Giant Spider in Pickens County, SC

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
ncaptiva Fort Myers, FL Jul 23, 2025

I'm not having luck finding anything with these markings & characteristics, so I'm coming to the pros for help. One of the attached pics shows the spider deep in its web.

Thumbnail by ncaptiva Thumbnail by ncaptiva Thumbnail by ncaptiva
Post #10577694
Quote
ncaptiva Fort Myers, FL Jul 24, 2025

I tried AI & it thinks this could be a Dark Fishing Spider. That's the closest match I've found yet, but I'm still not certain. This spider's body is about 2.5" not counting the legs. It never leaves its web, which is high off the ground (5'-6') & it has massive fangs (if those are actually fangs). Can anyone confirm?

Post #10577710
Quote
Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 24, 2025

It's in the family Agelenidae. The largest North American species in this family would have a body length (less legs) of less than an inch. What appear to be fangs are its pedipalps.

Post #10577711
Quote
ncaptiva Fort Myers, FL Jul 29, 2025

Thanks for the help! I ruled out grass spiders because of its size. Its body is definitely over 2" in length. It's a huge spider. I'm in an area that's thick with spiders & the only one bigger than this guy was a Giant Lichen. I've been trying to find an opportunity every day to take a better picture from the top, but I think it's dying. It hasn't come out of its web in days.

Post #10577854
Quote
Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 31, 2025

I believe that you are grossly overestimating the size of your spider. The only spider in North America having a body length in excess of 2" is a tarantula.

Thumbnail by Flapdoodle
Post #10577889
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Insect and Spider Identification Threads

Go to all Insect and Spider Identification threads
BACK TO TOP