Macrothele gigas
Japanese Name: オオクロケブカジョウゴグモ
Chinese Name: 巨型長尾蛛
English Name: Giant Japanese Funnel-web Spider
Origin: Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima
The genus Macrothele is commonly called “jougogumo” (ジョウゴグモ) in Japanese, a name likely derived from the shape of its web, which resembles a funnel (漏斗, jougo).
The following Macrothele species are found in Japan:
- Macrothele gigas
Distribution: Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima
Body length: approx. 3.5 cm - Macrothele yaginumai
Distribution: Ishigakijima, Iriomotejima
Body length: approx. 1.5–2.1 cm - Macrothele amamiensis
Distribution: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima
Although M. gigas and M. yaginumai are found on the same islands, they can be distinguished by body size.
According to a study published in 1998, Macrothele gigas was previously considered conspecific with M. holsti, a species found in Taiwan. However, that study clarified that they are distinct species.
Members of the genus Macrothele are also known as venomous spiders, and it is advised not to handle them without caution.
