Goliath Birdeater

Fascinating facts about the Goliath Birdeater

• The Goliath birdeater is the heaviest spider on Earth, with individuals weighing up to 175 g. Its body can grow to 13 cm in length, while the leg span may reach 30 cm, making it massive in overall bulk. This size places it second only to the giant huntsman spider in leg span, yet it remains the largest by weight among all living spiders. Its dimensions far exceed those of any other extant spider species.
• Unlike most tarantulas, the Goliath birdeater does not possess tibial spurs on its front legs. Tibial spurs are small projections found on the first pair of legs of most adult male tarantulas, used during mating. The absence of these spurs is shared by only a few tarantula species, making the birdeater's leg morphology unusual within its family. This trait distinguishes it from the majority of its relatives.
• During courtship the female Goliath birdeater rarely cannibalises the male, a behaviour that differs from many other spiders. After reaching maturity, males live only three to six years before dying, limiting further mating chances. Females take three to six years to mature and can live between 15 and 25 years, giving them a much longer reproductive lifespan. This disparity means most encounters occur only once per male.
• When threatened it rubs its abdomen with its hind legs, shedding urticating hairs that irritate skin and mucous membranes. It also produces a rasping sound by rubbing setae on its pedipalps and legs, a behaviour known as stridulation. Its large fangs, up to 4 cm, can break human skin, but the venom is relatively harmless, comparable to a wasp sting. Bites are usually defensive and may be dry, delivering no venom.
• Locals roast the spider after singeing off its urticating hairs, a traditional dish in northeastern South America. The preparation involves wrapping the cleaned spider in banana leaves before roasting over a fire. When cooked, the meat is said to have a flavour reminiscent of shrimp. This use takes advantage of the spider's size, making it a substantial source of protein.

Sources

Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.

• Wikipedia

At a glance

About the Goliath Birdeater

In the depths of the South American rainforest, the Goliath Birdeater, a behemoth of the arachnid world, emerges from the shadows, its impressive leg span stretching like a dark, eight-fingered hand across the forest floor. As it moves, the gentle rustle of leaves and snapping of twigs belie the formidable power that lies beneath its rugged, chestnut-brown carapace, a testament to the remarkable adaptability of this, one of the largest spiders on the planet. With eyes that glint like polished onyx, the Goliath Birdeater navigates its domain with a silent, calculated precision, a true marvel of evolution.

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