Banana spiders, with their striking colors and impressive webs, often evoke a mix of fascination and fear. But how big do these arachnids actually get? Let’s explore the size of banana spiders, and dispel some common myths about these creatures.
Banana Spider Size: It’s All Relative
The term “banana spider” can refer to several species, most notably the golden silk orb-weavers (Trichonephila clavipes). These spiders are common in the southeastern United States, as well as in Central and South America. Size can vary significantly between males and females.
- Females: The females are the giants of the species. Their bodies can reach lengths of 0.95 to 1.57 inches (24 mm to 40 mm). Some particularly large females can even measure up to 2 inches (50 mm) by the end of the season. With their legs fully extended, a female banana spider can have a leg span of up to 4.7 inches.
- Males: In stark contrast to the females, male banana spiders are quite small. They typically measure around 0.23 inches (6 mm) in length, which is about 1/3 to 1/4 the size of the females. Their body mass is also significantly less, ranging from 1/30th to 1/70th that of a large female.
Size Comparison: Banana Spider vs. Other Common Items
To put the size of banana spiders into perspective, here’s how they measure up against some familiar objects:
- Human Hand: The body of the largest banana spider is about half the size of an average adult male’s hand, which is around 7.6 inches long. However, with their legs extended, some larger banana spiders can be longer than a child’s hand.
- Fingernail: The body of the smallest banana spider species is smaller than most human fingernails. The average fingernail is about 12mm, making it nearly a third larger than the body of the smallest banana spider.
- Other Spiders: Compared to other common house spiders, banana spiders are definitely on the larger side. For instance, the common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) typically has a body length of only 0.2 to 0.3 inches.
Dispelling the Myths About Banana Spider Size
Despite their size, banana spiders are not dangerous to humans. While they may bite if threatened, their venom is not potent enough to cause serious harm to healthy adults. Symptoms from a bite may include local pain, redness, and blisters. However, infants, pets, and individuals with health issues may experience more severe symptoms.
It’s also important to note that while banana spiders are large, they are not the largest spiders in the world. That title belongs to the Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), a South American tarantula that can have a leg span of up to 12 inches.
Where Do Banana Spiders Live?
Banana spiders are commonly found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia, Florida, and the Gulf States. They can also be found throughout Central and South America, and as far north as North Carolina. These spiders prefer to live in dense shrubs or in the woods, and can sometimes be spotted along hiking trails.
Why Are Female Banana Spiders So Much Bigger Than Males?
The size difference between male and female banana spiders is an example of sexual dimorphism, where the two sexes of a species exhibit different characteristics beyond their sexual organs. In the case of banana spiders, the larger size of the females is likely due to the energy demands of producing eggs and building large webs.
Female golden silk orb-weavers are excellent web-builders, utilizing seven types of silk glands to produce their large, golden webs. These webs can be more than 3 feet around. The large size of the females allows them to build and maintain these impressive structures, which are essential for catching prey.
Are Banana Spiders Dangerous?
While their size may be intimidating, banana spiders are not aggressive towards people. They will only bite if they feel threatened, and their venom is not potent enough to seriously injure a healthy adult. For most people, a bite from a banana spider will result in nothing more than local pain and redness.
However, it is important to exercise caution around banana spiders, as their bite can be more serious for infants, pets, and individuals with health issues. If you are bitten by a banana spider and experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion:
While banana spiders may seem large and intimidating, understanding their actual size and behavior can help dispel fears and promote appreciation for these fascinating creatures. Female banana spiders can grow up to 2 inches long, with a leg span of nearly 5 inches, while males are significantly smaller. Despite their size, banana spiders are not dangerous to humans and play an important role in the ecosystem.