If you’ve ever wondered just how big the bird eating spider really is, you’re in for a fascinating journey. Known scientifically as the Theraphosa blondi, the Goliath birdeater is famous for being one of the largest spiders in the world. Despite its intimidating name, this spider rarely eats birds, but its sheer size and presence make it a true giant of the arachnid world.
Meet the Goliath Birdeater: The Giant Among Spiders
The Goliath birdeater is a tarantula native to the rainforests of northern South America, including countries like Brazil, Suriname, Guyana, and Venezuela. It holds the record as the largest spider by mass and body length, making it a fascinating creature to study and admire.
Just How Big Is the Bird Eating Spider?
– Leg Span: The Goliath birdeater can have a leg span reaching up to 12 inches (30 centimeters). Imagine a spider that can stretch across the length of a standard ruler – that’s how wide this tarantula can get!
– Body Length: Its body alone can measure up to 5.1 inches (13 centimeters) long, which is roughly the size of a large smartphone!
– Weight: Weighing in at up to 6.2 ounces (175 grams), it is one of the heaviest spiders alive, comparable to the weight of a small apple!
This size makes the Goliath birdeater not only impressive but also a bit intimidating for anyone who crosses its path.
Appearance and Physical Features
The Goliath birdeater’s body is covered in dense, hairy fur that ranges in color from tan to light brown with golden hues, giving it a somewhat majestic look. It has eight legs and two front appendages called pedipalps that help it grab prey. Its large fangs can pierce skin and inject venom, though its venom is not deadly to humans.
Unlike many spiders, the Goliath birdeater does not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, it uses its silk to line its burrow, where it spends much of its time.
Behavior and Habitat
These spiders are nocturnal hunters, meaning they are most active at night. They live in burrows, often taking over abandoned homes of other small animals. Solitary by nature, they only come together to mate. When threatened, they defend themselves by producing a hissing sound called stridulation and flicking irritating hairs from their abdomen to deter predators.
What Does the Bird Eating Spider Eat?
Despite the name, the Goliath birdeater rarely eats birds. The nickname comes from an old illustration showing one eating a hummingbird, but in reality, their diet mainly consists of:
– Frogs
– Lizards
– Beetles
– Small snakes
– Bats
They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on whatever small animals they can overpower.
Lifespan and Growth
Female Goliath birdeaters live significantly longer than males, with females reaching up to 20 years in the wild, while males typically live between 3 to 6 years. The spider grows by molting its exoskeleton annually, a vulnerable time when it sheds its old skin to allow for growth.
Why Is It Called a Bird Eating Spider?
The name “bird eating spider” is a bit misleading. It originated from an early 18th-century engraving by Maria Sibylla Merian, which depicted the spider eating a hummingbird. Although it’s capable of preying on small birds occasionally, this is not a common part of its diet. The name stuck because it highlights the spider’s impressive size and hunting ability rather than its typical meals.
Fascinating Facts About the Goliath Birdeater
– It is the largest spider in the world by mass and body length.
– It can produce a loud hissing noise to scare off threats.
– It uses barbed hairs as a defense mechanism, which can irritate the skin and eyes of predators.
– Despite its size, it has poor eyesight and relies on sensitive hairs to detect movement.
– It does not build webs to catch prey but lines its burrow with silk for protection.
The Goliath Birdeater’s Role in the Ecosystem
While the Goliath birdeater might seem scary, it plays an essential role in controlling insect and small animal populations in its rainforest habitat. By keeping these populations in check, it helps maintain a balanced ecosystem.
The bird eating spider is truly a giant among spiders, with an impressive size that captures the imagination. Its leg span can reach a foot across, and its body can be as long as a large smartphone. Despite its fearsome reputation, it rarely eats birds and instead feeds on a variety of small animals. This fascinating creature is a testament to the incredible diversity of life found in the rainforests of South America.
The Goliath birdeater’s size and behavior make it a remarkable subject for anyone interested in the natural world and the wonders of spider species.