Largest Spider in the World

Spiders are arthropods with eight legs. There are around 40,000 species of spiders that are found across the globe. Tarantulas belong to the family Theraphosidae, which consists more than 900 species. These spiders are larger and hairier when compared to other spider species. The largest spider in the world is also a member of this group and is named Goliath bird-eating spider or Theraphosa blondi. This spider has been named by the Victorian Era explorers. It is believed that those explorers had found one of these spiders feeding on a hummingbird. This explains the name 'Goliath bird-eating spider'.

Largest Spider in the World - Characteristics

Goliath bird-eating spiders have a leg span of around 12 inches and they weigh almost 170 grams. These spiders are solitary creatures with a color that ranges between light to dark brown. Some of these creatures have leg markings too. Another characteristic feature of the largest spider in the world is the hair (both long and short) that covers the legs and the body. The body is divided into cephalothorax and abdomen, and has an exoskeleton. They molt (periodic shedding of the cuticle in arthropods) as they grow and have the ability to regrow lost limbs. The females have an egg sac in their abdominal region. As in the case of tarantulas these spiders too have large fangs that can break human skin and inflict bites with a depth of 0.75 to 1.5 inches. These fangs possess venom, but, are relatively harmless to humans. However, such bites may cause mild pain and swelling of the affected area.

Goliath bird-eater tarantula does not have tibial spurs, which are located on the first pair of legs in adult males. They have poor eyesight and mainly resort to the vibrations felt on the ground. When threatened, they release body hair by rubbing their hind legs on the abdomen. Their hair can be harmful as they can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. It is said that these spiders rub their legs to produce a hissing sound, which can be heard from a distance of around fifteen feet. The lifespan of these spiders vary with gender. While the females mature within three to four years and live for around 15 to 25 years, males too mature almost at the same period, but have a lifespan of only three to six years. Females can lay around 100 to 200 eggs and the hatching period is two months.

Goliath Bird-eating Spider

The largest spider of the world, i.e., the Goliath bird-eating spider is native to northern South America. They are mainly found in the rain forests, especially in the marshy and swampy regions. These nocturnal spiders usually dig burrows and live in those burrows. Some of them use the abandoned burrows of rodents. However, they do not climb trees due to their body weight. As far as their diet is concerned, these spiders rarely feed on birds. It may happen that sometimes, they prey upon baby birds. Then, what does the largest spider in the world eat? They make webs to catch preys and kill the preys with fangs. These spiders are carnivores and feed on insects, worms and some small rodents and vertebrates. It includes, crickets, meal worms, lizards, frogs, bats, small snakes, mice, etc. You may also read more about biggest spider in the world.

Now, you have some basic information about the largest spider in the world. You might have heard of tarantulas as pets. Some people keep Goliath bird-eating spiders as pets, but it is not generally recommended, as the hair of this spider can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes of humans. However, the population of this interesting spider species is fast declining due to human intervention in their habitat.