Twelve Traits Of A Goliath Birdeater — Unexpectedly Gentle Giant

Aug 25, 2020 by apost team

Many people are terrified of spiders. Some even suffer from arachnophobia, which is the official name for the fear of spiders. However, sometimes the bigger the spider, the less scary it is. The Goliath birdeater, found in the Amazon in northern South America, is the largest tarantula in the world, but it is also one of the friendliest. We take a look at some of the things you never knew about this gentle giant.

The South American Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), is officially the biggest spider in the world. According to the Guinness World Records, its leg span can reach up to a foot (30 centimeters), and its body can grow to the size of "a large fist," scientist Piotr Naskrecki told Live Science. Not only is this spider big, but it is also heavy. Its weight can go over 6 oz. (170 grams) which is about the same weight as a young puppy.

apost.com

Once they have hatched, the spiders remain in their nest until their first molt. Molting is something they do even once they have reached maturity as it allows them to regenerate any limbs they have lost. The process could be relatively quick, or it could take a few hours to happen.

According to Cincinnati Zoo, "To start a molt, the tarantula will pump fluid pressure in its body to get the carapace to pop off first. The abdomen will split along its sides, and the spider will continue to slowly pump fluid in its limbs to ooze the old skin off its legs."

The spiders have three ways to defend themselves against predators. The first is to rub two legs and pedipalps together — this creates a sound similar to the tearing apart of velcro, Naskrecki told Live Science. The spider can also get into a scary pose by getting up on its first two pairs of legs and baring its fangs.

Lastly, and most impressively, the Goliath is able to send out a cloud of barbed hairs from its abdomen to attack potential enemies. If the hairs get in the eyes or other mucous membranes, they can be "extremely painful and itchy," reports Live Science.  

The female spiders can live up to two decades, but males usually die a few months after mating. This shows the evolutionary cycle — once they've accomplished their biological purpose, they are no longer needed. 

Despite what their name might suggest, the Goliath mostly eats insects, frogs, and rodents. In terms of killing its prey, according to National Geographic, the Goliath pounces on its victim and uses its fangs like needles pumping neurotoxins into its body. 

Goliath birdeaters, like all tarantulas, have terrible eyesight, some may think this is unusual, considering they have eight eyes! Tarantulas are left to rely on modified leg hairs, sensitive to vibration, to warn them of danger. 

Has your opinion changed on the Goliath birdeater? Let us know in the comments and share these facts with anyone who may think they are scary beasts to see if their opinion changes too!