When it comes to spiders, size often sparks curiosity and sometimes fear. Among the many fascinating species, the Goliath bird eating spider stands out as a true giant. But just how big is this remarkable arachnid? Let’s dive into the world of the Goliath bird eating spider and uncover its impressive size and other intriguing facts.
Meet the Goliath Bird Eating Spider
The Goliath bird eating spider, scientifically known as Theraphosa blondi, is the largest spider in the world by mass and body length. Native to the rainforests of northern South America-including countries like Suriname, Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela-this tarantula is a true heavyweight in the spider kingdom.
Size That Stuns
Body Length and Weight
This spider can reach a body length of up to 13 centimeters (about 5.1 inches). But what really makes it stand out is its weight: it can weigh as much as 175 grams (6.2 ounces), making it the heaviest spider species alive today.
Leg Span
The Goliath bird eating spider’s legs can stretch out to an astonishing 30 centimeters (12 inches) in span. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly the size of a dinner plate! This massive leg span ranks it second only to the giant huntsman spider, which has a longer leg span but is lighter in weight.
Appearance
Covered in coarse, light beige to brown hairs, these spiders have a somewhat nondescript coloration that helps them blend into the forest floor. Their hairy bodies and legs are not just for show-they are highly sensitive to vibrations, aiding the spider in detecting prey and predators.
Why the Name “Bird Eating”?
The name “Goliath bird eating spider” comes from an early 18th-century report by explorers who witnessed one of these spiders eating a hummingbird. Despite this dramatic name, birds are actually rare on the menu. The spider’s diet mainly consists of large arthropods like insects, amphibians such as frogs and toads, worms, and occasionally small reptiles and rodents.
Feeding Habits and Hunting Style
Unlike many spiders that spin webs to catch prey, the Goliath bird eating spider is a ground-dwelling hunter. It sneaks up on its prey and uses its powerful fangs to inject venom that paralyzes the victim. Then, it drags the prey back to its burrow to consume it safely. It doesn’t chew; instead, it liquefies the prey’s insides with digestive enzymes and sucks up the nutritious liquid.
Defense Mechanisms
Despite its intimidating size, the Goliath bird eating spider has several clever defenses:
– Urticating Hairs: When threatened, it rubs its hind legs against its abdomen to release tiny, barbed hairs into the air. These hairs irritate the skin and mucous membranes of predators, serving as a strong deterrent.
– Stridulation: The spider can produce a hissing sound by rubbing special hairs on its legs and pedipalps, warning off potential threats.
– Venomous Bite: Its fangs, which measure between 2 to 4 centimeters (0.79 to 1.57 inches), can break human skin. While the venom is not deadly to humans, it can cause pain similar to a wasp sting. The spider usually bites only in self-defense.
Lifespan and Reproduction
Females of this species mature in about 3 to 6 years and can live between 15 to 25 years, which is quite long for a spider. Males, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of about 3 to 6 years and usually die soon after reaching maturity. Female Goliath bird eating spiders lay between 100 and 200 eggs, which hatch into spiderlings after 6 to 8 weeks.
Habitat and Distribution
These giant spiders prefer the moist, swampy, and marshy areas of the Amazon rainforest and other upland rainforests in northern South America. They live in deep burrows underground and are mostly nocturnal, coming out at night to hunt.
The Goliath Bird Eating Spider as Food
Interestingly, in parts of northeastern South America, this spider is considered a delicacy. Locals prepare it by singeing off the irritating hairs and roasting the spider in banana leaves. The flavor has been described as similar to shrimp.
The Goliath bird eating spider is an extraordinary creature, not just for its size but also for its fascinating behaviors and adaptations. With a leg span up to a foot wide and a hefty body, it truly deserves its title as the largest spider by mass in the world. Despite its fearsome reputation, it plays an important role in its ecosystem and even finds its way to local plates as a unique culinary treat.