# Bird-eating Spider (*Theraphosa blondii*)

Bird-eating Spiders are big spiders that can catch small birds. They are really cool but a bit scary!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Tropical rainforests
- **Also known as:** Goliath Bird-eating Spider, Theraphosa blondi

![Bird-eating Spider](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426402/objects/5541.jpg)

## Appearance

The Bird-eating Spider is a massive, dark brown to black tarantula covered in reddish-brown hairs. It has thick, powerful legs and a large, robust body, making it one of the heaviest spiders in the world.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Arachnida
- **Order:** Araneae
- **Family:** Theraphosidae
- **Genus:** Theraphosa

## Interesting facts

- Female bird-eaters can live over 20 years!
- Its fangs are strong enough to puncture a mouse's skull!
- They're one of the heaviest spiders on Earth!
- This spider can weigh more than a small puppy!

## Special abilities

- **Hissing Defense:** Bird-eating Spider can make a loud hissing sound by rubbing its legs together, which helps them scare away predators.
- **Urticating Hairs:** Bird-eating Spider has special barbed hairs on its abdomen that helps them defend against threats by flicking them.
- **Patient Ambush:** Bird-eating Spider can patiently wait in its burrow to ambush unsuspecting prey, helping them catch food effectively.

## Measurements & details

- **Size:** 80-120 mm
- **Lifespan:** 1095-9125 days
- **Leg Count:** 8

## Diet & Feeding

A giant hunter that pounces on anything small enough to eat, from insects to frogs!

- **Primary Foods:** Insects, Frogs, Lizards, Small snakes, Rodents, Small birds
- **Foraging Method:** Ambush

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** [Cane Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cane-toad) (*Rhinella marina*) — Often preys on toads in its habitat.
- **Eaten by:** Kinkajou (*Potos flavus*) — Nocturnal mammals like kinkajous might prey on them.
- **Eats:** Mountain Chicken Frog (*Leptodactylus fallax*) — Small frogs are a common part of its diet.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
- [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
- [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Bird-eating Spider?

Compare body proportions, leg shape, abdomen markings and the web, if there is one. Eye arrangement can be decisive but rarely shows up in a casual phone photo. A web is a supporting clue, not proof of who built it. Spider Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How big is Bird-eating Spider?

80-120 mm

### How long does Bird-eating Spider live?

1095-9125 days

### What does Bird-eating Spider eat?

A giant hunter that pounces on anything small enough to eat, from insects to frogs!

### Where is Bird-eating Spider usually found?

Tropical rainforests

### How does Bird-eating Spider hunt?

Ambush

### How many legs does Bird-eating Spider have?

8

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Bird-eating Spider: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bird-eating-spider)