Spiders come in all shapes and sizes, but some species grow massive, reaching leg spans that rival dinner plates. The biggest spider in the world is a fascinating topic that has sparked curiosity, fear, and admiration. From prehistoric giants to the modern Goliath Birdeater, this article dives deep into the largest spiders ever recorded, their habitats, and how they compare to other creatures.
Top 10 Biggest Spiders in the World
When it comes to size, spiders can be measured in leg span and weight. Below are the largest spiders in the world based on verified measurements.
| Spider Name | Leg Span (inches/cm) | Weight (oz/g) | Habitat | Venomous to Humans? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) | 12 in (30 cm) | 6 oz (170 g) | South America | No |
| Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima) | 12 in (30 cm) | Light | Laos | No |
| Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana) | 10 in (25 cm) | 3 oz (85 g) | Brazil | No |
| Grammostola anthracina | 9 in (23 cm) | Moderate | South America | No |
| Colombian Giant Tarantula (Megaphobema robustum) | 9 in (23 cm) | Moderate | Colombia | No |
| Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) | 8.5 in (21 cm) | Moderate | Argentina | No |
| Face-Sized Tarantula (Poecilotheria rajaei) | 8 in (20 cm) | Light | Sri Lanka | Yes |
| King Baboon Spider (Pelinobius muticus) | 8 in (20 cm) | Heavy | East Africa | Yes |
| Brazilian Giant Tawny Red Tarantula (Vitalius sorocabae) | 7.5 in (19 cm) | Moderate | Brazil | No |
| Chinese Giant Earth Tiger Spider (Haplopelma schmidti) | 7.5 in (19 cm) | Light | China | Yes |
These spiders are impressive in size, but not all of them are dangerous. The Goliath Birdeater holds the title for heaviest spider, while the Giant Huntsman Spider has the largest leg span.
Biggest Spider in the World Found Dead
There have been numerous reports of massive dead spiders discovered worldwide. In 2016, a giant Goliath Birdeater was found lifeless in a rainforest in Brazil, measuring over 11 inches in leg span.
Key Facts:
- The spider was likely killed by a predator or died naturally.
- Its sheer size stunned researchers, proving that some Goliath Birdeaters can exceed recorded sizes.
- Scientists believe some undiscovered species may be even bigger.
Biggest Spider in the World Found Alive
A living record-breaking Giant Huntsman Spider was discovered in Laos in 2001. It had a leg span of nearly 12 inches, making it the largest living spider by leg span.
Other notable sightings include:
- A 12-inch Goliath Birdeater in the Amazon Rainforest, captured on camera by entomologists.
- A face-sized tarantula in Sri Lanka, a new species that stunned scientists in 2013.
These spiders continue to thrive in remote, dense forests, where their size helps them hunt for large prey.
Photos of the Biggest Spider in the World
Many verified images show massive spiders in their natural habitat. Some of the most famous photos include:
- The 12-inch Goliath Birdeater, caught by an explorer in Venezuela.
- A giant Huntsman Spider clinging to a wall in Australia.
- A record-breaking tarantula photographed in the Amazon.
Would you dare to take a close-up picture of one?
Smallest Spider in the World
While some spiders grow huge, others are microscopic. The smallest spider in the world is the Patu digua, measuring only 0.37 mm.
Comparison:
- Patu digua: 0.37 mm (smaller than a grain of sand)
- Goliath Birdeater: 30 cm (as large as a dinner plate)
This size difference shows how diverse spiders can be.
Goliath Birdeater – The Biggest Spider in the World
The Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is the undisputed largest spider by weight and mass.
Key Facts:
- Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
- Weight: Up to 6 oz (170 g)
- Habitat: Amazon Rainforest
- Diet: Insects, small birds, lizards
- Venomous? No, but it has massive fangs
Despite its name, it rarely eats birds and prefers insects and amphibians.
Largest Spider Ever – Prehistoric Giants
Some prehistoric arachnids were even larger than today’s spiders.
Megarachne – The Largest Prehistoric Spider?
- Fossil discovered in Argentina (1980).
- Originally thought to be a giant spider.
- Later identified as a sea scorpion.
The largest true prehistoric spider was likely Nephila jurassica, a golden orb-weaver with a 6-inch leg span.
Biggest Spider Bite – Are They Dangerous?
Most giant spiders are not deadly, but their bites can hurt.
Which Big Spiders Bite?
- Goliath Birdeater – Large fangs, but mild venom.
- King Baboon Spider – Painful bite, venom causes swelling.
- Face-Sized Tarantula – Mildly venomous, but not deadly.
What to Do If Bitten:
- Clean the wound immediately.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
Biggest Spider in Australia
Australia is home to some of the largest and creepiest spiders.
The Giant Huntsman Spider
- Size: Up to 12 inches.
- Found in: Queensland, Northern Territory.
- Non-venomous, but fast and aggressive.
Other large Australian spiders include the Sydney Funnel-Web Spider, one of the deadliest spiders in the world.
Biggest Insect in the World
How do insects compare to the biggest spiders?
- Giant Wētā (Deinacrida) – Most massive insect (70 g).
- Titan Beetle (Titanus giganteus) – Largest beetle (6.5 inches).
While big insects exist, spiders still hold the record for leg span.
Biggest Scorpion in the World
Scorpions, like spiders, are arachnids, and some grow huge.
- Heterometrus swammerdami – Largest scorpion (9 inches).
- Emperor Scorpion – One of the heaviest, up to 2 oz.
Unlike spiders, most large scorpions are mildly venomous.
Deadliest Spider in the World
The Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria) is the most venomous spider.
- Venom can kill humans if untreated.
- Aggressive behavior, often found in banana shipments.
- Bite symptoms: Severe pain, paralysis, breathing issues.
Luckily, antivenom exists, making deaths rare.
Conclusion
The biggest spider in the world continues to fascinate and terrify. From the Goliath Birdeater to the prehistoric Megarachne, these massive arachnids prove that nature is full of giant surprises.
Which of these spiders would you want to see in real life? 😱
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