How to Buy a Goliath Bird-Eating Spider

Goliath bird-eating spiders can have a leg span of 12 inches.

The Goliath bird-eating spider (Theraphosa blondi) is known for its size and feeding habits, which include prey of frogs, snakes, lizards, mice and birds. It is often referred to as the world's largest spider, with a leg span as big as 12 inches. The Goliath birdeater belongs to the tarantula family. It can be a moody spider and is often aggressive when held. People who wish to keep a Goliath spider as a pet can purchase one online, from private collectors, or travel to areas where they are indigenous to collect one.

Instructions

1. Go to Tarantulas.com and search the site's "For Sale" section. Goliath spiders are available at times on the web site, though often in limited quantities. If available, the spiders can be ordered directly from the site by dialing a phone number listed on the right-hand side of the web site. As of November 2010, the site sold Goliath spiders for $80 each.

2. Contact an exotic pet collector in your area and ask if they have a Goliath birdeater available for purchase. If they do not, it is likely that they might know someone else in the exotic pet business that does. Exotic pet collectors can be found by searching online or in the local phone book.

3. Travel to Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, or French Guyana to collect a Goliath birdeater yourself. This should only be done if you have already acquired the permits needed to carry an exotic spider back over the U.S. border when you return. Before collecting a Goliath birdeater, it is advised that you discuss the process with an exotic pet collector who has experience in traveling with the spider.

Tips & Warnings

• Goliath bird-eating spiders are not poisonous to humans, though they should not be handled by people who are allergic to bee venom or insect bites. These spiders should also never be handled by children.

References

• Cute Home Pets: Caring for the world's largest spider
• The Tarantula's Burrow: Goliath Tarantula Care Sheet
• Animal-world: Goliath Bird-eating Spider

Resources

• Tarantulas: Burgundy Goliath Birdeaters