The largest spider ever found
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The quest to identify the largest spider ever found has led to fascinating discoveries and reclassifications. From the misidentified Megarachne to the true giant Nephila jurassica, and the impressive Goliath birdeater, these spiders highlight the incredible diversity and adaptability of arachnids throughout history. Continued research and fossil discoveries will undoubtedly shed more light on these remarkable creatures.
Spiders have fascinated scientists and the general public alike due to their diverse sizes, shapes, and behaviors. Among the myriad of spider species, some have stood out due to their extraordinary size. This article delves into the largest spiders ever discovered, both in the fossil record and among extant species.
Megarachne: The Misidentified Giant
Initially, the largest spider ever recorded was thought to be Megarachne servinei from the Permo-Carboniferous period. Described as a giant mygalomorph spider, it was believed to have a body length of 339 mm, making it the largest known spider to have ever lived on Earth. However, further studies revealed that Megarachne was not a spider but a bizarre eurypterid, or “sea-scorpion”1. This reclassification significantly altered our understanding of the largest spiders in history.
Nephila jurassica: The True Giant
The title of the largest known fossil spider now belongs to Nephila jurassica, a species from the Middle Jurassic period discovered in Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. This giant orb-weaver spider, part of the Nephilidae family, extends the fossil record of its genus by approximately 130 million years. Nephila jurassica provides crucial insights into the predation and ecological roles of spiders during the Jurassic period2.
Modern Giants: The Goliath Birdeater
Among living spiders, the Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) holds the record for the largest spider by mass and size. Native to the rainforests of South America, this tarantula can have a leg span of up to 30 cm and weigh over 170 grams. Its impressive size and weight make it a formidable predator in its habitat.
Other Notable Large Spiders
- Artema martensi: This species, found in Morocco, is the largest known pholcid spider. Pholcids, commonly known as cellar spiders, are typically small, but Artema martensi stands out due to its significant size3.
- Gaius villosus: While not the largest, this mygalomorph spider is notable for its longevity, with a documented lifespan of 43 years, making it the longest-lived spider known to date4.