If you’ve ever heard of bird eating spiders, your mind might jump to enormous, terrifying creatures lurking in the jungle, ready to snatch birds from the sky. But just how big are these spiders? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Goliath birdeater, the most famous bird eating spider, and explore its impressive size and characteristics.
Meet the Goliath Birdeater: The Giant of the Spider World
The Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is a member of the tarantula family and holds the title of the largest spider in the world by mass and body length. Native to the rainforests of northern South America, this spider is truly a giant among arachnids.
– Leg Span: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
– Body Length: Up to 13 cm (5.1 inches)
– Weight: Can reach up to 175 grams (6.2 ounces)
This means the Goliath birdeater’s leg span is about the size of a small dinner plate, and its body alone can be as long as a credit card. It’s heavy enough to be called the heaviest spider on Earth.
What Does “Bird Eating” Really Mean?
Despite its name, the Goliath birdeater rarely preys on birds. The name comes from an 18th-century engraving showing a similar tarantula eating a hummingbird, which gave rise to the nickname. In reality, these spiders mainly feed on frogs, lizards, beetles, small snakes, and even bats. Occasionally, they might eat a young bird if the opportunity arises, but birds are not their typical prey.
Physical Features That Make Them Stand Out
The Goliath birdeater has a robust, hairy body with a tan to golden-brown coloration. Unlike many other tarantulas, adult males lack tibial spurs (specialized leg structures). They have two main body parts: the cephalothorax (head and thorax combined) and the abdomen, along with eight long legs and two shorter appendages called pedipalps used to hold prey.
Their large fangs can pierce human skin, and when threatened, they defend themselves by producing a hissing sound (stridulation) and flicking irritating barbed hairs from their abdomen to deter predators.
Size Comparison: How Big Is That, Really?
To put it in perspective:
| Feature | Size Range | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Leg Span | 20.5 cm to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) | Roughly the diameter of a dinner plate |
| Body Length | 9 cm to 13 cm (3.5 to 5.1 in) | About the length of a credit card |
| Weight | Up to 175 grams (6.2 ounces) | Similar to a small apple |
This makes the Goliath birdeater the largest spider by mass and body size, though it is second to the giant huntsman spider in leg span.
Lifespan and Behavior
Male Goliath birdeaters usually live between 3 to 6 years, while females can live much longer, up to 20 years. They are nocturnal creatures that live solitary lives in burrows, often abandoned by other animals. Unlike some tarantulas, females do not prey on males after mating.
They don’t spin webs to catch prey but use silk to line their burrows. When threatened, they can make a loud hissing noise and release irritating hairs to protect themselves.
Fascinating Facts About Bird Eating Spiders
– Despite their intimidating size and name, they rarely eat birds.
– Their eyesight is weak; they rely on sensitive hairs to detect movement around them.
– They are a delicacy in some South American cultures.
– They shed their exoskeleton annually to grow, during which time they are vulnerable.
– The spider’s name “birdeater” is more historical and symbolic than a reflection of their diet.
Why Are They So Big?
The Goliath birdeater’s size helps it dominate its environment. Being large allows it to prey on a variety of animals and defend itself effectively. Their size also makes them a subject of fascination and fear, contributing to their legendary status among spiders.
Bird eating spiders, especially the Goliath birdeater, are truly giants of the spider world. With a leg span nearly a foot wide and a hefty body, they are impressive creatures that inspire awe and curiosity far beyond their rainforest homes.