When you hear the term bird eating spider, your imagination might run wild picturing a giant spider snatching birds right out of the sky. But just how big is this fascinating creature? Let’s dive into the world of the Goliath birdeater, the largest spider in the world by mass, and uncover its impressive size, appearance, and lifestyle.
Meet the Goliath Birdeater: The Giant of the Spider World
The Goliath birdeater (scientific name Theraphosa blondi) is a tarantula native to the rainforests of northern South America, including countries like Brazil, Suriname, Guyana, and Venezuela. It holds the title as the heaviest spider species on Earth, and its size is truly awe-inspiring.
– Leg span: This spider’s legs can stretch up to 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) across, roughly the size of a dinner plate.
– Body length: Its body alone can measure up to 5 inches (around 13 centimeters) long.
– Weight: It can weigh over 6 ounces (about 170 grams), making it heavier than many small birds.
To put this in perspective, the Goliath birdeater’s body length is more than twice that of a bee hummingbird, the world’s smallest bird. Despite its name, this spider rarely eats birds; the name comes from an old observation of one eating a hummingbird.
What Does the Goliath Birdeater Look Like?
The Goliath birdeater has a striking appearance:
– Its body is covered in dense, hairy fur that varies from dark brown to golden hues.
– It has two main body parts: the cephalothorax (head and thorax combined) and the abdomen.
– It sports eight long walking legs and two shorter appendages called pedipalps, which help it handle prey.
– Two large fangs, capable of piercing human skin, are located under its head and inject venom into its prey.
– Despite having eight eyes, its eyesight is weak; it relies mostly on sensitive hairs to detect movement around it.
Size Differences and Lifespan
Female Goliath birdeaters are larger and live much longer than males. Here’s a quick look at their size and lifespan differences:
| Feature | Female Goliath Birdeater | Male Goliath Birdeater |
|---|---|---|
| Leg span | Up to 12 inches (30 cm) | Slightly smaller |
| Body length | Up to 5 inches (13 cm) | Slightly smaller |
| Weight | Up to 6 ounces (170 g) | Slightly lighter |
| Lifespan | 10 to 20 years | 3 to 6 years |
Females can live up to two decades, molting several times to grow and even regrow lost limbs. Males have a much shorter lifespan and often die shortly after reaching maturity.
Behavior and Habitat
The Goliath birdeater is a nocturnal hunter that lives in burrows, often those abandoned by other animals. Unlike many spiders, it does not spin webs to catch prey but uses its silk to line its burrow for protection.
– It is solitary except during mating season.
– When threatened, it defends itself by producing a hissing sound called stridulation by rubbing bristles on its legs.
– It can also flick urticating hairs from its abdomen, which irritate predators’ skin and eyes.
– Its diet mainly consists of insects, frogs, lizards, small snakes, and occasionally small birds or bats.
Why Is It Called a Bird Eating Spider?
The name “bird eating spider” comes from an 18th-century illustration showing the spider eating a hummingbird. However, birds are not a common part of its diet. The spider’s size and hunting ability allow it to prey on a variety of ground-dwelling animals, but birds are rare targets.
Fascinating Facts About the Goliath Birdeater
– It is the largest spider by mass, but the giant huntsman spider has a slightly longer leg span.
– The spider molts at least once a year, shedding its exoskeleton to grow.
– It uses its venom primarily to subdue prey, but it is not deadly to humans, although a bite can be painful.
– In some South American cultures, the Goliath birdeater is considered a delicacy and is even roasted and eaten.
The Goliath birdeater is an extraordinary creature, a true giant of the spider world that inspires both fear and fascination.
The Goliath birdeater’s massive size and unique behaviors make it one of the most remarkable spiders on Earth. Its leg span can reach up to a foot wide, and its body alone can be as long as a human palm. Despite its fearsome reputation, it plays an important role in its ecosystem and is a marvel of nature’s diversity.