World's biggest spider

The World's biggest spider is generally though to be the Goliath bird eating Tarantula, Theraphosa blondi.

About Goliath

Native to the rain forest regions of northern South America, these spiders have up to a 30 centimeter (12 in) long leg span when fully extended and can weigh over 120 grams. Wild goliath birdeaters are a deep burrowing species, found commonly in marshy or swampy areas. Goliath birdeaters usually live in burrows in the ground that they have either dug themselves or have been previously abandoned by rodents or other similar creatures.

Goliath spider video

Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)

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Five tarantula snippets

The tarantula's venom, including that of the Goliath, is not usually lethal to humans, although the bite may cause pain, sickness and sweating.
Tarantulas eat small snakes, lizards, insects, frogs, and sometimes even bats and rodents. The Goliath has been known to catch young birds. This is very rare but is the behaviour that gave the spider its name. It was a Victorian explorer who saw one eating a hummingbird.
Tarantulas don't have teeth for eating their meals. Instead, they inject juices into their victims. These juices break down the soft tissues, allowing the spider to slurp up its victims insides. Yum.
The Goliath tarantula can make a noise by rubbing bristles on its legs together. This 'hissing' sound is loud enough to be heard up to 15 feet away!
The tarantula's secret weapon is its ability to release hairs from its body at any creature it sees as a threat. The tiny hairs are very irritating to the skin, and can cause problems if they get into the mucous membranes around the mouth and eyes.