Goliath Birdeater
ExploreInsects
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.
Habitat: Rainforests of South America
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyTheraphosidaeGenusTheraphosa
Category
InsectsRarity
Legendary
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
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
Ability
Hair Missile Defense
Goliath Birdeater can release irritating hairs from its abdomen because they help them deter predators.
Ability
Vibration Whisperer
Goliath Birdeater has sensitive leg hairs that help them detect tiny ground vibrations, sensing prey and danger.
Ability
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
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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 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
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
