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The World's Largest Spiders On The Planet: A Top 10 List With Stunning Images
Spiders are some of the most fascinating and diverse creatures on the planet, boasting various sizes, shapes, and colors. Among these eight-legged marvels, a select few stand out due to their sheer size, leaving many both shocked and terrified. Here, we delve into the top 10 largest spiders in the world, showcasing these giants of the arachnid world.
1. Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)
The Goliath birdeater is the heaviest and largest spider by mass, weighing up to 175 grams and with a body length of about 13 cm (5.1 inches). It can achieve a leg span of up to 30 cm (12 inches), rivaling the giant huntsman. Native to the rainforests of northern South America, the Goliath birdeater is a ground-dwelling spider, that prefers humid environments such as swamps and marshes. Despite its intimidating size, this spider poses little threat to humans, though its bite is painful and can release irritating hairs as a defense mechanism.
2. Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima)
The giant huntsman spider, discovered in Laos, holds the record for the largest leg span of any spider, stretching up to 30 cm (12 inches). Unlike web-spinning spiders, the huntsman is an agile hunter, scurrying across the ground with remarkable speed. Despite its fearsome appearance, the huntsman spider is not considered dangerous to humans and is more likely to flee than fight when encountered.
3. Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana)
Another giant from the tarantula family, the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater is a formidable predator in its native Brazil. This spider can reach up to 28 cm (11 inches) in leg span, making it one of the largest tarantulas in the world. Its pinkish hue and large size make it a popular pet, though it’s important to handle this spider with care due to its potential to deliver a painful bite.
4. Brazilian Giant Tawny Red Tarantula (Grammostola anthracina)
Hailing from South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, the Brazilian giant tawny red tarantula boasts a leg span of up to 23 cm (9 inches). Despite its size, it is relatively docile and is often kept as a pet. This terrestrial spider spends most of its time on the ground and is a nocturnal predator, hunting insects and other small arthropods.
5. Hercules Baboon Spider (Hysterocrates hercules)
The Hercules baboon spider is one of the most mysterious large spiders, with only a few documented specimens. Believed to be native to Africa, it reportedly reaches a leg span of around 20 cm (8 inches). Its rarity and elusive nature have made it something of a legend among arachnologists. The spider is named after it resembles a baboon’s fingers, rather than any baboon-hunting behavior.
6. Face-Sized Tarantula (Poecilotheria rajaei)
Discovered in Sri Lanka, the face-sized tarantula is as intimidating as its name suggests, with a leg span of around 20 cm (8 inches). This spider has adapted to live in both forests and abandoned buildings, where it preys on small vertebrates like birds and rodents. Despite its size, this tarantula is not aggressive towards humans unless provoked.
7. Colombian Giant Tarantula (Megaphobema robustum)
Native to the rainforests of Colombia, this giant tarantula reaches a leg span of about 20 cm (8 inches). It’s known for its striking black and red coloration and its tendency to defend itself aggressively. However, like many large tarantulas, it is generally a calm and docile species unless threatened.
8. Camel Spider (Galeodes arabs)
Though technically not a true spider, the camel spider earns its place on this list due to its impressive size. These creatures, found in deserts around the world, can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length. They are known for their speed and voracious appetite, but despite rumors, they are not a threat to humans.
9. Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)
The Chaco golden knee tarantula, with a leg span of up to 22 cm (8.5 inches), is another large and popular species among pet owners. It is native to the grasslands of Argentina and Paraguay and is known for its beautiful golden stripes along its legs. This spider is very docile, making it a favorite among tarantula enthusiasts.
10. Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria fera)
Rounding out our list is the Brazilian wandering spider, a highly venomous species known for its aggressive nature and potent neurotoxin. It can reach a leg span of up to 15 cm (6 inches) and is one of the most feared spiders in its native Brazil. Despite its dangerous reputation, fatalities from its bites are rare due to the availability of antivenom.
Conclusion
These spiders, with their extraordinary sizes and often startling appearances, showcase the incredible diversity of the arachnid world. Whether feared or admired, they are undoubtedly among the most fascinating creatures on Earth.
