The most extensive database of arachnid running speeds reveals how leg structure and evolutionary background shape spider velocity. A huntsman spider from Queensland, Australia, achieved the highest recorded speed of 3.59 metres per second. This surpasses the previous mark of 1.7 metres per second set by the Moroccan flic-flac spider, though experts note that rolling motion differs from true running and occurs only downhill on sand. Researchers gathered 162 live species from sites across the UK, North America, southern Europe and Australia, plus additional specimens from pet stores. Each spider was weighed and timed on grid paper to examine biomechanics. Most were encouraged to move with a paintbrush, while reluctant tarantulas required puffs of air. Data from 96 more species came from prior studies. Larger spiders generally ran faster, yet the tiny orange goblin spider surprised observers by covering over 20 centimetres per second despite weighing just 0.1 milligrams. After adjusting for body size and ancestry, longer legs correlated with greater speed, while leg thickness and upside-down habits showed no link.
