# Goliath Birdeater (*Theraphosa stirmi*) The Goliath Birdeater is one of the largest spiders in the world! Despite its size, it mostly eats insects and is not dangerous to people. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Legendary - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Rainforests of South America ![Goliath Birdeater](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426012/objects/5577.jpg) ## Appearance The Goliath Birdeater is a massive, heavily-built tarantula covered in reddish-brown hairs. Its stocky body and thick, dark legs make it visually distinct from smaller, sleeker spiders. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Arachnida - **Order:** Araneae - **Family:** Theraphosidae - **Genus:** Theraphosa ## Interesting facts - A Goliath Birdeater can regrow a lost leg after shedding its skin! - Despite their name, their diet mostly consists of worms and insects! - These huge spiders can make a loud hissing sound when threatened! - They hold the world record for being the largest and heaviest spider! ## Special abilities - **Hair Missile Defense:** Goliath Birdeater can release irritating hairs from its abdomen because they help them deter predators. - **Vibration Whisperer:** Goliath Birdeater has sensitive leg hairs that help them detect tiny ground vibrations, sensing prey and danger. - **Fanged Hunter:** Goliath Birdeater can deliver a potent bite with large fangs that helps them subdue prey and inject venom. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 100-120 mm - **Lifespan:** 5475-9125 days - **Leg Count:** 8 ## Diet & Feeding A giant spider that mostly eats insects, amphibians, and small rodents, despite its name! - **Age differences:** Younger spiders eat smaller insects, while adults can tackle larger prey. - **Primary Foods:** crickets, beetles, frogs, lizards, small rodents - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Tarantula hawk wasp (*Pepsis marginata*) — Paralyzes and carries the spider to its nest. - **Eats:** Rice rat (*Oryzomys ratticeps*) — Preys on these small rodents in its rainforest home. - **Eaten by:** Coati (*Nasua nasua*) — Coatis are known predators of tarantulas in the Amazon. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [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. - [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type. - [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 Goliath Birdeater? 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 Goliath Birdeater? 100-120 mm ### How long does Goliath Birdeater live? 5475-9125 days ### What does Goliath Birdeater eat? A giant spider that mostly eats insects, amphibians, and small rodents, despite its name! ### Where is Goliath Birdeater usually found? Rainforests of South America ### How does Goliath Birdeater hunt? Ambush ### How many legs does Goliath Birdeater 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*) --- Source: [Goliath Birdeater: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/goliath-birdeater)