Just How Big Do Banana Spiders Get? Size and Growth Facts

Understanding the Impressive Size of Banana Spiders

With their large, furry bodies and long leg spans, banana spiders are definitely one of the most eye-catching arachnids out there. While not truly a banana spider, the Giant Golden Orb Weaver is often referred to by this common name due to its similar coloration.

But just how big do these giant banana spiders get? Let's take a closer look at the size and growth of these enormous web weavers!

What Kind of Spider is the Banana Spider?

There are a few spiders that are commonly called banana spiders, including:

• Golden Silk Orbweavers
• Brazilian Wandering Spiders
• Spiny Orbweavers

When most people refer to a banana spider, they are talking about the Giant Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila clavipes). This spider builds large, impressive webs and grows to an impressive size.

How Big Do Banana Spiders Get?

The Giant Golden Orb Weaver is considered a banana spider size queen in the spider world, growing to about 5 inches (12 cm) in legspan. That's over the size of your palm!

Females reach even more epic proportions at up to 5.9 inches (15 cm) in legspan. They can be over 1.5 inches (4 cm) in body length as adults.

Banana Spider Leg Span Vs. Body Size

A banana spider's size is defined more by its leg span than body mass. Their legs make up the majority of their impressive size spread.

The female banana spider has a noticeably larger body than the male. Females can have a body size around 0.6 inches (15 mm) in length, while males are closer to 0.4 inches (10 mm).

How Fast Do Banana Spiders Grow?

Baby banana spiders, called spiderlings, are tiny when they first hatch. But they grow quickly into their giant webbed orb habitats.

Here's a look at how fast these spiders grow:

• Spiderlings begin around just 1 to 2 mm
• Within their first year they reach 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size
• In two years they achieve full adult legspan and body size

Their fast growth allows them to start spinning impressive webs and reproducing within a short lifecycle of just a couple years.

Giant Golden Orb Weaver Facts & Traits

Now that we know banana spiders can achieve epic proportions, lets look at some more key facts about these fascinating arachnids:

Where Are Banana Spiders Found?

The Giant Golden Orb Weaver inhabites warmer areas, found natively in the southeastern United States, as well as Central and South America.

They prefer to build their big webs in sunny, wooded areas. You may encounter them in your garden, by a woodpile, or in a tree by your home.

Banana Spider Web Size

The banana spider builds imposing circular webs that can measure over 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter! Their golden webs can include a stabilimentum - a zig-zag pattern through the middle.

These large web sizes allow the spider to capture bigger prey attracted to the light.

Interesting Banana Spider Behaviors

Some intriguing facts about the behavior of these spiders:

• Females are about 25% larger than males
• Males attract mates by plucking the females web with their pedipalps
• When prey hits their web, they quickly immobilize it by wrapping it tightly in silk
• The spider eats prey right in the middle of the web, suspended upside down

Are Banana Spiders Dangerous?

While banana spiders look imposing, they are not considered dangerous to humans. They are reluctant to bite, with a mild venom that likely won't require medical treatment.

However, you don't want to intentionally aggravate these spiders. Their large fangs could inflict a painful defensive bite!

Other Large Spider Species Around the World

While banana spiders grow impressively large, they aren't the only giant spiders found worldwide. Some other contenders for large spider species include:

Goliath Birdeater Spider

Considered the world's largest spider by mass, the South American Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) belongs to the tarantula family. They can achieve a 12 inch legspan and weigh over 6 oz - equal to a small puppy!

Huntsman Spider

This speedy spider inhabits tropical climates and can sprint 3 feet per second! Some giant species span 12 inches across. Their flattened body shape allows them to squeeze into small crevices.

Colombian Giant Tarantula

Hailing from South America, the Columbian lesserblack tarantula (Xenesthis immanis) can achieve 8 inch leg spans. Despite their scary look they rarely bite humans.

Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula

This colorful blue tarantula from India makes a stunning pet. Adults reach 5 to 6 inches across in legspan. Their bright cobalt color remains their most eye-catching trait!

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Spider Size

How Big is a Full Grown Banana Spider?

A full grown female Giant Golden Orb Weaver banana spider reaches about 5 inches (12 cm) in legspan and over an inch in body size. Their leggy appearance accentuates their size!

What Spider is Bigger Than a Banana Spider?

The Giant Huntsman and Colombian Giant tarantula are slightly larger than banana spiders, with up to 12 inch legspans. Larger orb weavers are also found in jungle regions worldwide.

Are Banana Spiders Bigger Than Tarantulas?

Some tarantula species do achieve bigger sizes than banana spiders. For example, the Goliath Birdeater can weigh over 100 times more than an orb weaver. Overall though their size ranges overlap.

Do Male or Female Banana Spiders Get Bigger?

Female orb weaver banana spiders achieve noticeably larger sizes than the males. This is common in most spider species as the femmes need to carry large bundles of eggs.

Conclusion

Banana spiders can grow surprisingly large, expanding to 5+ inches in legspan once mature. Understanding their growth stages and size comparisons to other spiders gives an appreciation for these enormous web builders!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.