As one of the largest and most captivating arachnids on the planet, the Goliath Bird Eater tarantula (Theraphosa blondi) has captivated imaginations and sparked curiosity for centuries. It is also known as the “King of Spiders” due to its gigantic size. It is considered the largest arachnid in the world but by leg span, the Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda Maxima ) gets the credit.
The color of the Goliath tarantula varies from tan to light brown and golden.
The Goliath tarantula hails from northern South America, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Northern Brazil, Eastern Columbia, Southern Venezuela, and the Amazon Rainforest. It loves to thrive in marshy and swampy areas.
The Goliath bird eating Tarantula is a New World Tarantula that got this name as Bird- hunting Spider due to an 18th-century engraving that showed another kind of tarantula eating a Hummingbird. On the contrary, it rarely feeds on birds.
Despite having eight eyes, their eyesight is weak. They can detect nearby movement by their sensory hairs which are very sensitive.
The Giant Bird Eater tarantula (Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula) stands as a magnificent example of nature’s wonders, captivating enthusiasts with its impressive size, unique characteristics, and enigmatic presence. By understanding its habitat, care requirements, dietary habits, sexual dimorphism, related species, and proper handling techniques, we gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable arachnid and the delicate balance of ecosystems it inhabits.
Male Vs Female
Goliath Bird Eaters exhibit a high degree of sexual dimorphism, with females being noticeably bigger and heavier than males. Males are usually smaller, with leg spans of around 8 inches (20 cm), but females can grow to astonishing sizes, with leg spans of up to 11 inches (28 cm) and weights several ounces. Furthermore, mature males have characteristic tibial hooks on their front legs, which they use in mating rituals; females do not have these traits.
Behavior
The Goliath Tarantulas are very aggressive and defend themselves by stridulation (a warning sound) and have a tendency to throw off barbed hairs from their abdomen under stress. In response to threats, these tarantula stridulate by rubbing setae on their pedipalps and legs.
The bird-eating tarantula is observed rubbing its abdomen with their hind legs and releasing hair. A sign of aggression is observed in the form of a prominent hissing sound. Apart from that it also raises its fangs exhibiting a sign of aggression. It is a fast and defensive tarantula which is not recommended for beginners. These tarantulas are messy eaters with a hearty appetite.
Exercise
The spacious enclosure of the Goliath Bird-eating Tarantula provides enough chances for the tarantula to pursue its physical fitness.
Grooming
Throughout their life cycle, tarantulas lose their exoskeleton numerous times to reach adulthood. We call this process Molting. The tarantula maintains its appearance by molting. A special care is needed when your tarantula prepares to molt.
The tarantulas show some indications such as less activity, reduction in appetite and dark coloration near abdomen. A spiderling experience molting frequently in the initial phases of its life, especially during first year. The females continue this molting process years after, albeit much slower than before.
You will find yourself becoming more and more familiar with this process as you keep nurturing your hobby of keeping tarantulas as pets!!.
Care Sheet Of The Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula
The owner of a Goliath bird-eating Tarantula needs to provide less care for it. To extend the life of your pet tarantula, you can replicate their natural habitat, provide them with a healthy diet, and take care of any health issues. This is a thorough instruction on how to properly care for your pet.
Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula Enclosure
Originating from the rainforests of South America, specifically the Amazon Basin and surrounding regions, the Bird Eating Goliath tarantula inhabits humid and tropical environments.
In captivity, the habitat of the bird-eating tarantula should mimic these natural conditions. These massive spiders typically reside in burrows dug into the moist forest floor, providing them with shelter and protection from predators while maintaining the necessary humidity levels vital for their survival.
Size Of The Habitat
The plastic/acrylic enclosures allow easier modifications as per the requirement. The size of the terrarium should be around 3 times the size of the tarantula. As these tarantulas are massive and need enough room for movement, a 20-gallon low-lying enclosure will be apt. These stunning tarantulas are robust and may exert pressure to open the lid, so it should be properly fastened.
Substrate Requirements
Since these tarantulas are opportunistic burrowers—particularly when they are young and spiderlings—you must provide them with lots of substrate to dig in as well as a place to hide.
A substrate made with organic soil, coco fiber, and peat moss can keep your bird eater happy. A half-buried piece of cork, bark, or wood can start the entrance of a burrow and also help reduce your spider’s stress.
Required Temperature And Humidity Range
The temperature of the habitat should be maintained at about 75- 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
In colder regions or during nighttime, a heat mat can be used on one side of the enclosure to provide adequate warmth to the arachnid. The humidity level inside the cage should be around 80-85%. The temperature and humidity levels can be monitored using a thermostat and hygrometer.
The habitat of the Goliath Bird Eating tarantula can be decorated with silk or plastic plants as they eliminate the risk of the growth of mold around them.
As Goliath Bird Eater is a messy eater, so cleaning and removing the food boluses from the habitat is an important aspect to be taken care of.
Specific Requirements For Spiderlings
This tarantula is also very fast as slings and prone to quickly bolting and erratically running around the enclosure when disturbed. You should be sure to give them an enclosure that provides enough room to move around so they don’t dash out of their enclosure anytime you open the lid.
Goliath Bird Eater Spider’s Diet
The Gaint Birdcatcher tarantula possesses a voracious appetite, preying on a variety of insects, small rodents, terrestrial vertebrates, large arthropods, amphibians, and even small snakes in the wild.
In captivity, a diet primarily consisting of appropriately sized insects like crickets, roaches, and mealworms is sufficient to keep these giants healthy and satisfied.
Feeding
In captivity, a varied diet consisting of crickets, mealworms, roaches, and occasional treats such as waxworms, frogs, or frozen pinky mice will help ensure nutritional balance. It’s essential to provide live prey to stimulate the tarantula’s hunting instincts and promote natural behaviors.
Crickets
Tarantulas love crickets as food, and you can easily find them at your neighborhood pet store. Vita-Bugs crickets are boosted with beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin A, and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, adding to their excellent nutritional content.
Dubia Roaches
Another excellent choice is Dubia roaches, which have up to 28% protein and can provide a nutritious meal for larger tarantulas.
Mealworms
Although mealworms and waxworms are high in calcium, phosphorus, and protein, their high-fat content means that feeding amounts should be controlled. The large superworms, green hornworms, red runners, or any other large invertebrate feeder can also be given at times.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are very nutritious. They’re about 40 percent protein, 43 percent fat, and 13 percent dietary fiber.
Diet Schedule for Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula
Feeding frequency depends on the age and size of your tarantula. Adults may only require feeding once or twice a week, while younger specimens may benefit from more frequent meals. Always remove uneaten prey items to prevent them from injuring or stressing your tarantula.
For example,6-8 crickets every other week can be given to an adult Tarantula. However pre-killed pinhead crickets can be given to the spiderlings. The efficient digestive system allows it to liquefy its prey before consuming it, showcasing its unique feeding mechanism.
You should offer appropriately sized prey once or twice a week and adjust the quantity based on your tarantula’s size and appetite.
It is advisable to check for the frequency of diet and the amount from a veterinarian.
Handling
The giant bird spider has extremely irritating hairs on its whole body. The venom for this species is not considered medically significant, but due to the size of this tarantula, and its thick fangs, a bite would be quite painful regardless of its weak venom.
Handling Goliath Bird Eater tarantulas requires a lot of caution. Therefore to understand the idiosyncrasies of this species, you should start with the spiderlings instead of the adult. Gloves are needed, if the keeper has to poke around the enclosure. You should use a tong during feeding and moving your tarantula.
Interesting Facts About Bird Eating Goliath Tarantula
There are many interesting facts associated with this stunning tarantula which makes it a unique creature.
- These are the heaviest and the second largest tarantulas in the world. However, the largest spider by leg span is the Giant Huntsman Spider.
- The leg span is the size of a dinner plate.
- They do not consume prey in the open. It kills and drags it into the burrow.
- It possesses extremely irritating hairs capable of causing bristles if the reaction is severe.
- It is an edible tarantula, especially as a local cuisine in Northern South America. It is prepared by singeing off the urticating hair and roasting it in banana leaves. The flavor is described as similar to that of crab like nutty or like that of a shrimp.
Related Species of Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula
The Goliath Bird Eater belongs to the Theraphosa genus, which includes several other notable species such as Theraphosa apophysis and Theraphosa stirmi. While sharing similarities in size and habitat preferences, each species possesses unique characteristics that contribute to the rich diversity of the tarantula world.
- Theraphosa apophysis(Pink Foot Goliath)
- Theraphosa stirmi (Burgandy Goliath Bird Eater )
Tarantula Communities
You can find like-minded people having a strong affinity towards these beautiful arachnids .You can join them by clicking on the following links.
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetarantulacommunity/
- https://www.tarantulasoftheworld.com/tarantula-communities/
- https://www.thebts.co.uk/forums/index.php
Where To Buy Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula?
The Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula is the most popular amongst experienced and advanced hobbyists and can be purchased from specified stores or websites. The average cost of this Bird hunting Tarantula is between $120-$200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question1. How big do Goliath Bird eater tarantulas get?
Answer: Goliath Bird eater tarantulas are one of the largest species of tarantulas in the world, with a leg span that can reach up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) or more.
Question2. Are Goliath Bird eater tarantulas venomous?
Answer: Yes, they possess venom like all tarantulas, but their venom is not considered dangerous to humans. Their large size and intimidating appearance are their main defenses.
- Are Goliath Bird eater tarantulas friendly?
Answer: No,the Goliath Bird eater are least friendly and tend to show a skittish and nervous behavior.
- How long do Goliath Bird eater tarantulas live?
Answer: With proper care, Goliath Bird eater tarantulas can live for up to 15 to 25 years in captivity.
- Are Goliath Bird eater tarantulas suitable as pets?
Answer: They can be kept as pets by experienced tarantula keepers due to their large size and specific care requirements. However, they are not recommended for beginners due to their intimidating size and defensive behaviors.
