Meet The Giant Spiders Who Will Make Your Skin Crawl
If you think you’ve seen big spiders, think again. From the lush jungles to your own backyard, there are spiders so large they can send even the bravest into a panic. Get ready to discover the 11 largest spiders in the world—each one more intimidating than the last. Brace yourself for some spine-chilling encounters!
1. The Goliath Birdeater Can Claim the Title of the Biggest Spider in the World
The Goliath Birdeater is the undisputed king of the spider world. Native to South America, this massive tarantula can grow up to 12 inches in leg span, making it the largest spider by mass. As if that size wasn’t enough, it’s capable of hunting small birds. With its hairy, intimidating appearance, it’s no wonder this spider is a nightmare to encounter.
2. The Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula Will Leave You Speechless With Its Size
One of the largest tarantulas in the world, the Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula can have a leg span of up to 8 inches. Despite its large size, this spider is generally calm and not as aggressive as other tarantulas. Still, with its striking pink legs and large, menacing body, it can give anyone a fright. A true giant of the spider world!
3. The Giant Huntsman Spider Could Have You Running for the Door
The Giant Huntsman Spider is known for its long, spindly legs that can span up to 12 inches. Native to Laos, it holds the title for the widest leg span of any spider. Though it’s not venomous enough to pose a real threat to humans, its appearance alone is enough to make anyone do a double-take. It’s an absolute monster in size.
4. The Hercules Baboon Spider Is Not For the Faint-Hearted
Found in Africa, the Hercules Baboon Spider boasts an impressive leg span of 7 inches. This spider’s size is paired with a fearsome reputation. It’s known for its quick movements and aggressive nature when threatened. Despite its fearsome demeanor, it’s a fascinating creature to study. But if you’re ever in its territory, keep your distance—you won’t want to be its prey.
5. The Camel Spider Has an Unbelievably Long Reach
The Camel Spider is not technically a true spider, but its size and speed make it terrifying all the same. With a body length of 6 inches and legs that can extend the total size to nearly a foot, this arachnid is incredibly fast and aggressive. Found in the deserts of the Middle East, it has a reputation for its large jaws, capable of delivering a painful bite.
6. The Chinese Bird Spider Looks As Terrifying As It Sounds
The Chinese Bird Spider, also known as the Chinese Tarantula, is one of Asia’s largest spiders, with leg spans reaching up to 9 inches. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually eat birds, but it’s more than capable of taking down large insects. Its size and ferocity make it one of the most intimidating species in the tarantula family.
7. The Indonesian Peacock Tarantula Has a Beautiful Yet Menacing Appearance
While its appearance might be beautiful, the Indonesian Peacock Tarantula is not to be underestimated. With its vibrant colors and 7-inch leg span, it is both a visual and literal giant. Native to Indonesia, this spider has a reputation for being calm but has the ability to defend itself if it feels threatened. Don’t let its beauty fool you—this is a spider that commands respect.
8. The Mexican Redknee Tarantula Is As Big As It Is Popular
One of the most well-known tarantulas in the pet trade, the Mexican Redknee Tarantula is massive with a leg span of up to 6 inches. Its bright orange markings are hard to miss, and though it’s generally docile, it’s still a formidable presence. If you encounter this spider in the wild, its size and striking appearance will definitely make an impact.
9. The Lord Howe Island Stick Spider Is Huge And A Survivor
The Dominican purple tarantula can grow to an impressive size, with a leg span reaching up to 5 to 6 inches when fully mature. Females are generally larger than males, and their large, hairy bodies give them an imposing appearance. Despite their size, they are relatively slow movers and are known for their docile temperament. Their large size and striking color make them a stunning specimen, highly prized among tarantula enthusiasts for both their beauty and manageable size
10. The Chilean Rose Tarantula Is a Big Name in the Spider World
The Chilean Rose Tarantula is a popular pet due to its docile nature and relatively manageable size—up to 6 inches in leg span. However, when found in the wild, this large, reddish-brown spider can still be quite a sight to behold. They’re known for their resilience and adaptability, making them a force to reckon with in their native South American habitats.
11. The Trapdoor Spider Will Surprise You with Its Size and Speed
The Trapdoor Spider, found in Australia, can grow to 4 inches in size and is known for its unique method of ambush hunting. It hides in a burrow with a camouflaged lid, waiting for prey to approach before it pounces with speed and precision. Its sheer size and incredible agility make it a formidable creature to encounter in the wild.