Tarantulas, with their often intimidating appearance and diverse sizes, have long captivated human curiosity. Many people wonder which tarantula species holds the title of the largest in the world. Uncovering this answer reveals impressive dimensions and insights into the diverse lives of these creatures.
Identifying the Largest Tarantula
The Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is recognized as the world’s largest tarantula by mass and body length. This arachnid can reach a body length of up to 5.1 inches (13 cm). Its leg span can extend up to 12 inches (30.5 cm), comparable to a dinner plate. Adult females commonly weigh up to 6.2 ounces (175 grams), making it the heaviest known spider globally.
Tarantula size can vary, focusing on either leg span or mass. While the Goliath Birdeater excels in both, its significant bulk primarily earns it the “largest” title. Leg span is measured diagonally from the tip of the front leg to the tip of the hind leg on the opposite side. Body length, measured from the eyes to the spinnerets, and overall mass provide a more complete picture of the tarantula’s substantial size.
The Goliath Birdeater’s World
The Goliath Birdeater is native to the humid rainforest regions of northern South America. Its habitat spans countries such as Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, northern Brazil, eastern Colombia, and southern Venezuela, thriving in marshy or swampy areas within the Amazon rainforest. These nocturnal spiders live on the ground, inhabiting deep burrows they either excavate themselves or take over from other small animals.
Despite its common name, the Goliath Birdeater rarely preys on birds. The name originated from an 18th-century engraving depicting one eating a hummingbird, but their diet primarily consists of insects, amphibians, small rodents, and occasionally small snakes or lizards. When threatened, these tarantulas employ defensive mechanisms, including stridulation (a hissing sound produced by rubbing bristles on their legs). They can also flick irritating, barbed urticating hairs from their abdomen, which can cause discomfort to predators.
Other Giants of the Tarantula Kingdom
While the Goliath Birdeater is recognized for its mass, other tarantulas also attain large sizes, sometimes rivaling or exceeding its leg span. The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana) is a contender, known for its leg span, which can reach up to 11 inches (28 cm), with some specimens reaching 12 inches (30 cm). This species is found in the dense forests of northeastern Brazil and is characterized by its vibrant salmon-pink hues.
Another large species is the King Baboon Tarantula (Pelinobius muticus), originating from the dry scrublands of East Africa. This heavily built tarantula can achieve a leg span of up to 9 inches (23 cm) and is considered among the largest and heaviest African tarantulas. These species do not match the body mass of the Goliath Birdeater, confirming Theraphosa blondi’s status as the world’s largest tarantula by overall weight.