faint-hearted, as it can make loud hissing noises by rubbing its legs together.
The biggest spider in the world by leg span
The biggest spider in the world by leg span is the giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima), which can have a leg span of up to 12 in (30 cm), matching the Goliath birdeater.
However, this spider is much lighter and thinner than the tarantula, weighing only 0.6 oz (18 g) and having a body length of only 1.8 in (4.6 cm)3.
The giant huntsman spider is only found in a cave in Laos, but related species of huntsman spiders live in all the warm and temperate regions of the world.
These spiders are fast and agile, hunting their prey by chasing them down rather than using webs.
They can also deliver a venomous bite that may require hospitalization.
Huntsman spiders are recognizable by their twisted orientation of their legs, which gives them a crab-like walk.
They are also known for their ability to produce sounds by tapping or rubbing their legs together.
The males make rhythmic ticking sounds that resemble a quartz clock, which they use to attract females or warn off rivals.
Other Huge Spiders
There are many other spiders that are huge in size, but not quite as big as the Goliath birdeater or the giant huntsman spider.
Here are some of them.
- The Brazilian salmon pink birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana), which can have a leg span of up to 11 in (28 cm) and weigh up to 3.5 oz (100 g). This tarantula is one of the most common pet spiders in the world, due to its docile temperament and attractive coloration.
- The camel spider (Solifugae), which is not actually a true spider, but a related order of arachnids. It can have a body length of up to 6 in (15 cm) and a leg span of up to 12 in (30 cm). This creature is notorious for its speed, aggression, and powerful jaws that can inflict painful bites.
- The Hercules baboon spider (Hysterocrates hercules), which can have a body length of up to 3.5 in (9 cm) and a leg span of up to 8 in (20 cm). This tarantula is native to Africa and is very rare and elusive. It is also very aggressive and venomous, making it unsuitable for captivity.
Conclusion
Spiders are fascinating animals that come in all shapes and sizes.
Some of them are so big that they can rival small mammals or birds in weight and dimensions.
The biggest spider in the world by mass is the Goliath birdeater, while the biggest spider by leg span is the giant huntsman spider.
Both of these spiders can have a leg span of up to 12 inches, which is enough to cover a dinner plate.
However, size is not everything when it comes to spiders.
Some smaller spiders can be more venomous, agile, or colorful than their larger counterparts.
Spiders are diverse and adaptable, and they play an important role in the ecosystem as predators and prey.
Whether you love them or hate them, you have to admit that spiders are amazing creatures.
