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What are the BIGGEST Spiders in the world?? Spiders have been on the planet in some form or another for around 380 million years, so they’ve had plenty of time to develop into numerous species of all shapes, sizes, colors and textures. The smallest fully-grown spider is the male Patu digua with a body length of just 0.37mm – which isn’t scary at all. Nevertheless, nature has also produced some truly humungous spiders that will make you squeamish – well…unless you’re one of those people who like big spiders! Stay tuned to number 1 to hear the debate about which spider really gets to claim the title…biggest spider in the world.
This list of HUGE Spiders and Goliath Tarantulas brought to you by Zero2Hero!!
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Transcript provided by YouTube:
Spiders have been on the planet in some form or another for around 380 million years, so
they’ve had plenty of time to develop into numerous species of all shapes, sizes, colors
and textures.
The smallest fully-grown spider is the male Patu digua with a body length of just 0.37mm
– which isn’t scary at all.
Nevertheless, nature has also produced some truly humungous spiders that will make you
squeamish…well…unless you’re one of those people who like big spiders!
Stay tuned to number 1 to hear the debate about which spider really gets to claim the
title “biggest spider in the world.”
Number 10: Cerbalus Aravensis.
Found in the Southern Arava Valley of Israel and Jordan, the Cerbalus Aravensis is a type
of nocturnal huntsman spider that lives in sand dunes and which is most active during
the hotter months.
This clever little creature makes underground dens with trap-doors made of sand and a glue-like
substance which helps disguise the entrances from predators – and means it can just appear
out of the sand at any time.
Due to its intelligent designs, some have even gone as far to class this as one of the
smartest spiders in the world.
And let’s face it, what’s scarier that a clever spider who can pop out of the sand at any
minute.
Surprisingly, this species was only discovered in 2010 and is considered the largest spider
found in the Middle East.
Due to their recent discovery, not much is known about the species, but the largest one
found so far had a leg span of 14cm.
Although the species poses a threat to beetles, insects, gerbils and small lizards, thankfully
humans face little danger from this spider!
So, at least THAT’S one we DON’T need to worry about!
Number 9: Brazilian Wandering Spider.
Found mainly in tropical South America, the term Brazilian Wandering Spider actually refers
to two species of spiders – the Phoneutria fera and Phoneutria nigriventer – which are
also known by other English names including “armed spiders” and “banana spider”, the latter
of which is shared with a number of other spiders.
Due to the Brazilian Wandering Spider consisting of two slightly different species, their body
length and leg span can range in size.
Their leg span can measure from 13 to 15cm while their body length can reach up to 5cm.
Although it’s not the biggest spider on this list, it is actually one of the most venomous
spiders in the world and can be deadly to humans, especially small children.
Thankfully there are antidotes that will reserves the effects of the venom.
So you might be thinking that you don’t need to worry about this particular spider unless
you’re walking around tropical South America, buuut, I might have to burst your safe space
bubble.
These spiders have been known to hitch a ride on banana deliveries to places all over the
world.
In fact, in 2005, a British man spent nearly a week in hospital after being bitten by a
Brazilian Wandering Spider that had travelled to the country in a shipment on bananas – so,
be sure to keep an eye on your bags of bananas!
Number 8: Camel Spider.
The camel spiders, also known by its scientific name, Solifugae, and other names like the
wind scorpions or sun spiders, is a family of spiders that includes more than a 1000
described species of spider.
The largest species is known to have grown up to 15cm including the legs.
Due to their size, they feast on termites, beetles and other small, ground-dwelling arthropods.
Like any creature that scares people, the size and general speed the spider moves has
been over exaggerated in urban legends, as has its potential danger to humans, which
is actually negligible.
Number 7: King Baboon Spider.
The King Baboon Spider is a type of tarantula native to East Africa that can grow a leg
span of up to 20cm.
This is another burrowing species that makes dens underground and, as a result, its back
legs are very thick as they are used for digging.
Although not deadly to humans, the King Baboon Spider does have very strong venom and a bite
from a baby spider – which roughly measures about 1cm in body length –
would be enough to cause sharp pain and leave the bite area itchy for a number of days.
Some spider fans considered this a collectable species, but due to its highly defensive nature
it’s not suitable for beginners.
Would you keep this as a pet?
Let us know in the comment below!
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Number 6: Colombian Giant Black Tarantula Also known as the Colombian redleg or simply
the Colombian Giant Tarantula, this spider is found in the Colombian and Brazilian tropical
rainforests.
It likes to prey on large insects like crickets, as well as small lizards and mice.
It has a leg span measuring between 15 and 20 cm at full growth.
Like many other spiders, the Colombian Giant Tarantula is known for its defensive behaviors,
and is able to flick urticating hairs and bite like other tarantula species, but this
spider also has other tricks as well.
The first weapon the spiders have to try and scare off or intimidate an attacking predator
is their ability to stretch out their legs and bob up and down, resulting in quick movements
and making itself look bigger.
If this doesn’t work, they can spin in a circle while whipping their legs around to hit the
victims with the sharp spikes on their legs.
Number 5: Poecilotheria Rajaei.
Native to Sri Lanka and India, the Poecilotheria Rajaei, which is a tarantula species, was
only officially described in 2012 after being discovered in 2009 when a dead specimen was
brought to the attention of specialist conducting an arachnid survey of Sri Lanka at the time.
With a leg span of up to 20cm – which is unbelievingly enough to cover your face – it is one of the
largest tarantulas, but as we’ll see later on, it still doesn’t win the honors of largest
spider!
Thankfully, this is another species that’s not deadly to humans, but its venom can kill
small rodents, birds, lizards and snakes.
Unfortunately, though, due to the spider preferring to live in old trees, they are affected by
deforestation and scientists are concerned for the fate of this possible rare species.
Number 4: Grammostola Anthracina.
The Grammostola Anthracin is a spider that is native to Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and
Argentina, but is kept as a pet by many people worldwide.
Its body, including legs can reach anywhere up to 25cm, which is about the size of a dinner
plate.
Regardless of its size, this species is known for its docile nature – as long as you don’t
provoke it in any way, and because of this, they make good pets for beginners.
They will remain quite content as long as it’s feed mice and other insects and is kept
in a dry, humid environment.
Also, what sets this spider apart from many of its close relatives is that the female
spiders actually stay to help their offspring break free from their egg sacks.
Number 3: Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater.
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater, also known as the salmon pink or LP, is one of
the largest tarantula species.
Discovered and described in 1917, it is a ground dweller living in the Brazilian rainforest.
Its leg span can reach between 19 and 25cm and its body measures approximately 10cm;
however there are variations between male and female species.
As well as differences in size, mature males also have tibial hooks on their front pair
of legs which are used to hook back the female’s fangs during mating.
Like all big spiders, this species is an excellent hunter, and the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater
is an excellent ambush predator as well.
Instead of spinning webs to catch prey, they lie in wait and strike as their victims walk
by, injecting venom into them before they even know what’s happening.
This makes them appealable (appealing?) to spider collectors and pet owners, but you
should be warned, their semi-aggressive nature means they’re not suitable for beginners.
Number 2: The Giant Huntsman Spider.
Okay…it’s time to start the true debate.
The Giant Huntsman spider is a species of huntsman spider and is considered the world’s
largest spider by leg span as it can reach up to 30cm or a foot in length.
Its body can measure up to 4.6cm in length making it considerable smaller than its legs
… which is just creepy looking.
The huntsman species are known for their speed and hunting abilities and their legs can twist
forward in a crab-like fashion.
Generally found in Laos, the spider is a cave dweller that lives near the entrances to caves.
Nevertheless, people have claimed to find giant huntsman spiders outside of Laos, and
in November 2016, an internet article detailed how a colossal specimen was found in Queensland,
Australia.
Thankfully, the Giant Huntsman spiders and other Huntsman spiders are not dangerous to
humans; it’s just their creepy appearance that causes concern.
And let’s face it; you don’t need to be an arachnophobe to be creeped out by this spider!
Number 1: The Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula.
The largest spider in world, measured by mass and size, is the Goliath Bird-Eating tarantula,
and in comparison, to other species of tarantula, this species is a beast.
It’s leg span can reach up to 28cm, which is only slightly shorter than the leg span
of a Giant Huntsman, but it’s body length, which can measure up to 11.9cm makes it larger
and heavier than the Huntsman, and results in it taking the mantle as the biggest spider
in the world.
Although its name suggests it feasts on birds, this is not entirely true.
It’s actually very rare for them to eat an adult bird, but these opportunists have been
known to eat frogs, toads, lizards and even small mice.
The origin of the “bird-eating” name derives from the early 18th century when copper engraver
Maria Merian depicted one eating a hummingbird.
One interesting fact about this species is that about 50% of the male species are killed
or injured while trying to mate … so clearly they don’t have it easy.
And to top it all off…this spider is cooked as part of local cuisine, with its taste has
been compared to shrimps!
Which one do YOU think is bigger?
Let us know!
Take care!
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This post was previously published on YouTube.