Legspan vs Weight

[Moakmeister]

In regards to legspan, the largest spider in the world is the Giant Huntsman Heteropoda maxima, which can have a DLS of 13 inches. However, the Theraphosa blondi and stirmi are significantly more massive than the Huntsman, and can weigh 180 grams. Here's a size comparison. The Theraphosa apophysis has the largest legspan of any tarantula, between 11 and 12 inches, but it is skinnier and lighter than the other two Theraphosas. Is it the largest tarantula? Or are its heavier cousins? Weight is obviously a much harder measurement to use, since most people have no idea how big a 75 gram spider is anyway, but I think a spider is bigger if it's heavier.

 

[KezyGLA]

I always look at the largest spider as the largest. Not the heaviest as the largest. Thats just me though

 

[PidderPeets]

I definitely think overall mass influences what I personally consider large. I've got two Ts right now that both have about a 2 inch DLS, but one has a significantly larger body and overall mass, so I would easily consider that one the larger of the two. It's one thing to have the largest legspan, but without the bulk, it's hard for me to truly perceive it as as large as it may actually be. Think of all the animals that make themselves appear larger as a defense mechanism against predators. They make themselves appear to have a larger overall mass, not appear longer or have a larger legspan. That makes me think mass plays in an important role in what's perceived as large. That's all just my opinion though.

 

[mconnachan]

In regards to legspan, the largest spider in the world is the Giant Huntsman Heteropoda maxima, which can have a DLS of 13 inches. However, the Theraphosa blondi and stirmi are significantly more massive than the Huntsman, and can weigh 180 grams. Here's a size comparison. The Theraphosa apophysis has the largest legspan of any tarantula, between 11 and 12 inches, but it is skinnier and lighter than the other two Theraphosas. Is it the largest tarantula? Or are its heavier cousins? Weight is obviously a much harder measurement to use, since most people have no idea how big a 75 gram spider is anyway, but I think a spider is bigger if it's heavier.

As the size comparison shows, the T. blondi is by far bigger, anyone can see the massive difference between the two pictured, I would always say that mass is bigger than length.

 

[boina]

What I want is an 'interesting' emoji. Not 'like' or 'informative', just an interesting thought.

 

[Nightstalker47]

That's like saying a giraffe is larger then an elephant, it may be taller but is much smaller in size and stature. I wouldn't class the huntsman as the "biggest" spider on earth, perhaps the longest by legspan but clearly not the largest overall.

 

[nicodimus22]

Whatever animal is the most massive gets my vote for largest overall. You can certainly say that something has the largest legspan, but if it weighs 1/5 of another similar animal, calling it the largest is pretty silly.

 

[KezyGLA]

Yes. If you are regarding other species from different families to Theraphosidae then yes, weight can play a big role.

However, I think the question was about "Tarantulas" I dont see tarantulas body sizes varying to that much of a degree where I would consider weight as a big contributor to the size. Of course the tiny body and huge gangly legs of a huntsman would be much different.

All Theraphosidae are roughly the same shape so a couple extra inches in legspan would win it in size for me. Instead of a gram or two in bodyweight which isnt too noticable to eye.

I know some of the large Asian arboreal species are 'leggier' than terrestrials, but these are huge spiders none the less.

 

[Socfroggy]

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't The TKG mention a 13 inch T. apophysis?

 

[Moakmeister]

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't The TKG mention a 13 inch T. apophysis?

When was that?

 

[Socfroggy]

I beleive the guide was published in 2009

 

[Moakmeister]

I beleive the guide was published in 2009

Oh, the Tarantula Keeper's Guide. I thought TKG was someone on AB. Ive never read the TKG

 

[viper69]

In regards to legspan, the largest spider in the world is the Giant Huntsman Heteropoda maxima, which can have a DLS of 13 inches. However, the Theraphosa blondi and stirmi are significantly more massive than the Huntsman, and can weigh 180 grams. Here's a size comparison. The Theraphosa apophysis has the largest legspan of any tarantula, between 11 and 12 inches, but it is skinnier and lighter than the other two Theraphosas. Is it the largest tarantula? Or are its heavier cousins? Weight is obviously a much harder measurement to use, since most people have no idea how big a 75 gram spider is anyway, but I think a spider is bigger if it's heavier.

You are talking about 2 different things, mass and length. This is like comparing anacondas to reticulated pythons. Both are the largest snake in the world for a different reason.

 

[viper69]

Oh, the Tarantula Keeper's Guide. I thought TKG was someone on AB. Ive never read the TKG

Actually TKG is someone on AB too, Stan used to post here at times.

 

[spotropaicsav]

You are talking about 2 different things, mass and length. This is like comparing anacondas to reticulated pythons. Both are the largest snake in the world for a different reason.

So what would the two be for mass and length?

 

[Ungoliant]

You are talking about 2 different things, mass and length. This is like comparing anacondas to reticulated pythons. Both are the largest snake in the world for a different reason.

So what would the two be for mass and length?

 

[spotropaicsav]

Oh my afraid to click

 

[viper69]

So what would the two be for mass and length?

T. blondi is the most massive. Their abdomen can be truly huge, size of a tennis ball.

When you see an average sized AF T. blondi in front of you, they make all the Ts that most of us typically own look quite small, esp due to their mass. Everything is larger, legs etc.

Theraphosa apophysis largest leg span, 11" DLS.