When it comes to giant spiders, the Goliath bird eating spider often steals the spotlight. This fascinating creature is not just a marvel of nature because of its intimidating name but also because of its impressive size. If you’ve ever wondered just how big these spiders get, you’re in for an interesting read!
Meet the Goliath Bird Eating Spider
The Goliath bird eating spider, scientifically known as Theraphosa blondi, holds the title of the largest spider in the world by mass and one of the largest by leg span. Native to the rainforests of northern South America-especially in countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana-this spider is a true giant among arachnids.
Size That Stuns
Body Length and Weight
The body of a Goliath bird eating spider can measure up to 13 centimeters (about 5.1 inches) long. When it comes to weight, these spiders can tip the scales at around 175 grams (6.2 ounces), making them the heaviest spiders on Earth.
Leg Span
What really makes these spiders appear enormous is their leg span. Their legs can stretch out to an incredible 28 to 30 centimeters (11 to 12 inches) across. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly the size of a dinner plate! This vast leg span makes them second only to the giant huntsman spider in terms of leg reach.
Body Dimensions
In terms of width and height, the Goliath bird eating spider’s body can be between 4 to 5.7 centimeters (1.57 to 2.24 inches), giving it a bulky and robust appearance.
Appearance and Color
These spiders typically have a tan to light brown or golden hue, with a somewhat fuzzy appearance due to the dense hair covering their bodies, legs, and abdomen. Their coloration helps them blend into the forest floor and burrows where they live.
Why the Name “Bird Eating”?
The name “bird eating” comes from an early 18th-century illustration by Maria Sibylla Merian, which depicted the spider preying on a hummingbird. However, in reality, Goliath bird eating spiders rarely eat birds. Their diet mostly consists of large insects, worms, amphibians, and occasionally small rodents or reptiles. Their impressive size allows them to be opportunistic hunters, feeding on almost anything they can overpower.
How Does Size Help Them?
Their large size is not just for show. It helps them in several ways:
– Predation: Their powerful fangs, which can be 2 to 4 centimeters long, allow them to subdue prey much larger than typical spiders would manage.
– Defense: When threatened, they can release irritating hairs from their abdomen and even produce a hissing sound by rubbing their legs together, which serves as a warning to predators.
– Burrowing: Their robust body helps them dig and live in deep burrows in marshy or swampy areas of the rainforest, providing shelter and hunting grounds.
Fascinating Facts About Their Size
– Despite their intimidating size, Goliath bird eating spiders are mostly nocturnal and shy, preferring to avoid humans.
– They have poor eyesight and rely on sensitive hairs on their legs to detect vibrations and movements around them.
– Their massive size and weight make them the “kings” of tarantulas, often called the largest tarantula species in the world.
Living Large in the Rainforest
The Goliath bird eating spider thrives in the humid, dense rainforests of northern South America. Their large size is well-suited for this environment, allowing them to hunt a wide range of prey and defend themselves effectively. They live primarily on the forest floor, where their size makes them formidable hunters and survivors.
Conclusion
Goliath bird eating spiders are truly giants of the spider world, with a body length up to 13 cm, leg spans reaching 30 cm, and a weight that can exceed 175 grams. Their size is a perfect adaptation to their rainforest habitat, making them fascinating creatures to learn about and respect.