1. Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi): This is one of the largest spiders in the world, found in the rainforests of South America. Goliath birdeaters can have a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) and weigh up to 6 ounces (170 grams). Despite their name, they primarily feed on insects and small animals, and are not known to prey on birds.
2. Huntsman Spiders (Heteropodidae): Huntsman spiders are large, fast-moving spiders found in various parts of the world. While their leg span can reach up to 10 inches (25 centimeters), their bodies are relatively small, typically measuring around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) in length.
3. Giant Golden Orb-Weaver (Nephila pilipes): Found in tropical and subtropical regions, giant golden orb-weavers are famous for their intricate webs. Female giant golden orb-weavers can have a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 centimeters), making them some of the largest web-spinning spiders.
4. Camel Spider (Solifugae): While not true spiders, camel spiders belong to the same class (Arachnida) and are known for their large size and fearsome appearance. Camel spiders can have a body length of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) and possess formidable jaws. However, they are not as aggressive as often portrayed and primarily feed on insects and small invertebrates.
5. Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana): This is another large tarantula found in Brazil. Brazilian salmon pink birdeaters can have a leg span of up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) and are covered in beautiful pink hairs.
It's important to note that while these species represent some of the largest spiders in the world, the vast majority of spiders are much smaller. The largest species of spider takes the first position on the list.