If you do not have arachnophobia or are not scared of spiders, this topic might interest you. Many spiders you see around your house are much smaller than the giant ones that can stretch over 12 inches long.
These giant spiders pack some weight and are heavier than you would expect. To cut the story short, here are the ten heaviest spiders are ever seen in the world.
Some of these should be handled with care because they are venomous and could knock out an adult.
1. Goliath Birdeater (6.2 oz.)
If you are looking for an enormous spider in the world by mass, that would be the Goliath Birdeater. This massive tarantula weighs around 6.2 oz. (175 g).
The spider has sharp stings that can only be compared to a wasp’s. The hairy body is a threat to humans and animals because it can cause irritation when it comes into contact with the eyes or skin.
It is a good pet for those who want to keep a tarantula.
2. Giant Huntsman Spider (4.0 oz.)
The Giant Huntsman Spider might be the only spider with legs over 12 inches, but it comes second when comparing masses. Considering its elongated legs, the spider looks huge but weighs a mere 4.0 oz. (136 g).
These spiders are famous for having twisted legs that make them walk like crabs. Their bites are so lethal and, in some cases, might lead to hospitalization.
The Giant huntsman spider is endemic to caves in Laos and is mostly warm.
3. Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater (3.5 oz.)
The Brazilian salmon pink birdeater is the third heaviest spider ever and is a few inches shorter than the heaviest spiders. Females tend to have shorter legs but weigh more than males.
These spiders weigh around 3.5 oz. (100 g). This spider is also a tarantula and primarily breeds in captivity. You have to be careful when handling this spider because its bite is similar to a cat’s.
It is primarily found in Brazilian forests, but they also do well in captivity when kept as pets.
4. Grammostola anthracina (3.2 oz.)
The Grammostola anthracina is among the most massive spiders you will see in South America. This spider is a typical tarantula that is kept as a pet.
It is also one of the less harmful spiders because they rarely bite unless provoked. A Grammostola anthracina can weigh around 3.2 0z (90 g) and live for up to 20 years.
They are commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
5. Colombian Giant Tarantula (2-3.1 oz.)
Also known as the Colombian giant redleg, the Colombian giant tarantula can feed on prey three times its size. It mostly feeds on giant insects, mice, and lizards, which is good for keeping the pests at bay.
This spider is also one of the heaviest, with 2-3.1 oz mass. (56-87 g) at a length of 6-8 inches. It is native to Colombian tropical rainforests and near logs in Brazil.
You should, however, know that this spider is aggressive.
6. Face-Sized Tarantula (1-3 oz.)
Although most tarantulas originate from South and Central America, this species is endemic to Sri Lanka. Its primary habitats are cut-down forests and abandoned buildings. It also feeds on lizards, birds, small rodents, and in some cases, snakes.
A full-grown Face-sized tarantula can weigh between 1 to 3 ounces (28.3 to 85 g). This spider species is now spreading its population to India and neighboring regions.
7. Hercules Baboon Spider (2.5 oz.)
The first Hercules baboon spider was found in Nigeria years ago before being taken to the Natural History Museum in London. The name Hercules baboon comes from its legs looking like baboon fingers.
A fully grown Hercules baboon spider weighs roughly 2.5 oz. (70.9 g) at 7.9 inches long. These tarantulas are chiefly found in Africa, and one bite could land an adult in hospital.
Although thought to be extinct, smaller species of the Hercules baboon spider are sold as pets. Avoid it if you are a beginner spider keeper because it is always aggressive.
8. Camel Spider (2 oz.)
Besides being one of the heaviest spiders on earth, the Camel spider is among the fastest because it can travel at 10 miles per hour. It gets its name from its camel-like body color and spends most of its life in the desert.
It has two massive chelicerae for making distinct spider sounds and eating. It weighs 2 ounces (56 g) and is pretty venomous, so whoever wants to keep it should be careful. Its primary habitat is the desert or around scrubs.
9. Brazilian Wandering Spider (1 oz.)
This spider might be the least heavy on the list, but none can beat its scariness. The Brazilian wandering spider, also known as the banana spider, resembles a tarantula, but it is not one.
The difference is that this spider is pretty venomous and one of the most dangerous spiders globally. It primarily feeds on lizards, mice, and giant insects. At only 1 ounce (28 g) heavy, this spider can kill an adult within 2 hours of a bite.
Its typical habitat is in South America, but it wanders a lot so that you can find it anywhere around you.
10. Cerbalus Aravaensis (1-2 oz.)
The Cerbalus Aravaensis is the most giant huntsman spider you will ever encounter in the Middle East. It is famous for building dens from sand and can only be seen outside at night.
There is no information on whether the spider is venomous or not. It is among the least heavy spiders weighing from 1 to 2 oz.