Cupiennius salei

Large wandering spider
Central America
~ 4 cm bodylength

The wandering tiger spider, also known as the large wandering spider, is one of the most researched spiders of all. It has a sophisticated venom that allows it to hunt down much larger prey. In doing so, it is extremely targeted and quick. Physical dexterity knows hardly any limits when hunting, whether grasping, jumping or running - the Cupiennius salei gets its prey. It is often confused with the much more venomous genus Phoneutria and called "banana spider". While certain Phoneutria species can actually be seriously dangerous to humans, there is no similar evidence that a Cupiennius could be even similarly dangerous.