These spiders are known for being really big and really hairy. Some are excellent climbers and live in trees, while others are found primarily on the ground. Estimated number of species: 939<\/em><\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> Leg span of 30cm. These spiders, found all over the world, are known for their wicked jumping skills and their remarkable eyesight. These survival traits are so amazing that jumping spiders are considered one of the most evolved families of spiders. Estimated number of species: 5468<\/em><\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> Has a body length of 5-7mm These spiders get their name from their speed and hunting skills. They tend to live in warm temperate regions. They do not build webs, but forage for food instead. Estimated number of species: 1123<\/em><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong> Over 4.6cm in body length and has a 25-30cm leg span These spiders are amazing hunters and have really good eyesight. They rely on camouflage for protection and many live and hunt on the ground. Estimated number of species: 2388<\/em><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong>Can grow to 3cm in body length These spiders don\u2019t catch prey in webs, rather they ambush prey on the ground. Estimated number of species: 468<\/em><\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> Body length is about 3-5cm with a leg span of 12-15cm. These spiders are found in South America and Australia. Estimated number of species: 40<\/em><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong>10mm-35mm in body length This family is known for being venomous. They are found around the world in warm climates. Estimated number of species: 125<\/em><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong>Body length of 9-19mm and a 50mm leg span Some species belonging to the Hexathelidae family are found in South America, Africa, but most live around Asia Pacific. Their name comes from the shape of their web. Estimated number of species: 105<\/em><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong>Can have a 35mm body length They are known for their amazing, not to mention massive, webs that sometime span several feet in width. Estimated number of species: 61<\/em><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong>Usually grow to be 7.5cm in body length While many spider webs are beautifully designed and patterned, the cobweb spider is an exception to the rule. Their webs are known for looking tangled and unorganized. Estimated number of species: 2350<\/em><\/p>\n Size: <\/strong>Body length is about 9mm, with a 25-35mm leg span This Halloween, we are looking at some of the scariest spiders in the world from the Black widow to the Tarantula wolf spider!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16511,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[931,719,411],"tags":[501,256,57,500],"class_list":{"0":"post-16506","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-all","8":"category-halloween","9":"category-top-10","10":"tag-arachnid","11":"tag-halloween","12":"tag-spider","13":"tag-spider-web"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16506"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":587355,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16506\/revisions\/587355"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.earthrangers.com\/EN\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Goliath](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/goliath_bird_eater_trantulapc_smccann.jpg\" "\\"Goliath")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Goliath Birdeater Tarantula (Theraphosa blondi)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Northern Amazon rainforests of South America
\nScary details:<\/strong> This is the world\u2019s biggest tarantula and the heaviest spider, weighing in at about 170g. They have really big fangs and barbed hairs or bristles that they can flick at predators. However, they aren\u2019t much danger to humans. When they are feeling threatened, they will send out a warning noise by rubbing the bristles on their legs. If you miss the warning and do end up getting bitten, the Goliath Birdeater Tarantula\u2019s venom isn\u2019t very toxic to humans.
\nSources: <\/strong>P.D. Hillyard. The Private Life of Spiders.<\/em> London: New Holland Publishers, 2007: page 69<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/eol.org\/pages\/1182372\/details<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/www.smugmug.com\/gallery\/16582998_dHjbS#!i=1249290217&k=wRuKg<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nSpider Family: Jumping spiders (Salticidae)<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Zebra](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/zebra_spider_pc_pim_van_den_heuvel.jpg\" "\\"Zebra")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Zebra spider (Salticus scenicus)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> These spiders are found in Europe, northern Asia and North America
\nScary details:<\/strong> The idea of a spider jumping at you is pretty scary. Zebra spiders can jump about 20x their own length which sounds terrifying, but being just 7mm, that means they can only jump about 14cm. After putting that into perspective, these guys don\u2019t seem so scary after all. Besides, how can someone be scared of a face like that?
\nSources: <\/strong>http:\/\/www.arkive.org\/zebra-spider\/salticus-scenicus\/image-A12958.html<\/a><\/span>
\nP.D. Hillyard. The Private Life of Spiders:<\/em> page 34-35<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nSpider Family: Huntsman spiders (Sparassidae)<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Giant](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/huntsman_spider_pc_.jpg\" "\\"Giant")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Laos
\nScary Details:<\/strong> This spider has the widest leg span in the world which is enough to give anyone the creeps. While human encounters do occur, these spiders aren\u2019t necessarily aggressive unless you disturb their nest or are considered a threat. They also give you a warning before biting.
\nSources: <\/strong>Peter Jaeger. A new species of Heteropoda (Araneae, Sparassidae, Heteropodinae) from Laos, the largest huntsman spider?<\/em> Zoosystema 23.3 (2001): pages 461-465<\/a>.<\/span>
\nhttp:\/\/zipcodezoo.com\/Key\/Animalia\/Sparassidae_Family.asp<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nSpider Family: Wolf spiders (Lycosidae)<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Tarantula](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/tarantula_wolf_spider_pc_.jpg\" "\\"Tarantula")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Tarantula wolf spider (Lycosa tarantula)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> southern Europe, especially around Italy
\nScary details:<\/strong> During the 17th century, a bite from this spider was believed to cause \u201cTarantism,\u201d a potentially fatal disorder that caused restlessness and excitability. However, now it is widely believed that tarantism was due to a relative of the black widow. The tarantula wolf spider rarely attacks humans and their bite is no more painful than a bee sting.
\nSources: <\/strong> http:\/\/zipcodezoo.com\/Key\/Animalia\/Lycosidae_Family.asp<\/a><\/span>
\nMobileReference. First Aid Guide and Home Doctor for Smartphones and Mobile Devices.<\/em> Mobi Health Series (2007): \u201cLycosa tarantula\u201d<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nSpider Family: Wandering spiders (Ctenidae)<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Brazilian](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/brazilian_wandering_spider_pc_techuser.jpg\" "\\"Brazilian")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria nigriventer)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Southern South America
\nScary details:<\/strong> These spiders are fast, highly venomous and aggressive. Unlike most other spiders, they won\u2019t run when threatened. In fact, 60% of all spider bites in parts of Brazil are caused by this P. nigriventer. Venom from this spider is lethal so steer clear of this species.
\nSources: <\/strong>http:\/\/www.minaxtarantulas.se\/articles\/brazilian-wandering-spider-phoneutria-nigriventer-keyserling-1891-in-terrarium\/<\/a><\/span>
\nDr. Robert S. Anderson, et al. Insects and Spiders of the World: Volume 10.<\/em> New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003: pages 580-582<\/a> <\/span>
\nP.D. Hillyard. The Private Life of Spiders:<\/em> pages 117-119<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/p>\nSpider Family: Actinopodidae<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Mouse](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/mouse_spider_missulena_occatoria_peripitus.jpg\" "\\"Mouse")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Mouse Spiders (Missulena)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Mainland Australia
\nScary Details:<\/strong> These spiders look like the Sydney Funnel-web spider and can be just as toxic. However, they are not aggressive. Although they are often seen around mainland Australia, bites are rare. If bites do happen, funnel-web spider anti-venom has been proven as an effective cure.
\nSources: <\/strong>http:\/\/australianmuseum.net.au\/Mouse-Spiders\/<\/a><\/span>
\nhttp:\/\/zipcodezoo.com\/Key\/Animalia\/Actinopodidae_Family.asp<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nSpider Family: Recluse spiders (Sicariidae)<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Six-eyed](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/six-eyed_sand_spider_with_prey.jpg\" "\\"Six-eyed")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Six-eyed sand spider (Sicarius hahni)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Western half of southern Africa
\nScary Details: <\/strong>This spider is a cousin of the brown recluse spider and can be just as toxic. It hides under the sand and waits for its prey to come too close. Currently there isn\u2019t an anti-venom for the six-eyed sand spider, but there are very few recorded bites and they seem highly unlikely to bite humans. These spiders are very shy and timid. Rather than attack, it will run away and hide under the sand if it is disturbed.
\nSources: <\/strong>http:\/\/www.biodiversityexplorer.org\/arachnids\/spiders\/sicariidae\/sicarius.htm<\/a><\/span>
\nhttp:\/\/eol.org\/pages\/181\/details<\/span><\/a>
\n P.D. Hillyard. The Private Life of Spiders:<\/em> pages 116-117<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/p>\nSpider Family: Funnel spiders (Hexathelidae)<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Sydney](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/atrax_robustus_pc_londolozi.jpg\" "\\"Sydney")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Within a 160km around Sydney, Australia
\nScary Details:<\/strong> The Sydney funnel-web spider is aggressive and venomous. Males have really strong fangs and are more likely to bite (which is uncommon among spiders). Juvenile and female spiders, on the other hand, are far less toxic than males. Like the Brazilian Wandering Spider, a bite from this spider can be lethal.
\nSources: <\/strong>http:\/\/australianmuseum.net.au\/Sydney-Funnel-web-Spider<\/a><\/span>
\nhttp:\/\/eol.org\/pages\/8789\/details<\/span><\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu\/accounts\/Atrax_robustus\/<\/span><\/a>
\n P.D. Hillyard. The Private Life of Spiders:<\/em> pages 117-119<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/p>\nSpider Family: Nephilidae<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Golden](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/golden_silk_orb_weaver_pc_clicksy.jpg\" "\\"Golden")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Golden Silk Orb-weaver (Nephila clavipes)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Around the southern United States, Argentina and Peru. This is the only member of this family found in the Western Hemisphere, the rest live in the South Pacific.
\nScary details:<\/strong> These spiders build their webs with strong silk and are often found from 2 to 8 feet above the ground, so be careful when walking in Golden Silk Orb-weaver territory or you might stumble into one. Thankfully, while this spider is venomous, it is not lethal to humans. Like the tarantula wolf spider, their bite is comparable to a bee sting!
\nSources: <\/strong>http:\/\/bugguide.net\/node\/view\/2023<\/a><\/span>
\nhttp:\/\/animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu\/accounts\/Nephila_clavipes\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nSpider Family: Cobweb spiders (Theridiidae)<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Black](\"\/EN\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/black_widow_pc_theloushe.jpg\" "\\"Black")
Scariest Spider in this Family: Black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans)<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nLocation: <\/strong>Mostly around the United States, but some are found in southern Canada, Mexico and South America
\nScary details:<\/strong> This spider might be small, but it packs a powerful bite. Its venom is believed to be 15x more toxic than a rattlesnake\u2019s. Thankfully, Black widows are timid and not aggressive. Its first defence method is to drop out of its web and pretend to be dead.
\nSources: <\/strong>http:\/\/bugguide.net\/node\/view\/26336<\/a><\/span>
\nhttp:\/\/animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu\/accounts\/Latrodectus_mactans\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nWhich spider to you think is the coolest?<\/strong><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"