In 1965, researchers found the largest spider ever recorded—a male Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) with a leg span of 11 inches (28 centimeters).
The discovery was made by the Pablo San Martin Expedition that took place in the rainforests of northern South America, around Rio Cavro, Venezuela. The expedition team, comprised of scientists and collectors, was led by Pablo San Martín (1934–1969), a Uruguayan arachnologist and entomologist. Martin did extensive fieldwork across South America, collecting thousands of specimens—many previously unknown to science. His primary goal for the expedition was to collect and study the Goliath birdeater tarantula.
The finding of this record-breaking tarantula confirmed the Goliath birdeater as the largest spider by mass and one of the largest by leg span. Whether the specimen was dead or alive at the time of its collection are not documented. However, standard scientific field practices of that era typically involved collecting live specimens. Therefore, the spider was probably found alive, euthanized, and preserved for research purposes.
The current whereabouts of the spider are not publicly available.
Goliath Birdeater
The Goliath birdeater is part of the tarantula family. It is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, primarily found in Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname, and Guyana. These spiders live in deep burrows lined with silk, emerging mostly at night.
Despite its name, it rarely preys on birds, typically feeding on insects, small mammals, frogs, and snakes. Though venomous, they primarily rely on physical power and size to subdue prey. The spider hunts by ambush, seizing prey with its powerful fangs.
Goliath birdeaters weigh up to 6 ounces (170 grams). Their body is covered in thick hairs, which serve as a defense mechanism. When threatened, the spider kicks these hairs into the air, irritating and deterring predators.
