13 Biggest Spiders in the World (Ranked by Size & Leg Span)

Spiders come in all shapes and sizes, but some species are truly massive, with leg spans as wide as a dinner plate and bodies heavy enough to rival small rodents. In this article, I’ve listed the 13 biggest spiders in the world, ranked based on their size, leg span, and weight. 

From rainforest giants like the Goliath Birdeater to cave-dwelling hunters in Asia, these spiders are not just large — they’re fascinating. Whether you’re a spider enthusiast or just curious about these eight-legged creatures, let’s explore the giants of the arachnid world.

Largest Spiders Ranked by Size

When it comes to size, spiders like the Goliath Birdeater and Giant Huntsman top the list—one for its sheer mass and the other for its incredible leg span. Other giants include the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater, King Baboon Spider, and the rare Hercules Baboon Spider. Even species like the Indian Ornamental Tarantula and Cerbalus aravaensis, though lighter, make the list due to their impressive leg spread and predatory presence.

1. Goliath Birdeater Spider ( Up to 12 inches)

The Goliath Birdeater is the largest spider in the world by weight and among the widest in leg span. Native to the Amazon rainforest, this spider gets its name from rare cases of eating birds, though its diet mostly includes insects, worms, frogs, and small rodents. It’s a powerful predator with impressive size and strength.

Identification:

Habitat:
The Goliath Birdeater lives in the humid lowland rainforests of northern South America, particularly in Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname, and Guyana. It prefers marshy or swamp-like environments and spends most of its time hidden in deep burrows dug in soft soil.

Behavior:
This spider is nocturnal and solitary. It ambushes its prey by waiting just outside its burrow, using powerful fangs to strike. When threatened, it may produce a hissing sound by rubbing its legs together and will kick off its urticating hairs toward predators, which can irritate the eyes and skin.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Females live significantly longer than males, with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, while males live only 3 to 6 years after reaching maturity. Females lay up to 200 eggs at a time, and spiderlings emerge in about 6 to 8 weeks, staying close to the burrow for some time before dispersing.

Venom:
Although its bite looks terrifying, the Goliath Birdeater’s venom is not dangerous to humans. The venom causes mild pain and swelling, comparable to a wasp sting. Its true defense lies in its large fangs and urticating hairs rather than venom toxicity.

2. Giant Huntsman Spider ( Up to 12 inches)

The Giant Huntsman Spider is known for having the largest leg span of any spider in the world. Discovered in a cave in Laos in 2001, it’s often mistaken for a tarantula due to its size, but it belongs to a completely different family. It’s fast, agile, and adapted to life in dark environments.

Identification:

Habitat:
This spider is found in cave systems and rocky outcrops in Laos and nearby regions. It prefers dark, humid environments and avoids daylight. Due to its reclusive nature, it’s rarely seen by humans.

Behavior:
The Giant Huntsman does not build webs. Instead, it hunts actively, using its speed and vision to catch insects and other small prey. It’s a solitary spider and usually avoids contact with larger animals, including humans.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
While detailed studies are limited, it’s believed the Giant Huntsman lives for around 2–3 years. Females create egg sacs and guard them until spiderlings emerge, typically within a few weeks.

Venom:
Its venom is not harmful to humans. A bite may cause minor swelling and discomfort, but it’s rarely aggressive and bites only when provoked.

3. Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater ( Up to 10 inches)

The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is one of the largest tarantulas in the world and is known for its striking pinkish leg hairs and large size. Native to the tropical forests of northeastern Brazil, it’s a popular species in the exotic pet trade due to its beauty and size.

Identification:

Habitat:
It lives in forested regions of Brazil, often taking shelter under logs, rocks, or in shallow burrows. It prefers moist, shaded environments and is mainly ground-dwelling.

Behavior:
This spider is generally calm but will defend itself by flicking urticating hairs if disturbed. It hunts insects, frogs, and small reptiles, ambushing prey near the entrance of its hiding place. It is nocturnal and mostly solitary.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Females can live up to 15 years, while males typically survive for only 4–5 years. Females lay egg sacs containing up to 2,000 eggs, which hatch in about 6 weeks. The spiderlings grow slowly but steadily.

Venom:
Its venom is mild and not dangerous to humans. While its fangs can puncture the skin, the effects are usually limited to localized pain and swelling.

4. Grammostola anthracina Spider ( Up to 9.5 inches)

Grammostola anthracina is a large, robust tarantula native to parts of South America. Though not as famous as its colorful cousins, it’s admired for its calm temperament and impressive size. It’s often kept by collectors and hobbyists who appreciate its low-maintenance care and long lifespan.

Identification:

Habitat:
This species is commonly found in grasslands and dry forests of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. It lives in natural cavities, under stones, or in shallow burrows it digs itself, preferring warm and dry conditions.

Behavior:
Grammostola anthracina is docile and slow-moving, rarely showing aggression unless provoked. It is a terrestrial ambush predator that waits for insects and small invertebrates to pass by its shelter. It does not build webs but may use silk to line its burrow.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Females may live over 20 years, while males typically live around 4–6 years. After mating, females produce an egg sac containing several hundred eggs. Spiderlings stay in the burrow for the early part of their lives before dispersing.

Venom:
Its venom is mild and not considered medically significant. A bite may cause slight pain and irritation, but it’s extremely rare due to the spider’s calm nature.

5. King Baboon Spider ( Up to 8 inches)

The King Baboon Spider is one of Africa’s largest and most fearsome tarantulas. Known for its aggressive temperament and powerful fangs, it’s not a beginner-friendly species. This spider is a deep burrower and rarely seen above ground during the day.

Identification:

Habitat:
Native to arid regions of East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, the King Baboon Spider thrives in dry scrublands and savannas. It constructs deep burrows in sandy or loose soil, sometimes up to 2 meters deep.

Behavior:
Highly defensive and aggressive, it uses stridulation (rubbing its legs together) as a warning. It rarely flees when threatened and is known to bite if provoked. It spends most of its life in its burrow, only emerging to hunt or mate.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Females can live up to 20 years, while males live only about 4–5 years. The female lays eggs inside her burrow, where she guards them until spiderlings emerge weeks later. Growth is slow due to their burrowing lifestyle.

Venom:
The venom is not lethal but is very painful. A bite can result in swelling, muscle cramps, and long-lasting discomfort. This spider relies more on physical intimidation and bite force than venom potency.

6. Chaco Golden Knee ( Up to 8.5 inches)

The Chaco Golden Knee is a strikingly large tarantula native to South America. Known for its golden-striped knees and calm demeanor, it’s a favorite among tarantula enthusiasts. Though large and impressive in appearance, it’s considered one of the most docile giants in the spider world.

Identification:

Habitat:
This spider inhabits the grasslands of Paraguay and Argentina. It creates shallow burrows or hides under rocks and logs, preferring open, dry areas where it can dig easily into the soil.

Behavior:
The Chaco Golden Knee is known for its peaceful temperament and rarely acts aggressively. It’s nocturnal and ambushes prey such as insects and small vertebrates. While it can flick urticating hairs if threatened, it usually retreats to avoid confrontation.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Females can live up to 20–25 years, and males usually live around 5–6 years. Females lay hundreds of eggs in a silk sac, which they guard closely until the spiderlings hatch after about 6–8 weeks.

Venom:
Its venom is mild and poses no serious risk to humans. Bites are very rare and only cause minor discomfort and swelling if they occur.

7. Camel Spider (Up to 6 inches)

Though technically not a true spider, the Camel Spider earns a place on this list due to its massive size and terrifying appearance. Found in deserts and arid regions, it’s part of the Solifugae order, more closely related to scorpions. It’s fast, fierce, and often misunderstood.

Identification:

Habitat:
Camel Spiders live in dry deserts and arid regions across the Middle East, North Africa, and southwestern United States. They hide under rocks, logs, or debris during the day and hunt actively at night.

Behavior:
These creatures are aggressive predators and can run up to 10 mph (16 km/h). They rely on speed and powerful jaws to take down insects, lizards, and small mammals. Despite rumors, they are not dangerous to humans and do not chase people—they’re usually just seeking shade.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Camel Spiders typically live 1 to 2 years. After mating, females lay up to 200 eggs in burrows. The young remain in the burrow for several weeks before emerging.

Venom:
Camel Spiders have no venom. Instead, they rely solely on their powerful jaws to crush and tear prey. Bites may be painful due to mechanical force but are not medically significant.

8. Colombian Giant Redleg ( Up to 8 inches)

The Colombian Giant Redleg is a vibrant and defensive tarantula found in South American rainforests. It’s known for its bright reddish-orange legs and bulky appearance. Though not the largest by mass, its aggressive behavior and size make it one of the most impressive spiders in the wild.

Identification:

Habitat:
This spider lives in the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Brazil. It prefers humid, forested environments where it can take shelter under logs and in shallow burrows.

Behavior:
It is highly defensive and uses its rear legs to kick or strike threats before resorting to urticating hairs or biting. The Colombian Giant Redleg hunts small invertebrates and occasionally amphibians, using its size to overpower prey.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Females can live up to 15–20 years, and males live around 4–5 years. After mating, females produce an egg sac with several hundred eggs. Spiderlings stay close to the mother’s burrow for a short time after hatching.

Venom:
The venom is mild and not considered dangerous to humans. However, due to its strong fangs, a bite can be mechanically painful, especially if provoked.

9. Indian Ornamental Tarantula ( Up to 7 inches)

The Indian Ornamental Tarantula is a beautifully patterned arboreal spider from the forests of India. Known for its speed and climbing ability, it’s also one of the more venomous tarantulas in the hobby world. Its white and black leg markings and lightning-fast movements make it both admired and respected.

Identification:

Habitat:
Found in tree trunks and crevices of old forests in India and Sri Lanka. It prefers high humidity and moderate temperatures and rarely descends to the ground unless disturbed.

Behavior:
The Indian Ornamental Tarantula is extremely fast and skittish. It will retreat quickly when threatened but may bite if cornered. It hunts by ambushing flying insects and smaller invertebrates from high perches.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Females live up to 12–15 years, while males typically live 3–4 years. Mated females produce egg sacs with over 100 eggs, and spiderlings develop in the safety of the tree hollow before venturing out.

Venom:
Its venom is more potent than most tarantulas. Bites can cause localized pain, muscle cramping, and nausea in humans, though not considered life-threatening. Caution is advised when handling or disturbing this species.

10. Hercules Baboon Spider (Up to 7 inches)

The Hercules Baboon Spider is one of the rarest and most mysterious spiders in the world. Native to Nigeria, it’s named after its strong, thick legs and aggressive behavior. Known from only a handful of specimens, this elusive tarantula remains largely unstudied in the wild.

Identification:

Habitat:
This spider is believed to live in deep burrows in tropical regions of Nigeria. Due to its rarity, specific habitat preferences remain uncertain. It likely prefers undisturbed forested or scrub areas with loose soil.

Behavior:
Like other baboon spiders, it’s defensive and may strike if provoked. It likely spends most of its time hidden underground, emerging mainly at night to hunt insects and other small animals.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Data on this species is limited, but similar species live 10–15 years for females and 3–5 years for males. Reproduction likely involves standard tarantula egg sac development, though no detailed lifecycle data exists.

Venom:
The venom is assumed to be mildly toxic to humans, similar to other baboon spiders. While a bite would be painful due to fang size, it is not considered medically dangerous.

11. Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Up to 6 inches)

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is one of the most recognizable spiders in the world, thanks to its bold black and orange coloring. Native to Mexico’s Pacific coast, it’s extremely popular in the pet trade due to its docile temperament and striking appearance.

Identification:

Habitat:
Found in dry scrublands and forests of western Mexico, especially near the Sierra Madre Occidental. It lives in self-dug burrows or takes over abandoned animal dens, often near rocky terrain.

Behavior:
This species is known for its docile and tolerant nature. When disturbed, it prefers to retreat but will flick urticating hairs if threatened. It feeds on insects and small vertebrates, lying in wait near its burrow entrance.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Females can live over 25 years, while males live 5–6 years. After mating, females lay up to 300 eggs. Spiderlings grow slowly and molt multiple times in their early years before reaching maturity.

Venom:
Venom is very mild and not dangerous to humans. Bites are extremely rare and typically occur only when the spider is mishandled or feels trapped.

12. Tasmanian Cave Spider ( Up to 5.5 inches)

The Tasmanian Cave Spider is a unique and ancient species found only on the island of Tasmania. With its long legs and slow-moving nature, it’s more eerie than dangerous. It’s considered a living fossil due to its evolutionary lineage dating back over 200 million years.

Identification:

Habitat:
This spider is endemic to Tasmania, where it lives in caves, dark crevices, and damp forests. It builds large sheet webs, often hanging from rocks or ceilings of cave entrances where moisture levels are high.

Behavior:
The Tasmanian Cave Spider is a slow and cautious mover. It uses its web to catch flying insects and small cave-dwelling invertebrates. It is shy and non-aggressive, typically staying hidden during daylight hours.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
These spiders have a surprisingly long lifespan, with some individuals living more than 10 years. Females guard their egg sacs in the web, and spiderlings remain in the web system for some time before dispersing.

Venom:
Its venom is not considered harmful to humans. Bites are extremely rare due to the spider’s reclusive and non-aggressive behavior.

 13. Cerbalus aravaensis (Size: Up to 5.5 inches)

Cerbalus aravaensis is the largest spider in the Middle East and was only discovered in 2007 in the Arava Valley desert on the Israel-Jordan border. Adapted to desert life, this spider is nocturnal and elusive, living beneath the sand and emerging only at night.

Identification:

Habitat:
It lives in sand dunes of the Arava Valley desert, hiding in underground burrows sealed with a unique, trapdoor-like lid made from sand and silk. The spider prefers dry, isolated areas with little vegetation.

Behavior:
Cerbalus aravaensis is nocturnal and hunts at night. It stays hidden during the day to avoid heat and predators. It’s a solitary hunter and relies on stealth and speed to catch insects and small animals.

Lifespan and Lifecycle:
Details about its full lifespan are limited, but it is believed to live several years. Females likely lay eggs inside the burrow, protecting them until hatching. Young spiders gradually venture out as they mature.

Venom:
The venom is not well studied but is not believed to be dangerous to humans. Like most huntsman-type spiders, its primary threat is its size and speed, not venom toxicity.

FAQS 

Q: What are the biggest spiders in the world?

The biggest spiders in the world include the Goliath Birdeater, Giant Huntsman Spider, and the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater. These spiders are ranked by their leg span and body mass, with some reaching up to 12 inches across and weighing over 6 ounces.

Q: Where are the biggest spiders in the world?

Most of the world’s largest spiders are found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in South America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. These environments provide the humidity and cover needed for large spiders to thrive.

Q: What country has the biggest spiders in the world?

Brazil is home to the Goliath Birdeater and the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater, both among the largest known spider species. Laos is also notable for the Giant Huntsman Spider, which has the widest leg span ever recorded.