Which spider holds the title for the largest spider in Maine?

The dark fishing spider is recognized as the largest spider in Maine. This species can have a leg span of several inches, making it quite large compared to other spiders found in the region. Dark fishing spiders are typically found near water bodies and are adept hunters, often preying on small fish and other aquatic creatures.

The brown recluse, jumping spider, and black widow, while notable in their own right, do not reach the same size as the dark fishing spider. The brown recluse is more renowned for its venom and distinctive violin-shaped marking but is not found in significant numbers in Maine. The jumping spider, while common and known for its excellent jumping ability and vision, is relatively small. The black widow is recognized for its potent venom and is often identified by its glossy black body and red hourglass marking; however, it is also smaller than the dark fishing spider. Thus, the dark fishing spider stands out as the largest spider in Maine, both in size and adaptation to its environment.