Spiders might be nature’s pest control experts, but when they’re the size of your hand (or bigger), the kitchen is the last place you want to meet one. From record-breaking leg spans to venomous fangs, these gigantic arachnids are more suited for horror movies than your pantry.
1. Goliath Birdeater
The Goliath birdeater is the king of oversized spiders, with a leg span of nearly a foot. Native to the rainforests of South America, it’s as terrifying as its name suggests. While it doesn’t actually eat birds (most of the time), its fangs can puncture skin and deliver a painful bite. This spider is a master of intimidation, with the ability to produce a hissing sound by rubbing its legs.
2. Giant Huntsman Spider
The giant huntsman spider holds the world record for the largest leg span of any spider—up to a whopping 12 inches. Found in the caves of Laos, its long, spindly legs make it a nightmare for arachnophobes. Despite its terrifying appearance, it’s relatively harmless to humans, but its sheer size would make it an unwelcome guest in any kitchen.
3. Brazilian Wandering Spider
Known as one of the most venomous spiders in the world, the Brazilian wandering spider doesn’t just lurk in webs—it actively roams in search of prey. Found in South and Central America, it’s been known to hide in bananas, earning it the nickname “banana spider.” With a leg span of up to five inches and venom that can cause serious symptoms, this spider is not the one you want near your fruit bowl.
4. Tarantula Hawk Prey
While not technically a spider itself, the tarantula hawk deserves a mention for its association with tarantulas. This enormous wasp hunts tarantulas and drags them back to its lair as food for its larvae. The tarantulas it preys on, such as the Arizona blonde tarantula, are massive themselves, with leg spans up to six inches. The idea of such a creature being in your kitchen—alive or not—is enough to send shivers down your spine.
5. Camel Spider
Despite its name, the camel spider isn’t a true spider, but it’s just as creepy. Found in desert regions worldwide, this arachnid can grow up to six inches long. Its massive jaws and speed make it an intimidating presence, though it’s harmless to humans. It’s a creature that thrives in the heat—let’s hope it doesn’t mistake your oven for a desert.
6. Colombian Giant Tarantula
The Colombian giant tarantula is as large as it sounds, with a leg span of up to eight inches. Native to Colombia and Brazil, this tarantula is covered in reddish-brown hairs and has a habit of kicking those hairs as a defensive mechanism. While it’s not highly venomous, its bite can cause pain and irritation, making it a spider you’d rather admire from afar.
7. Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
The Sydney funnel-web spider is as dangerous as it is large, with venom potent enough to cause serious harm. Native to Australia, this spider can grow up to three inches in body length, but its aggressive nature and venom make it feel much larger. Known for wandering into homes during wet weather, it’s a true menace if found lurking under your sink.
8. Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula
This tarantula, native to Paraguay and Argentina, is named for its striking gold-striped legs. Growing up to eight inches in leg span, the Chaco golden knee tarantula is a gentle giant compared to others on this list. It’s often kept as a pet, but imagine the shock of seeing one perched on your counter without warning.
9. Hercules Baboon Spider
Found in Africa, the Hercules baboon spider is a rare and massive arachnid with a leg span of up to eight inches. Its name comes from its thick, powerful legs, which resemble those of a baboon. While it’s not aggressive toward humans, its size alone would make it an unwelcome addition to your kitchen lineup.
10. Cobalt Blue Tarantula
The cobalt blue tarantula is as striking as it is large, with iridescent blue legs that shimmer in the light. Native to Southeast Asia, it grows to about five inches in leg span and is known for its defensive temperament. Its beauty might catch your eye, but encountering it unexpectedly in your kitchen would likely lead to a panicked retreat.
11. King Baboon Spider
The king baboon spider is one of the largest tarantulas in Africa, with a leg span reaching eight inches. This burrowing spider has a thick, rust-colored body and a powerful bite that’s not deadly but can cause intense pain. Its intimidating appearance and size make it one of the most fearsome spiders you’d hope never to find anywhere near your pantry.
12. Red-Knee Tarantula
Famous for its striking red and black coloring, the red-knee tarantula is native to Mexico and can grow up to six inches in leg span. While it’s a popular pet among tarantula enthusiasts, it’s not something you’d want crawling near your spice rack. Known for its docile nature, it’s still a creature best admired behind glass.