Spiders often evoke a unique blend of fascination and apprehension. Many people wonder about the sheer size some of these eight-legged arthropods can achieve. Exploring the world of giant spiders reveals impressive adaptations and surprising characteristics.
The Reigning Champion
The spider holding the title for the largest by mass is the Goliath Birdeater, scientifically known as Theraphosa blondi. This impressive tarantula can weigh up to 175 grams (6.2 ounces), comparable to a hockey puck. Its body can reach lengths of up to 13 centimeters (5.1 inches), and its legs can span an astounding 30 centimeters (12 inches) across.
The Goliath Birdeater lives in the humid rainforests of northern South America, including regions of Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil. While its name suggests a diet of birds, it rarely preys on them in the wild. Its opportunistic diet primarily consists of large arthropods, worms, amphibians, and occasionally small rodents, lizards, or snakes.
How Bigness is Measured
Defining the “biggest” spider involves considering two primary measurements: leg span and body mass. Leg span measures the distance from the tip of one leg to the tip of the opposing leg when the spider is stretched out. Body mass, or weight, reflects the spider’s overall bulk and robustness.
While some spiders might have an incredibly wide leg span, they may not be particularly heavy. Conversely, a spider with substantial body mass might not have the longest legs. The Goliath Birdeater is recognized for its significant mass, making it the heaviest spider globally.
Other Giants of the Spider World
While the Goliath Birdeater leads in mass, other spider species are notable for their impressive dimensions. The Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima), found in Laos, holds the record for the largest leg span, reaching up to 30 centimeters (12 inches). This spider is known for its crab-like leg orientation and incredible speed, actively hunting prey rather than building webs.
Another large contender is the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana), which can have a leg span of up to 28 centimeters (11 inches). Native to northeastern Brazil, this robust tarantula is known for its size and distinctive coloration. The Colombian Giant Tarantula (Megaphobema robustum) has a leg span often between 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches). This species inhabits the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Brazil.
Life of the Largest Spider
The Goliath Birdeater is a terrestrial spider, spending its life in deep burrows within its rainforest habitat. It is primarily nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt.
When threatened, this tarantula employs several defense mechanisms. It can rub bristles on its pedipalps and legs together to produce a hissing sound, known as stridulation, to deter predators.
The Goliath Birdeater also possesses urticating hairs on its abdomen, which it can flick into the air with its hind legs. These barbed hairs can cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes.
While its fangs can be up to 4 centimeters (1.57 inches) long, its venom is considered relatively mild to humans, often compared to a wasp sting. Bites are rare and usually only occur if the spider feels provoked.