1. Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)
The Goliath birdeater is widely recognized as the largest spider in the world by mass, weighing over 170 grams (6 oz). Its leg span can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm), about the size of a dinner plate. Despite its name, it rarely eats birds; its diet mainly consists of insects, rodents, frogs, and other small animals. Native to the rainforests of northern South America, particularly in Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana, it lives in deep burrows. This tarantula uses its powerful fangs to inject venom and liquefy prey internally before consuming it. While not deadly to humans, its bite is painful, and it can also release barbed hairs from its abdomen as a defense mechanism.
2. Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima)
Discovered in Laos in 2001, the Giant Huntsman Spider boasts the largest leg span of any spider, stretching up to 12 inches (30 cm). Unlike tarantulas, its body is relatively small in comparison to its legs, which are long and crab-like. It is a fast, agile hunter and doesn’t use webs to catch prey, instead relying on speed and stealth. This species prefers the darkness of caves and dense jungle environments. Despite its intimidating size, it poses little danger to humans and is quite reclusive. Its unique splayed-leg posture and pale coloration help it blend into limestone cave walls.
3. Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana)
This spider is one of the largest tarantulas by leg span and weight, with legs stretching up to 10 inches (25 cm). It gets its name from the pinkish hairs on its legs and abdomen, giving it a distinctive appearance. Native to the rainforests of Brazil, it thrives in warm, humid environments and is commonly bred in captivity. It primarily feeds on insects, but is capable of taking down small vertebrates. Though it’s a docile species in the pet trade, it can flick urticating hairs when threatened. The species is often mistaken for the Goliath birdeater due to its similar size and habitat.
4. Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)
With a leg span of around 8.5 inches (22 cm), the Chaco golden knee is a visually striking spider with golden stripes on its knees. It originates from the grasslands of Argentina and Paraguay, preferring warm, dry areas. Though large, it is known for its docile and calm demeanor, making it a popular pet among tarantula enthusiasts. It is a terrestrial species that builds burrows or finds shelter under rocks and logs. Its diet consists mainly of insects, although it can consume small lizards or mice if available. While it does have venom, it poses minimal threat to humans.
5. Brazilian Giant Tawny Red Tarantula (Grammostola anthracina)
Reaching up to 8.5 inches (21 cm) in leg span, this tarantula is native to Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It has a reddish-brown coloration and a robust body, giving it an imposing look. It is primarily terrestrial and enjoys burrowing in the dry, scrubby environments of South America. Like many tarantulas, it uses urticating hairs as a defense and has a relatively mild temperament. Though it’s not as flashy as other large species, it’s known for its hardiness and longevity. It plays a key ecological role by controlling insect populations in its native habitat.
6. King Baboon Spider (Pelinobius muticus)
Native to East Africa, especially Kenya and Tanzania, the King baboon spider can grow to have a leg span of about 8 inches (20 cm). It is known for its robust, heavily armored appearance and coppery coloration. This species is extremely defensive and can be aggressive when provoked, rearing up and striking with its strong fangs. It is a deep burrower and spends much of its time underground, emerging mainly at night to hunt. Its bite is quite painful and can cause localized swelling and muscle cramps. Despite this, it is a prized specimen among experienced spider keepers due to its size and rarity.
7. Colombian Giant Redleg (Megaphobema robustum)
This spider grows to about 8 inches (20 cm) in leg span and is found in the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Brazil. It is easily recognizable by its thick red legs and contrasting dark brown body. A terrestrial spider, it prefers hiding in forest floor debris and uses its strong legs to push away threats rather than biting. It feeds on a variety of invertebrates and occasionally small vertebrates. Despite its name and appearance, it is relatively calm and rarely aggressive. It is known to perform a unique “spinning kick” with its back legs when disturbed.
8. Camel Spider (Solifugae – not a true spider)
Though not technically a true spider (it’s a member of the arachnid order Solifugae), the camel spider deserves mention due to its large size, reaching up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. It inhabits deserts and arid regions across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of the southwestern United States. Despite myths claiming it chases humans and has deadly venom, it is neither venomous nor particularly dangerous. Camel spiders are incredibly fast and rely on their powerful jaws to crush prey, which includes insects, lizards, and even small rodents. They are nocturnal and avoid sunlight, often hiding during the day. Their formidable appearance and speed have made them the subject of many exaggerated stories.
9. Hercules Baboon Spider (Hysterocrates hercules)
This elusive spider, native to Cameroon, is often surrounded by mystery due to the scarcity of verified sightings in the wild. It can grow to about 7.9 inches (20 cm) in leg span and is thought to be one of the most massive African tarantulas. Its name comes from its power and muscular legs, which resemble a baboon’s. It is a burrowing species that prefers moist, forested environments. Although rare in captivity, it’s highly sought after by collectors and researchers alike. Very little is known about its behavior, contributing to its mystique among arachnologists.
10. Poecilotheria rajaei (Sri Lankan Ornamental Tarantula)
A striking tree-dwelling tarantula, Poecilotheria rajaei is native to Sri Lanka and parts of southern India. It has a leg span of around 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) and features distinctive yellow and gray markings. Unlike most tarantulas, it is arboreal, living in hollow trees or even abandoned buildings. This species is fast-moving and possesses more potent venom than many ground-dwelling tarantulas, though it is not fatal to humans. It feeds primarily on insects but will also take small birds or lizards. Habitat loss has made it increasingly rare, leading to concerns over its conservation status.
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