Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)

The Goliath birdeater is one of the largest spiders in the world. Its leg span is up to 12 inches. This spider would have anyone screaming should they find it in a cupboard. But not to worry, the spider is rare and inhabits the forests of South America.

These spiders use their toxic fangs to hunt prey. They use harpoon-shaped hairs on their bodies as a defense mechanism. Some people call it the Central American puppy spider because of its puppy-like size. For more 8-legged info, check out our spider facts.