Many wonder which spider species holds the title for the largest. The term “biggest” can be interpreted in several ways, prompting an exploration into the world of colossal arachnids and their impressive scale.
The Goliath Birdeater
The Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is the heaviest spider globally. This massive tarantula can weigh up to 175 grams, comparable to a small puppy. Its body length can reach 13 centimeters, with a leg span often extending to 30 centimeters, roughly the size of a dinner plate.
This arachnid primarily inhabits the rainforest regions of northern South America, including countries like Suriname, Guyana, and northern Brazil, often favoring marshy or swampy areas. The Goliath Birdeater is a nocturnal hunter, spending its days in deep burrows lined with silk, emerging at night to seek prey. Despite its formidable name, it rarely preys on birds; its diet mainly consists of large arthropods, worms, amphibians, and occasionally small rodents, lizards, or snakes.
When threatened, the Goliath Birdeater produces a loud hissing sound by rubbing bristles on its pedipalps and legs, a behavior known as stridulation. It also possesses urticating hairs on its abdomen, which it can flick at attackers, causing irritation. Its fangs, measuring 2 to 4 centimeters, are large enough to puncture human skin, though its venom is relatively mild, often compared to a wasp sting.
Defining “Biggest”
The term “biggest” for spiders often refers to two distinct measurements: overall body mass and leg span. While the Goliath Birdeater holds the record for mass, another species surpasses it in leg span.
The Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima) claims the title for the largest leg span of any known spider. Its legs can stretch up to 30 centimeters, matching or even slightly exceeding the Goliath Birdeater in this dimension, despite having a smaller body length of about 4.6 centimeters. This species was discovered in a cave in Laos in 2001 and is characterized by its long, spindly legs that twist forward in a crab-like manner. Unlike many spiders that rely on webs, the Giant Huntsman is an agile hunter, known for its speed and ability to pursue prey actively.
Other Notable Large Spiders
Beyond the record-holders, several other spider species are noteworthy for their considerable size, showcasing the diversity of large arachnids across different habitats. These species are still impressive contenders.
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana) is another remarkably large tarantula. Females can weigh over 100 grams, and their leg span can reach up to 28 centimeters. Native to northeastern Brazil, this terrestrial species is recognized for its striking black body adorned with vibrant pink hairs, particularly visible on its legs and abdomen. While generally considered docile, it can flick urticating hairs as a defense mechanism when provoked.
The King Baboon Spider (Pelinobius muticus) is among the largest spiders found in Africa. This heavy-bodied tarantula, native to the savannas and grasslands of East Africa, can achieve a leg span of up to 23 centimeters. It is a burrowing spider, known for its robust build and powerful legs used for digging. The King Baboon Spider is also recognized for its defensive nature, often rearing up and producing a distinct hissing sound through stridulation when it feels threatened.