Information About Goliath Tarantulas

The Goliath Tarantula, also known as the Goliath Bird-Eater, is one of the world's largest species of spider. Explorers in South America named this spider after they witnessed it eating a small bird, according to Vincelewis.com. The Goliath Tarantula is native to northern South America and can grow up to twelve inches in leg span.

Burrows

The Goliath Tarantula lives in burrows that it has dug or that have been abandoned by other creatures.

Hunting

The Goliath Tarantula uses "strength and speed to capture and wrestle with its prey," according to Vincelewis.com. The spider then uses its fangs to inject a paralyzing venom.

Self-Defense

The Goliath Tarantula can defend itself by flicking the tiny barbed hairs on its body "like a spray of bullets," which "irritate the skin and eyes and mouth" of animals or humans, according to Shedaquarium.org.

Prey

This spider eats, frogs, insects, snakes, lizards and rodents. Despite its nickname, the Goliath Bird-Eater rarely eats birds.

Domestic Goliath Tarantulas

According to Vincelewis.com, "only experienced Tarantula-keepers" should consider keeping this spider. The Goliath Tarantula can be incredibly aggressive and will tolerate very little human interaction.

References

• Animal World
• Vince Lewis
• Orkin

Resources

• Shedd Aquarium