World's Biggest Spider Explained

National Geographic ^ | October 31, 2013 | Carrie Arnold

[EveningStar]

In a world where even the smallest spiders can provoke a fearful shriek, Theraphosa blondi takes scare tactics to a whole new level.

This South American tarantula holds the record for world's largest spider. Other spiders might have longer legs, but T. blondi's large body means its overall weight can reach 6 ounces (170 grams).

Commonly known as the Goliath birdeater due to an 18th-century engraving showing another member of the tarantula family eating a hummingbird--which gave the entire Theraphosa genus the nickname of "bird eaters"--the gargantuan spider is not quite as menacing as it might seem.

[EEGator]

There are many creatures in this world that I never want to see up close. Huge spiders are on that list.

[CrazyIvan]

I was stripping wood shingles from an old building. I must have gotten him up my sleeve.

[Ax]

The biggest one I’ve ever seen was on a garden wall in Havana. I saw it from about 30’ away. It appeared to be about the size of my hand. I didn’t sleep for about a week.