The question of which spider is the “strongest” in the world is complex, as “strength” can be interpreted in several ways. It is not simply about raw physical power, but also encompasses other remarkable attributes that make certain spiders formidable in their own right. These facets reveal the diverse adaptations within the spider kingdom.
Defining “Strongest”
Defining what constitutes the “strongest” spider requires looking beyond a single characteristic. Spider strength can be measured by the potency of its venom, its physical capacity to overpower prey or resist forces, or the tensile strength and durability of the silk it produces. These varied forms of strength provide a more complete understanding of these arachnids.
Spiders with Potent Venom
When considering venom potency, the Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria genus) and the Sydney Funnel-web Spider (Atrax genus) frequently rank among the most medically significant spiders globally. The Brazilian Wandering Spider, sometimes called the banana spider, is known for its aggressive defensive posture and neurotoxic venom. This venom can cause severe symptoms in humans, including intense pain, salivation, irregular heartbeat, and, in males, prolonged and painful erections.
The Sydney Funnel-web Spider, particularly the male Atrax robustus, possesses a fast-acting neurotoxic venom. Its fangs are capable of penetrating human skin, and envenomation can lead to severe systemic effects like hypertension, muscle fasciculation, and respiratory distress, potentially causing death in as little as 15 minutes if untreated. The development of antivenom in 1980 significantly reduced fatalities from Sydney Funnel-web bites.
Spiders with Remarkable Physical Prowess
Physical prowess in spiders can refer to their size, their ability to lift or pull objects, or the force of their bite. The Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is the largest spider in the world, with a body up to 13 cm and a leg span reaching up to 30 cm. While its name suggests it preys on birds, it rarely does so, instead feeding on insects, rodents, lizards, and snakes. Despite its formidable size, its venom is not particularly harmful to humans, often compared to a wasp sting.
Beyond sheer size, many spiders exhibit impressive relative strength, capable of lifting objects many times their own weight. Smaller spiders can lift objects up to 170 times their body weight. This remarkable strength-to-weight ratio allows them to manipulate prey or navigate their environments with surprising power. The California trap-door spider (Bothriocyrtum californicum) has demonstrated its ability to resist a force 38 times its own weight when defending its burrow, showcasing a different form of physical strength.
Spiders with Exceptional Web Strength
Spider silk is a natural material with exceptional tensile strength and elasticity. Orb-weaver spiders, especially golden orb-weavers (Nephila genus), are renowned for producing some of the strongest and largest webs in nature. Their dragline silk, used for the web’s frame and as a lifeline, possesses a tensile strength stronger than steel by weight.
This silk is not only strong but also highly elastic, capable of stretching significantly before breaking. This combination of strength and flexibility allows the webs to absorb the impact of flying insects and even small birds. Researchers continue to study the unique protein structure of spider silk to understand its properties, hoping to replicate it for various human applications.