What Is The Biggest Spider In The World? Meet The Goliath Birdeater And Other Giants

Juana Smitham 24 Aug 2025

Have you ever, just maybe, found yourself wondering what the biggest spider in the world actually is? It's a question that, you know, really sparks a bit of curiosity for many people, especially when we think about those creatures that might just give us a little shiver. Learning about these amazing arachnids, it's actually pretty fascinating to see how diverse and truly large some of them can get, isn't it?

For many, the idea of a truly enormous spider can be, well, a little bit daunting, but also incredibly intriguing. There are so many stories and myths out there, so it's good to get the real facts. We're going to explore some of the most impressive spiders out there, those that really stand out because of their sheer size, and talk about where they live and what makes them so special.

This guide, you see, shares information about some of the top contenders for the title of "biggest spider." We'll look at a few of the largest ones, discussing where they make their homes and, perhaps most importantly for many, whether or not they pose any real danger to humans. It's quite a journey into the world of truly massive spiders, so let's get into it.

The Goliath Birdeater: A True Giant
The Giant Huntsman Spider: A Different Kind of Record Holder
- Its Impressive Reach
- Its Home
Other Notable Large Spiders
- The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater
- The Brazilian Wandering Spider
How We Measure Spider Size
Are These Massive Spiders Dangerous to Humans?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Biggest Spiders

The Goliath Birdeater: A True Giant

When you ask, "what is the biggest spider in the world," the name that comes up, very often, is the goliath birdeater spider. This creature, you know, is quite a marvel in the arachnid world. It really does command attention because of its impressive size, and it's definitely a spider that captures the imagination of many, so.

Size and Measurements

The goliath birdeater, which is also known as Theraphosa blondi, is, according to National Geographic, the largest spider in the world. It holds this title, in some respects, because of its sheer mass, which is quite significant. This spider, you see, can have a body length that reaches up to 11 inches, or about 28 cm, which is really quite substantial.

Then there's the leg span, which is another way to measure these big spiders. The goliath birdeater spider, native to South America's rainforests, can have a leg span reaching up to 12 inches, or about 31 cm. This sprawling reach, you know, makes it look truly enormous. It's almost the size of a dinner plate, which is, well, something to think about.

It's important to remember that when people talk about the "biggest" spider, they might be talking about different measurements. For the goliath birdeater, it's often recognized for being the world's largest spider by mass, which is a key distinction. This massive size, in fact, allows it to do some pretty amazing things, like capture and eat various creatures, which is quite something.

Where It Lives

This truly impressive spider, the goliath birdeater, makes its home in the lush, green rainforests of South America. These environments, you know, provide the perfect conditions for such a large creature to thrive. It's a place rich with life, offering plenty of hiding spots and, of course, a good supply of food, which is, naturally, very important for a spider of this size.

Its natural habitat, you see, is often damp and warm, which is typical of rainforests. This kind of environment, in a way, supports a lot of biodiversity, and the goliath birdeater is just one of the many unique species that call these places home. It's really quite something to imagine such a big spider living deep within those dense forests, isn't it?

What It Eats

Given its rather massive size, the goliath birdeater, as you might guess, doesn't just snack on tiny insects. This spider's impressive bulk, you know, allows it to capture and eat a variety of creatures. While its name might make you think it primarily eats birds, that's not always the case, though it certainly could if the opportunity arose.

Its diet, you know, often includes things like insects, frogs, and even small rodents. The sheer power and size of this spider, it's almost, mean it can overpower prey that many other spiders wouldn't even consider. It's a really efficient hunter in its rainforest home, just doing what it needs to do to survive and, you know, grow to such an incredible size.

The Giant Huntsman Spider: A Different Kind of Record Holder

While the goliath birdeater is often named as the biggest spider in the world by mass, there's another contender that holds a different, but equally impressive, record. This spider, you see, is the giant huntsman spider, and it's quite a sight to behold, especially because of its unique measurements, so.

Its Impressive Reach

The giant huntsman spider, in fact, holds the title for the largest leg span of any spider. Its sprawling legs, you know, stretch incredibly wide, creating an unforgettable sight. This is where it truly shines in terms of size, making it a record holder in its own right. It's really quite amazing to think about how long its legs can get, isn't it?

Imagine a spider, you know, that's the size of a dinner plate, but it's not the heaviest. This Asian spider, you see, is the world's biggest when it comes to how far its legs can reach. This particular measurement, the leg span, is what makes the giant huntsman spider so famous among arachnid enthusiasts. It's a very striking feature, that.

Its Home

This remarkable spider, the giant huntsman, dwells in the caves of Laos. These caves, you know, provide a very specific kind of environment that suits it perfectly. It's a rather unique habitat for a spider, offering shelter and, presumably, a good source of food within those dark, damp spaces. It's quite interesting to think about a spider that prefers such a secluded existence, isn't it?

The caves, you see, offer a stable temperature and humidity, which are probably ideal for a spider of its size. It's not just any cave, but the specific ones in Laos that are home to this particular giant. This makes it, in some respects, a very specialized creature, adapted to its underground world, which is, well, pretty cool to consider.

Other Notable Large Spiders

Beyond the goliath birdeater and the giant huntsman, there are, you know, several other truly impressive spiders that rank among the biggest in the world. This guide, you see, aims to share some of the top 11 along with where they live and whether or not they're dangerous to humans. It's quite a diverse group, and each one has its own fascinating characteristics, so.

The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater

Among the biggest spiders in the world, you'll also find the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater. This spider, you know, is another type of birdeater, suggesting it has a similar diet or hunting style to its goliath cousin. It's quite a visually striking spider, too, with its distinct coloring, which is, well, pretty unique.

These spiders, like many of the larger species, are ranked by their leg span, which is a common way to compare them. The Brazilian salmon pink birdeater, in some respects, contributes to the impressive list of huge arachnids found in South America. It's a really interesting member of this exclusive club of big spiders, that.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider

Then there's the Brazilian wandering spider, which is, you know, another well-known large spider. It's actually ranked as the ninth largest spider in the world, which is still incredibly big. This spider, you see, is also known by a couple of other names, like the armed spider or the banana spider, which are, well, quite descriptive.

Its legs, for instance, measure about 5.9 inches long, which is a pretty good reach. The Brazilian wandering spider is, in fact, famous for its potent venom, which makes it one of the spiders people often ask about regarding danger. It's a truly remarkable creature, but one that, you know, commands a certain amount of respect due to its nature.

How We Measure Spider Size

When we talk about what is the biggest spider in the world, it's actually, you know, important to understand how we measure "big." It's not always just one simple number, you see. There are a couple of primary ways that these impressive spiders are ranked, and it helps to know the difference, so.

These spiders, in fact, are typically ranked by their leg span. This measurement, you know, involves stretching the spider's legs out and measuring from the tip of one leg to the tip of the opposite leg. It gives you a sense of how much space the spider can cover, which is, well, quite a dramatic visual, isn't it?

Another way, of course, is by mass, or weight. The goliath birdeater, for instance, is known as the world’s largest spider by mass. This means it's not just about how long its legs are, but how much actual bulk it has. Exploring the fascinating world of exceptionally large spiders, you really discover how size is measured and meet the impressive species that truly dominate the arachnid realm.

Are These Massive Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

A very common question people have, you know, when they learn about these incredibly large spiders is whether or not they're dangerous to humans. It's a natural concern, really, when you're talking about creatures of such size and, in some cases, with venom. This guide, you see, shares information about whether or not they're dangerous to humans, which is, well, pretty important to know.

For many of the large birdeaters, like the goliath birdeater, their primary defense isn't always biting, though they can. They often, you know, kick urticating hairs off their bodies, which can be irritating to skin and eyes. While a bite might be painful, it's typically not deadly to a healthy human, which is, actually, a relief to hear for many.

However, the Brazilian wandering spider, for example, is a different story. It's known for having a potent venom, and its bite can be medically significant. This is why it's also known as the armed spider, which, you know, gives you a hint about its nature. It's always a good idea to respect wildlife from a distance, especially creatures like these, so.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Biggest Spiders

People often have many questions about these truly massive spiders. Here are some common ones that, you know, come up quite a bit.

What is the biggest spider by leg span?

The giant huntsman spider, dwelling in the caves of Laos, holds the title for the largest leg span of any spider. Its sprawling legs stretch wide, creating an unforgettable sight, you know. It's not the heaviest, but this Asian spider is the world's biggest by leg span, which is, well, pretty impressive.

What is the biggest spider by mass?

The goliath birdeater, also known as Theraphosa blondi, is, you see, widely considered the largest spider in the world by mass. This massive size allows it to capture and eat various creatures, which is quite something. It's really quite a heavy spider, that.

Are the biggest spiders dangerous to humans?

Some of the biggest spiders, like the goliath birdeater, are generally not considered life-threatening to humans, though their bites can be painful, and they can release irritating hairs. However, other large spiders, such as the Brazilian wandering spider, do possess potent venom that can be dangerous to humans, so it's always wise to be careful, you know.

Understanding what is the biggest spider in the world really opens up a fascinating window into the natural world. From the truly massive goliath birdeater, known for its bulk, to the giant huntsman spider with its incredible leg span, these creatures, you know, are truly remarkable. They remind us of the amazing diversity of life on our planet, and how many incredible species are out there, just waiting to be learned about.

If you're interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, you can find additional information about arachnids and their habitats at a trusted source like National Geographic. To discover even more about these eight-legged wonders, you might want to learn more about spiders on our site, and perhaps even explore this page about other amazing wildlife. It's a pretty big world out there, full of amazing animals, so.

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