Biggest Spider in the World, List of Top-10

Spiders are fascinating creatures that come in various shapes and sizes, with some species reaching impressive dimensions. While many people may be arachnophobic, there is no denying the incredible diversity and adaptations that spiders have developed over millions of years. In this article, we will explore the top 10 largest spiders in the world, showcasing the remarkable range of sizes these arachnids can attain.

Which is the Largest Spider in the World?

The title-holder for the world’s largest spider is the Goliath birdeater, scientifically known as Theraphosa blondi, as reported by National Geographic. This tarantula can grow up to a whopping 11 inches in length and weigh around 6 ounces, making it large enough to cover a dinner plate, according to Guinness World Records.

The Goliath birdeater earned its intriguing name from an 18th-century engraving depicting a tarantula devouring a hummingbird, notes National Geographic. However, in reality, these spiders rarely feast on birds and predominantly dine on arthropods.

In contrast to most spiders, Goliath birdeaters don’t construct webs. Instead, they utilize silk to line their burrows beneath the forest floor, creating a cozy habitat, as shared by National Geographic.

While Goliath birdeaters are venomous, their venom poses no serious threat to humans. In the rare event of a bite, the experience is likened to a wasp sting, and medical attention is seldom required, according to National Geographic.

Top-10 Biggest Spiders in the World

Goliath Birdeater, with the leg span of up to 30 cm, holds the title of the biggest spider in the world, followed by Giant Huntsman Spider, Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater, and Brazilian Giant Tawny Red Tarantula.

Here is the list of top-10 biggest spiders in the world:

Largest Spiders in the World
S. No.	Name	Scientific Name	Size
1.	Goliath Birdeater	Theraphosa blondi	175g, up to 30 cm leg span
2.	Giant Huntsman Spider	Heteropoda maxima	167g, 30cm leg span
3.	Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater	Lasiodora parahybana	Females > 100g, up to 28cm
4.	Brazilian Giant Tawny Red Tarantula	Grammostola anthracina	Leg span ~23cm
5.	Chaco Golden-Knee Tarantula	Grammostola pulchripes	Leg span up to 20.3cm
6.	King Baboon Spider	Pelinobius muticus	Leg span up to 20cm
7.	Colombian Giant Tarantula	Megaphobema robustum	Leg span around 20cm
8.	Face-sized Tarantula	Poecilotheria Rajaei	Leg span up to 20cm
9.	Brazilian Wandering Spiders	Phoneutria sp.	Some up to 18cm in leg span
10.	Sand-Dwelling Huntsman Spider	Cerbalus aravaensis	Leg span up to 14cm

World’s Biggest Spider – Goliath Birdeater

Scientific Name: Theraphosa blondi

Weight: 175 g

Leg Span: up to 30 cm

The Goliath Birdeater, the world’s largest spider, reigns from the rainforests of northern South America. With a body mass reaching up to 175g and a length of 13cm, it claims the title for both body mass and length. The name stems from an 18th-century engraving depicting a tarantula devouring a hummingbird, leading to the entire Theraposa genus being labeled ‘bird eaters.’ Despite mainly feasting on worms and large insects, these spiders occasionally hunt and consume birds.

Second Largest Spider in the World – Giant Huntsman Spider

Scientific Name: Heteropoda maxima

Weight: 100 gm

Leg span: up to 30 cm

Native to Laos in Southeast Asia, the Giant Huntsman Spider stands out as the world’s second-largest spider. Boasting an impressive leg span of up to 30cm, surpassing even some Goliath Birdeaters, these spiders exhibit cannibalistic behavior. Larger females are known to consume males after mating, a common occurrence in the spider world that provides the female with a nutritional boost for enhanced reproduction.

Third Largest Spider in the World – Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater

Scientific Name: Lasiodora parahybana

Weight: 100 gm

Leg Span: 28 cm

Weighing as much as a banana, the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater earns its spot as the world’s third-largest spider. Inhabiting the forests of Brazil, these spiders have gained popularity as pets globally due to their relatively docile nature. Despite their calm demeanor, they can deliver a painful bite or release irritating barbed hairs when threatened, showcasing their defensive capabilities.