What is the largest spider in the world?

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Illustration comparing the sizes of four spider species-the giant huntsman, goliath birdeater, joro spider, and ground wolf spider-shown as silhouettes next to an average adult male hand for scale, with a vertical ruler on the side for precise measurement.

Goliath bird-eating spider (Theraphosa blondi), a large brown tarantula, resting on rough, light-colored tree bark.

Giant huntsman spider

What is the largest spider in the world?: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

Melissa Petruzzello
Melissa Petruzzello (she/her) is Assistant Managing Editor and covers plants, algae, fungi, insects, spiders, renewable energy and environmental engineering. She also handles certain topics in Christianity, notably Protestant history and churches.

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	New article added.	Melissa Petruzzello	Sep 09, 2026