Spiders are one of the most diverse groups of arachnids, with over 48,000 known species worldwide. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and are often considered beneficial to humans. However, some spider species can be dangerous and deadly, making them feared by many. In this article, we will be focusing on the largest spider species in the world, their characteristics, and their habitats.
#1. Goliath Birdeater
The Goliath Birdeater is the largest spider in the world by mass. They are native to South America and can have a leg span of up to 30 centimeters. Despite their name, they rarely eat birds and mostly feed on insects, small rodents, and other invertebrates.
#2. Huntsman Spider
Huntsman Spiders are known for their speed and agility. They are one of the largest spider species in the world and can have a leg span of up to 30 centimeters. They are found in warm regions of the world, such as Australia, Africa, and Asia.
#3. Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-Eating Tarantula
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-Eating Tarantula is a large tarantula that is native to Brazil. They can have a leg span of up to 25 centimeters and are known for their bright orange coloration. Despite their name, they rarely eat birds and mostly feed on insects and other invertebrates.
#4. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver
The Golden Silk Orb-Weaver is a large spider that is native to Asia and Australia. They are known for their impressive webs, which can span up to 1 meter in diameter. They can have a leg span of up to 20 centimeters and are often found in gardens and forests.
#5. Six-Spotted Fishing Spider
The Six-Spotted Fishing Spider is a large spider that is found in North America. They can have a leg span of up to 15 centimeters and are often found near bodies of water. They are known for their ability to walk on water and catch fish.
#6. Australian Tarantula
The Australian Tarantula is a large spider that is found in Australia. They can have a leg span of up to 16 centimeters and are known for their brownish-black coloration. They are often found in dry and arid regions of the country.
#7. Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
The Sydney Funnel-Web Spider is a large and venomous spider that is native to Australia. They can have a leg span of up to 10 centimeters and are known for their aggressive behavior. They are often found in urban areas and can be dangerous to humans.
#8. Wolf Spider
The Wolf Spider is a large and hairy spider that is found worldwide. They can have a leg span of up to 13 centimeters and are known for their hunting abilities. They are often found on the ground and can be aggressive when provoked.
#9. Chilean Rose Tarantula
The Chilean Rose Tarantula is a large and docile spider that is native to Chile. They can have a leg span of up to 15 centimeters and are known for their rose-colored hairs. They are often kept as pets due to their calm nature.
#10. Giant Huntsman Spider
The Giant Huntsman Spider is a large spider found in Laos, and it is considered one of the largest spiders in the world by leg span. Their legs can span up to 12 inches, but their bodies are relatively small in comparison. Despite their size, they are not harmful to humans and prefer to feed on other insects and spiders.
These spiders are often found living in caves and forests, and their large size allows them to catch larger prey than many other spider species. While they may look intimidating, they are actually quite docile and will generally run away from humans rather than attack.
It is important to remember that while these spiders may seem scary, they play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. It is also worth noting that spiders will generally only bite humans if they feel threatened or provoked, so it is best to give them their space and avoid disturbing them whenever possible.