Texas is a vast state encompassing numerous distinct ecological regions, supporting a considerable diversity of arachnids, including many species of spiders. Many people wonder which species holds the title of the largest in Texas. Measuring the largest spider is typically done by comparing the maximum leg span and overall body mass of adult females, as they are generally more robust than males. The search for the biggest spider ultimately points toward a well-known resident of the state’s drylands.
The Title Holder: Naming the Largest Texas Spider
The distinction of the largest spider in Texas belongs to the Texas Brown Tarantula, scientifically known as Aphonopelma hentzi. This species is the largest native tarantula in the United States. Adult females can reach an impressive size, with a leg span often exceeding 4 inches, sometimes approaching 5 inches across, and weighing over 3 ounces.
This species is a type of mygalomorph spider, characterized by fangs that point straight down rather than crossing. It is a terrestrial burrower, commonly seen during the late summer and fall when mature males search for mates. Males possess a smaller, lighter body mass and a shorter lifespan after maturity, ensuring the female consistently earns the title of the state’s largest spider.
Appearance and Natural Range
The Texas Brown Tarantula is recognizable for its stocky, robust build and its thick covering of hair. Its body and legs are generally dark chocolate brown, sometimes appearing nearly black, with subtle reddish or bronze hairs on the carapace. Females are noticeably larger than males, with their bodies alone averaging around 2 inches in length. The muted coloring allows the spider to blend into the arid and semi-arid environments it prefers.
This species is widespread across Texas, inhabiting dry, open areas such as grasslands, scrublands, and rocky glades. Their range extends far beyond Texas, covering states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. The spiders are terrestrial and spend the majority of their lives in silk-lined burrows, which they either excavate themselves or take over from abandoned rodent tunnels. As nocturnal predators, they ambush prey near the entrance of their burrow, feeding primarily on insects, but also occasionally consuming small vertebrates like lizards and rodents.
Assessing the Threat: Behavior and Venom
Despite their intimidating size, Aphonopelma hentzi is known for its docile and non-aggressive temperament. They are slow-moving and prefer to retreat into their burrows or evade humans rather than stand their ground. A bite is a rare, defensive action, typically occurring only if the spider is directly provoked or accidentally trapped against skin.
The venom is considered mild; while the puncture from their large fangs can be painful, the effects are comparable to a common bee sting and are not medically significant to humans. A more common defense mechanism is the use of urticating hairs, which are small, barbed bristles they kick off their abdomen toward a perceived threat. Contact with these hairs can cause localized itching, irritation, and a rash. Overall, this large spider poses very little threat to people, and its presence is a natural part of the Texas ecosystem.