Spiders have long fascinated and frightened humans in equal measure. While I have no truly gargantuan spiders in my house, I do let those that find their way into the corners of my house stay there, as they’re great for getting rid of all kinds of insects. While most spiders are small and harmless, some species grow to truly impressive sizes. These giant arachnids can be found in various habitats around the world, from dense rainforests to arid deserts. Despite their intimidating appearance, many of these large spiders are predators and pest controllers, and no danger to humans. In this list, we’ll take a look the 14 biggest spiders on the planet, ranked by their leg span.
Giant Huntsman Spider
The Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima) holds the record for the largest leg span of any spider, measuring up to 12 inches (30 cm) across. Found in Laos, this spider was only discovered in 2001. Despite its enormous size, it’s not dangerous to humans and prefers to hunt insects and other small prey.
Goliath Birdeater
The Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is the heaviest spider in the world, weighing up to 6.2 ounces (175 grams). Native to the rainforests of South America, this tarantula can have a leg span of up to 11 inches (28 cm). Despite its name, it rarely eats birds, preferring insects and small mammals.
Giant Baboon Spider
The Giant Baboon Spider (Hysterocrates hercules) is found in central and western Africa. It can reach a leg span of up to 8 inches (20 cm). These spiders are known for their aggressive behavior and powerful venom, which can cause severe pain in humans.
Colombian Giant Tarantula
Also known as the Colombian Giant Red-Leg Tarantula, this spider (Megaphobema robustum) can have a leg span of up to 8 inches (20 cm). Native to Colombia, it’s known for its striking red legs and relatively docile nature, making it popular in the pet trade.
Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana) is one of the largest tarantulas in the world, with a leg span reaching up to 11 inches (28 cm). Despite its intimidating size, it’s known for its calm temperament and is often kept as a pet by arachnid enthusiasts.
Grammostola Anthracina
This large tarantula species, found in Paraguay and Argentina, can have a leg span of up to 9 inches (23 cm). Grammostola anthracina is known for its dark coloration and relatively docile nature. It’s a long-lived species, with females potentially surviving for over 20 years in captivity.
Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula
The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) is native to Paraguay and Argentina. It can reach a leg span of up to 8 inches (20 cm). Known for its striking golden bands on its legs, this tarantula is generally calm and often kept as a pet.
Hercules Baboon Spider
Native to East Africa, the Hercules Baboon Spider (Hysterocrates hercules) can have a leg span of up to 8 inches (20 cm). These spiders are known for their powerful build and aggressive behavior. They’re rarely kept as pets due to their temperament and potent venom.
Burgundy Goliath Birdeater
The Burgundy Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa stirmi) is closely related to the Goliath Birdeater and can reach similar sizes, with leg spans up to 11 inches (28 cm). Found in Venezuela and Brazil, this tarantula is known for its beautiful burgundy coloration.
Brazilian Giant Tawny Red Tarantula
Also known as the Brazilian Giant Blonde Tarantula, this spider (Lasiodora klugi) can have a leg span of up to 8 inches (20 cm). Native to Brazil, it’s known for its striking blonde or reddish-brown coloration and relatively calm temperament.
King Baboon Spider
The King Baboon Spider (Pelinobius muticus) is found in East Africa and can have a leg span of up to 8 inches (20 cm). Known for its aggressive temperament and powerful venom, this spider is not recommended for inexperienced handlers.
Brazilian Black Tarantula
The Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) can reach a leg span of up to 7 inches (18 cm). Known for its velvety black appearance and docile nature, this spider is popular among tarantula enthusiasts and often recommended for beginners.
Costa Rican Orange Mouth Tarantula
The Costa Rican Orange Mouth Tarantula (Megaphobema mesomelas) can have a leg span of up to 8 inches (20 cm). As its name suggests, it’s native to Costa Rica and is known for its striking orange mouthparts and legs.
Poecilotheria Rufilata
Also known as the Red-Slate Ornamental Tarantula, this species from India can have a leg span of up to 7 inches (18 cm). Poecilotheria rufilata is known for its beautiful patterning and arboreal lifestyle, living primarily in trees.
