The Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is the largest spider in the world by mass and size. It is a tarantula found in northern South America. Despite its intimidating name and appearance, the Goliath birdeater is not considered to be aggressive towards humans. However, its large size and venomous bite mean it should be treated with caution and respect.
Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Theraphosa blondi
- Average leg span: 12 inches (30 cm)
- Body length: up to 6 inches (15 cm)
- Weight: up to 6 oz (170 g)
- Lifespan: 15-25 years in captivity
- Native habitat: Northern South America – Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname
The Goliath birdeater gets its name from its massive size and the mistaken belief that it fed on birds. However, like all tarantulas, it feeds primarily on insects, other arthropods, small mammals, and amphibians.
Appearance and Size
The Goliath birdeater has a massive hairy body, thick legs, and large fangs. Its colors range from dark brown to tan, with faint stripes on the legs and abdomen.
Males have longer limbs and a smaller abdomen in comparison to females. Adult females have a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 cm) and can weigh over 6 oz (170 g). This makes the Goliath birdeater the largest spider in the world by mass and size.
However, despite their intimidating appearance, Goliath birdeaters are not actually the largest tarantula species by leg span. The giant huntsman spider and Brazilian salmon pink birdeater can have slightly longer leg spans when fully outstretched.
Body Size Comparisons
Spider | Leg span | Body length | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Goliath birdeater | 12 inches | 6 inches | 6 oz |
Giant huntsman | 12+ inches | 2 inches | 1 oz |
Brazilian salmon pink | 12+ inches | 4 inches | 4 oz |
As the table shows, the Goliath birdeater is larger and heavier than other giant spider species. Its massive body size accounts for its status as the world’s largest spider by mass.
Behavior and Habits
In the wild, the Goliath birdeater inhabits deep burrows in marshy or swampy areas of the Amazon rainforest. It leads a solitary, sedentary lifestyle within its burrow.
Goliath birdeaters are nocturnal predators. At night, they wait at the entrance of their burrows to ambush passing prey. When prey comes near, the Goliath birdeater pounces quickly, injecting venom to immobilize its victim before feeding.
Their prey consists mostly of insects and other arthropods, along with small vertebrates like frogs, lizards, mice, and bats. Contrary to their name, Goliath birdeaters do not actually prey on birds.
Male Goliath birdeaters go wandering in search of females during breeding season. Apart from this, they are not considered territorial. When confronted, their first instinct is to flee or hide rather than be aggressive. Bites most often occur when they are startled or defending their burrow.
In captivity, Goliath birdeaters have relatively modest appetites compared to their large size. They only need to be fed insects once or twice a week. With proper care, they can live over 15 years in captivity.
Venom and Bite
Like all tarantulas, the Goliath birdeater has venomous fangs used to immobilize prey. Their venom is relatively mild for humans, comparable to a wasp sting.
However, the Goliath birdeater’s large size enables it to inject a substantial amount of venom when it does bite. The volume of venom makes its bite potentially more dangerous than other tarantula species.
Some of the symptoms of a bite include:
- Immediate, intense pain at the bite site
- Nausea and vomiting
- Profuse sweating
- Irregular heart rate
- Breathing difficulties
- Blurred vision
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Burning sensation spreading from the bite site
Most bites do not require medical intervention beyond cleaning the wound and pain medication. Severe reactions like breathing difficulties are rare. There are no confirmed human deaths from Goliath birdeater bites.
Bite Force and Fang Size
Spider | Fang length | Bite force |
---|---|---|
Goliath birdeater | 1 inch | 50-130 Newtons |
Brazilian salmon pink | 0.8 inches | 30-50 Newtons |
Chilean rose tarantula | 0.25 inches | 5-10 Newtons |
As this table shows, the Goliath birdeater has significantly larger fangs and greater bite force compared to other tarantula species. This allows it to penetrate tougher prey and inject more venom. The large fangs are also more likely to break off in the wound during a bite, further complicating it.
Are Goliath Birdeaters Aggressive?
Despite their fearsome reputation, Goliath birdeaters are not an aggressive species. They have a timid, reclusive temperament in the wild.
When threatened, their first instinct is to retreat to their burrow or play dead. If cornered, harassed, or grabbed, they may strike in self-defense. But they do not actively hunt or pursue larger animals.
Goliath birdeaters usually only bite when severely provoked or startled. Most bites occur when people mishandle them or inadvertently disturb their burrows.
Their intimidating size and speed may make them seem more aggressive than they really are. But like most tarantulas, their primary defense is urticating hairs on the abdomen that deter potential predators. Biting is a last resort.
With proper care and handling, captive Goliath birdeaters can become quite docile. But their massive size and venomous bite mean they are not ideal pets for beginners or casual enthusiasts. Caution is always warranted around these giant spiders.
Are they dangerous to humans?
Goliath birdeaters do have the potential to be dangerous to humans if threatened or mishandled. Some key facts about the risks they pose include:
– Their large size enables them to overpower and bite humans more easily than smaller tarantulas.
– They have sizable fangs that can penetrate deep into the skin and inject a large amount of venom.
– The venom itself is moderately toxic, with bite symptoms being more severe than smaller tarantula species.
– Severe allergic reactions to the venom are possible, though rare.
– Bites often bleed heavily and can cause infection if not properly cleaned.
– Broken fangs may remain in the wound, complicating treatment.
– Without medical treatment, bite symptoms can persist for several days or weeks.
So while Goliath birdeater bites are unlikely to be lethal, they can definitely still be hazardous. Precautions should always be taken to avoid startling or provoking them. Only experienced handlers should interact with them.
Most problems arise from humans disturbing the spiders and getting bitten in self-defense. If given adequate space and respect, Goliath birdeaters pose little threat unless intentionally threatened.
Legality of ownership
Goliath birdeaters are legal to keep as pets in most countries, but with some restrictions in certain areas:
- United States – Legal in most states, with some regulations on interstate transport and permits required in cities like Los Angeles and Tucson.
- Canada – Legal to own with proper permits required in some provinces like Alberta.
- United Kingdom – Requires a Dangerous Wild Animals License to own Goliath birdeaters and other exotic pets.
- Australia – Illegal to import or own any exotic tarantula species.
- New Zealand – Considered an invasive pest species, import and ownership are illegal.
- Japan – Legal to own tarantulas, but subject to municipal regulations.
- Singapore – Requires permit approval to import and own as pets.
Due to their potentially intimidating appearance, some municipalities restrict ownership or require licenses even where tarantulas are legal. Always check local laws before obtaining a Goliath birdeater.
Responsible ownership and care are also vital. Goliath birdeaters have very specific habitat, humidity, and temperature requirements. Only experienced handlers should attempt to keep them as pets.
Are Goliath birdeaters suitable pets?
Goliath birdeaters can make intriguing pets for the right owner, but they are not ideal spiders for beginners. Some key considerations for owning a Goliath birdeater include:
- Require exceptionally large terrariums, at least 30-40 gallons.
- Need deep substrate to burrow and hide.
- Prefer tropical environments with high humidity.
- Obligate burrowers—will not thrive without a burrow.
- Prone to fast when stressed.
- Skittish and defensive if mishandled.
- Venomous bite can be medically significant.
- Males have a much shorter lifespan than females.
- Not a spider to be handled frequently or played with.
Advanced keepers who can carefully mimic the Goliath birdeater’s natural habitat can have success. But their extensive care requirements and massive size limit their suitability as casual pets.
Beginners should focus on easier, more docile tarantula species. Goliath birdeaters appeal most to expert arachnid enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Goliath birdeaters found?
Goliath birdeaters are native to rainforest regions of northern South America. Their range includes southern Venezuela, northeast Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
What do Goliath birdeaters eat?
Goliath birdeaters are opportunistic predators that eat a variety of prey. Their diet in the wild includes insects, other arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and even birds on rare occasions. In captivity they do well feeding on insects like crickets, roaches, and mealworms.
How big do Goliath birdeaters get?
Adult female Goliath birdeaters have a legspan around 12 inches (30 cm) and body length up to 6 inches (15 cm). They can weigh over 6 oz (170 g), making them the largest spider by mass. Males are smaller with legspans under 10 inches.
How much venom do they have?
Goliath birdeaters have relatively small venom glands. But due to their large fang size, they can inject a substantial amount of venom when they bite. The exact venom yield has not been scientifically measured but is likely several times more than smaller tarantula species.
Are male or female Goliath birdeaters larger?
Female Goliath birdeaters are significantly larger than the males. This type of size dimorphism is common among tarantulas. Adult male Goliath birdeaters may only reach half the size of large mature females.
How long can Goliath birdeaters live?
Female Goliath birdeaters can live 15-25 years in captivity if cared for properly. Males have a much shorter lifespan of just 3-6 years due to their faster metabolism and tendency to wander in search of mates.
Conclusion
In summary, the Goliath birdeater is the world’s largest spider by mass due to its heavy body and large size. But its intimidating appearance belies a reclusive, docile nature in which bites only occur as an absolute last resort. With proper space, care, and handling, Goliath birdeaters do not present much risk to humans. Their needs for massive enclosures and tropical environment make them unsuitable pets for novice owners. But in the hands of experienced keepers, Goliath birdeaters can be one of the most fascinating tarantulas to own and observe.