When considering the largest spider in Florida, the answer depends on whether size is measured by total leg span or by actual body mass and length. Florida’s subtropical climate allows several species to reach impressive sizes, leading to two primary contenders for the title.
The Primary Contenders for Largest Size
The competition for Florida’s largest spider comes down to two species, each holding a different size record. The Giant Golden Silk Orb Weaver (Trichonephila clavipes) is generally recognized as the largest by body mass and length. The female of this species possesses a long, dense abdomen, which contributes significantly to her overall bulk and weight. She is a formidable web-builder and is often the one people notice due to her bright colors and massive webs.
The other main contender is the Pantropical Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria), which wins the title based on sheer leg span. This species has a flat, wide body structure with exceptionally long, splayed legs. The Huntsman’s appearance makes it look much larger than the Orb Weaver when comparing their respective reaches.
Physical Characteristics and Preferred Habitat
The female Golden Silk Orb Weaver is a striking arachnid, with a body length that can reach up to 40 millimeters, or nearly 1.6 inches, not including her legs. Her cylindrical body is often a dull orange or tan, marked by distinctive yellow spots and a silvery carapace. Her legs are banded with brown and orange and feature small, brush-like tufts of hair, making her easily recognizable. Across Florida, this spider builds immense, intricate webs of silken threads that possess a distinct golden hue. These webs are commonly stretched high between trees, utility lines, or large structures in open woods and along the edges of forests.
In contrast, the Huntsman Spider is known for its speed and flattened, crab-like shape, which allows it to squeeze into tight crevices. This spider is typically brown or gray with a relatively small body, measuring about one inch in length. However, its impressive leg span can reach up to 5 to 7 inches across, making it a truly formidable presence. As an introduced species thriving in Florida’s warm climate, the Huntsman is a nocturnal hunter often found under loose tree bark, in woodpiles, or seeking shelter inside homes, garages, and sheds.
Bite Risk and Safety Concerns
Despite the intimidating size of both the Huntsman Spider and the Golden Silk Orb Weaver, neither poses a significant threat to human health. Both species are non-aggressive and instinctively shy, preferring to flee from human encounters rather than engage. A bite usually only occurs if the spider is directly handled, accidentally trapped against the skin, or if a female is defending an egg sac.
The venom of both spiders is not considered medically significant to humans. Any bite is generally comparable to a bee sting, resulting in localized pain, mild redness, and temporary swelling. Both species are beneficial: the Huntsman actively hunts pests like cockroaches, and the Orb Weaver manages local flying insect populations.