Among arachnids, the Goliath bird-eater is the most admired (Theraphosa blondi). This is the largest spider in the world by mass, a real giant that lives in the rainforests of South America.
Despite its intimidating appearance, this spider is not deadly to humans, although its size and aggressive behavior can frighten even the most daring researchers. In this article, we will look at all aspects of the life of this unique creature: its anatomy, lifestyle, nutrition, reproduction, and even captivity.
1. scientific classification and related species
🔬 Scientific classification:
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Arthropods (Arthropoda)
✔ Class: Arachnids (Arachnida)
✔ Row: Pavuk (Araneae)
✔ Family: Bird-eating plants (Theraphosidae)
✔ Gender: Theraphosa
✔ View: Theraphosa blondi
🔹 Related views:
✔ Burgess Birdman (Theraphosa apophysis)- similar in size, but has longer legs.
✔ Royal Bird Eater (Theraphosa stirmi)- often confused with Goliath, but it is slightly smaller.
2. Description and physical characteristics
✔ Paw span: up to 30 cm.
✔ Body length: up to 13 cm.
✔ Weight: up to 170 grams.
✔ Life span: males-3-6 years old, females - up to 20 years old.
🔹 Main features of appearance:
✔ The body is covered with thick hairs that perform a protective function.
✔ The color varies from dark brown to chestnut.
✔ Powerful chelicerae (jaws) can reach up to 2 cm in length.
It has venomous fangs, but its venom is not lethal to humans.
✔ The paws have special claws that allow you to move well on different surfaces.
🔹 Interesting features:
✔ Goliath the bird-eater got its name from mythical beastswhich described it as a bird-hunting predator.
✔ Has body hairs that can cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions.
✔ When defending, it can give out loud sound (hissing) with the help of paw friction.
3. Habitat and habitat
🌍 Where does Goliath the bird-eater live?
✔ Venezuela
✔ Guyana
✔ Suriname
✔ French Guiana
✔ Brazil
🔹 Typical habitats:
✔ Tropical rainforests.
✔ Earthen burrows and tree roots.
✔ Swampy areas, close to water bodies.
Goliath leads mostly nocturnal lifestyle and avoids open spaces.
4. Food and method of hunting
🍽 What does Goliath the bird-eater eat?
✔ Large insects (cockroaches, crickets).
Amphibians (frogs, newts).
✔ Rodents (little mice).
✔ Other spiders and Scorpions.
🔹 Hunting features:
✔ No cobwebs: hunts from ambushby jumping on the victim.
✔ Uses poison to paralyze prey.
✔ Secretes digestive juice, which dissolves the victim's tissues, and then drinks them.
🚨 Does he really hunt birds?
Despite its name, birds are not the main food of Goliath. However, there have been cases when this spider he attacked young chicks in their nests.
5. lifestyle and behavior
🔹 Basic behavioral traits:
✔ Leads mostly nocturnal lifestyle.
It hides in holes that it digs itself.
✔ Very aggressive, especially males during the mating season.
✔ Combs the hairs on the abdomen when defending - they get into the air and cause irritation in predators.
🔹 Predators and threats:
Parasitic wasps lay their eggs in the spider's body.
✔ Snakes and some predatory mammals (raccoons, mongooses).
✔ Person - via catch for trade.
6. reproduction and development
💞 Mating season: during the rainy season (tropical summer).
✔ Males find a female by the smell of pheromones.
✔ After mating, the female can kill the male.
✔ Puts it off 100-200 eggsthat mature 6 to 8 weeks.
Small spiders shed several times before reaching maturity.
🔹 Interesting facts:
✔ Males after mating they lose their ability to moltwhich shortens their life span.
✔ The female can store your sperm and use it for fertilization later.
7. keeping a Goliath bird-eater in captivity
🏠 What conditions are needed?
✔ Terrarium: from 40×40×50 cm.
✔ Temperature: 26–28°C.
✔ Humidity: 70–80%.
✔ Soil: coconut substrate, moss.
✔ Light: diffuse, without direct rays.
🚨 Problems with retention:
Aggressiveness - not suitable for beginners .
Not Bezpechny dangerous hairs - can cause allergies.
It is very difficult to ensure proper humidity .
8. Interesting facts about Goliath the Bird Eater
✔ There are the greatest spider in the world by weight.
✔ Its bite painful, but not fatal.
✔ In case of danger makes a loud soundit sounds like a snake's hiss.
There is a well-known legend about the "Killer Spider", but this is a myth-it avoids people.
Conclusion
Goliath the bird-eater is a true giant among spiders, a unique creature that has adapted to survive in the harsh conditions of the jungle. Despite its intimidating appearance, this spider is an important part of the ecosystem and deserves to be admired, not feared.
