The Goliath birdeater (or Theraphosa blondi) is an extremely large species of tarantula native to the tropical rainforests, swamps and marshes of Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil and Venezuela. It is tan brown in colour, covered in red-brown hair, has a large abdomen with a large, round thorax, thick segmented legs, and elongated pedipalps (mouth parts). The female is larger than the male, and both sexes have pronounced appendages on the end of their abdomen known as ‘spinnerets’ that aid in web deposition. The web of the Goliath birdeater is used for making egg sacs and for sperm transfer, but they do not spin webs for hunting.
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Theraphosa blondi
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Animal Facts
The Goliath birdeater is the largest species of spider in the world; the body can be 12cm long and the leg span can be 28cm.
In this species of spider, the female does not kill and eat the male during or after mating.
When threatened, goliath birdeaters release hairs from their abdomen that cause severe skin irritation.
The venom of the Goliath birdeater is not strong to humans and is comparable to wasp sting venom.
The Goliath birdeater is a delicacy in the local cuisine of Northeastern South America.