Spiders come in a variety of sizes, from tiny species barely visible to the naked eye to enormous arachnids that can span over 30 centimeters.
For many, spiders evoke fascination and fear, inspiring awe or dread depending on the observer. The larger species, in particular, are often admired for their impressive size, while others may view them with trepidation.
- Reproduction
- Hunting
- Defense
With that in mind, let us talk about the biggest spiders in the world
10. Sand-Dwelling Huntsman Spider (Cerbalus aravaensis)
The Sand-Dwelling Huntsman Spider, found in the sand dunes of Israel and Jordan, is a nocturnal species known for its impressive burrowing abilities.
It builds trapdoor-like burrows to ambush its prey and can reach up to 14 centimeters in leg span.
- Leg span: Up to 14 cm.
- Habitat: Sand dunes of Israel and Jordan.
- Behavior: Nocturnal, lives in trapdoor-like burrows.
- Diet: Insects and small prey.
The Sand-Dwelling Huntsman Spider uses its size and environment to hunt effectively, relying on camouflage and speed to capture prey at night.
Like many arachnids, it has a unique reproductive process. After mating, the female lays her eggs in a silken sac, carefully hidden within the safety of her burrow. The female remains vigilant, guarding the egg sac until the spiderlings hatch. Once hatched, the young spiders remain in the burrow for a short period before venturing out to begin their own lives.
9. Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria sp.)
The Brazilian Wandering Spider is notorious for its highly venomous bite. While it can reach up to 18 centimeters in leg span, it is best known for being one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. It is often found in banana shipments, giving rise to its other common name, the “banana spider.”
- Leg span: Up to 18 cm.
- Habitat: Brazil and surrounding regions.
- Venom: Highly venomous, dangerous to humans.
- Diet: Insects, small mammals, and birds.
Despite its lethal bite, this spider is not aggressive toward humans and only bites when provoked or threatened.
8. Colombian Giant Redleg Tarantula (Megaphobema robustum)
The Colombian Giant Redleg Tarantula is a unique species native to the rainforests of South America. Its defensive tactics include spinning in circles and kicking, which it uses to deter predators. Its large size, with a leg span reaching 20 centimeters, adds to its impressive display.
- Leg span: 20 cm.
- Habitat: South American rainforests.
- Defense: Spinning and kicking behavior.
- Diet: Insects, small amphibians, and reptiles.
Its unusual defensive tactics make the Colombian Giant Redleg Tarantula a fascinating species, as it uses its body’s agility to ward off threats.
7. King Baboon Spider (Pelinobius muticus)
The King Baboon Spider is native to East Africa and is known for its defensive behavior, including making a hissing sound when threatened. It can grow up to 20 centimeters in leg span, making it a formidable sight for those who encounter it.
- Leg span: Up to 20 cm.
- Habitat: East Africa.
- Defense: Hissing noise when threatened.
- Diet: Insects, small vertebrates.
While its hissing noise and size may seem intimidating, the King Baboon Spider prefers to retreat rather than attack unless absolutely necessary.
6. Chaco Golden-Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)
Known for its gold-striped legs, the Chaco Golden-Knee Tarantula is one of the more striking species in the tarantula family. It can grow up to 20 centimeters in leg span and is widely popular in the exotic pet trade due to its calm and manageable demeanor.
- Leg span: Up to 20 cm.
- Habitat: Native to South America.
- Appearance: Striking gold-striped legs.
- Diet: Insects and small vertebrates.
Though large, this species is relatively peaceful, which makes it a favorite among tarantula enthusiasts. Its size, combined with its eye-catching colors, gives it a distinctive appearance.
5. Face-Sized Tarantula (Poecilotheria rajaei)
The Face-Sized Tarantula earns its name due to its leg span, which can cover the width of a human face. This species is native to Sri Lanka and India and is known for its vibrant patterns. It is a highly adaptive hunter, feeding on small mammals, birds, and even reptiles.
- Leg span: Up to 20 cm.
- Habitat: Sri Lanka and India.
- Diet: Small rodents, birds, and reptiles.
- Appearance: Known for its colorful and striking patterns.
Face-Sized tarantula’s vivid coloration and size make it stand out, but its primary focus is on hunting rather than threatening humans. Its ability to hunt larger prey is enhanced by its size and agility.
4. Brazilian Giant Tawny Red Tarantula (Grammostola anthracina)
The Brazilian Giant Tawny Red Tarantula is notable for its impressive leg span of around 23 centimeters and its longevity, with some individuals living up to 30 years. This species is highly sought after in the illegal pet trade, making it one of the most desired tarantulas globally.
- Leg span: Around 23 cm.
- Lifespan: Up to 30 years.
- Habitat: Brazil and surrounding regions.
- Diet: Insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
This tarantula’s size and longevity make it a unique species. Unfortunately, its desirability as a pet has led to a thriving illegal trade, which threatens its population in the wild.
3. Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana)
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is another massive spider, with a leg span reaching up to 28 centimeters. Native to Brazil, this spider is known for its striking pinkish hairs, which give it its common name. It is a popular species in the exotic pet trade due to its relatively docile nature.
- Leg span: Up to 28 cm.
- Weight: Over 100 grams.
- Habitat: Native to Brazil.
- Diet: Large insects, small rodents, and amphibians
While docile, the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater can defend itself using its sharp fangs or by flicking irritating hairs at potential threats. Its large size aids in intimidation, which can help deter predators.
2. Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima)
The Giant Huntsman Spider holds the record for having the largest leg span of any spider species, with legs that can stretch up to 30 centimeters. This species is typically found in Laos, particularly in caves, where its agility and speed are key to its survival.
- Leg span: Up to 30 cm.
- Habitat: Caves in Laos.
- Characteristics: Fast and agile, known for its large leg span.
- Diet: Insects and small prey.
Though its appearance is fearsome, the Giant Huntsman Spider is not dangerous to humans. Its large size and incredible speed allow it to capture prey with ease, and it uses its elongated legs to navigate complex cave systems.
1. Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)
The Goliath Birdeater is the largest spider in the world by both mass and size, making it a true giant among its kind. Native to the dense rainforests of South America, this species is a formidable predator that feeds on various prey, including large insects and, on occasion, small birds—hence its intimidating name.
- Leg span: Up to 30 cm.
- Weight: Approximately 175 grams.
- Habitat: Rainforests of South America.
- Diet: Large insects, small mammals, and occasionally birds.
Despite its size, the Goliath Birdeater poses little threat to humans. Its primary defense mechanisms include urticating hairs, which it can release when threatened. The spider’s impressive size benefits it in hunting and mating, where males need to find mates in the vast expanses of the forest.
The Bottom Line
The largest spiders on Earth exhibit a range of fascinating adaptations, from their immense size to their unique hunting and defensive strategies.
While some of these species may seem intimidating, most pose little threat to humans, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of spiders in various habitats across the world.
