By josie
February 6th, 2023
This giant spider, the Theraphosa blondi, can be found in sizes big enough to cover a dinner plate.
It is nicknamed the Goliath birdeater because a spider from another member of the tarantula family was spotted eating a hummingbird.
This lead to the entire Theraphosa genus being nicknamed “bird eaters.”
Its body length is around five inches and it has a leg span of about 12 inches.
They typically weigh six ounces (which is really have for an arthropod.)
Multicolored hair (technically known as bristles) covers the body of this creature.
These invertebrate predators have two hair projections on either side of the head called pedipalps and two-inch-long fangs on their bodies.
Goliath Birdeaters inhabit moist and swampy areas abandoned by other animals.
They don't weave webs like other spiders.
Usually they reside in rainforests like the Amazon in Northern South America, Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana, and Venezuela.
The male spider has a lifespan of around three to six years, frequently getting killed by the female after mating.
Females on the other hand have an average of ten to fifteen years.
#1
Goliath bird-eating spiders make a hissing noise to frighten off any potential threats. The sound is a result of rubbing bristles on their legs together.
In case of danger, they very quickly rub their legs to release harpoon-shaped hair. Although merely itchy to humans, it may be fatal to smaller mammals.
If the predator becomes a severe threat, it reveals its two fangs containing poisonous glands to release venom.
#2
#3
While being the most giant spider in the World, Goliath Birdeaters are indeed not the most dangerous.
Its venom is trivial to humans, equivalent to getting stung by a wasp.
Even with its massive size and terrifying appearance, it is a comparatively calm species of spider.
At the end of the day, this spider has far more reasons to be scared of us humans.