The world's largest spider is the Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi).
This impressive arachnid, found in the rainforests of northern South America, earns its title based on both body mass and body length. It can reach a body mass of up to 175 grams and a body length of up to 13 centimeters (approximately 5 inches). Including leg span, they can reach over 30 cm (12 inches)!
Here's a breakdown of why the Goliath birdeater claims the title:
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Body Mass: With a weight that can reach up to 175 grams, the Goliath birdeater is one of the heaviest spider species in the world.
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Body Length: Its body can grow to a length of around 13 centimeters, making it the spider with the longest body.
While the name "birdeater" might suggest a primary diet of birds, these spiders mainly feed on insects, frogs, and other small invertebrates.
Therefore, the Goliath birdeater is the undisputed champion when considering overall size in terms of both mass and body length.
