Among the numerous spider species in the Sparassidae family, the huntsman spider, most commonly found in Australia, stands out.
These spiders are notable for their impressive size and expansive leg spans, hence they are named the biggest spiders in the world
In this article, we will explore the physical appearance, taxonomy, and distribution of the biggest spider.
The Giant Huntsman Spider’s Physical Appearance
The giant huntsman spider has a yellowish-brown color on its back with irregular dark spots.
Its legs are long and move like a crab’s legs.
They stick out a lot from their body and have wide dark bands before they bend.
Besides being big, H. maxima is different from other Heteropoda spiders because of its unique genitals.
In male spiders, one part called the cambium is three times longer than another part called the tegula.
Female spiders have a special part called an epigyneal field with two bands pointing forward, and they have unique ducts inside.
This giant spider is the biggest in the Sparassidae family.
It has legs that can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) and a body that’s about 4.6 cm (1.8 inches) long.
Before H. maxima, the largest Sparassidae was the Australian Beregama Aurea (4 cm). Recently, Cerbalus aravaensis claimed the title in the Middle East.
Taxonomy and naming
Peter Jäger first described Heteropoda maxima in 2001, following its discovery in a cave in Laos.
During the period from 1997 to 2007, researchers identified over a thousand new plant and animal species within the Greater Mekong Subregion.
A World Wide Fund for Nature representative expressed astonishment, highlighting H. maxima’s prolonged hidden existence.
Distribution and habitat
The giant huntsman spider, located in Laos, is thought to dwell in caves due to its pale color, long legs, and specialized male foot hairs.
Its eyes remain unaltered, possibly because it resides near cave entrances.
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