The Goliath birdeater, also known by its scientific name Theraphosa blondi, holds the prestigious title of being the world’s largest spider due to its massive size and mass. Despite its intimidating appearance, the venom of the Goliath birdeater is not lethal to humans, with a bite causing a painful sting. National Geographic reported that the largest male specimen of the world’s most venomous spider was discovered in Australia, emphasizing the impressive size of these creatures.
This giant spider typically weighs around 6 ounces and measures about 11 inches in length, with its body alone reaching up to 5 inches long, as stated by Discovery Magazine. The Goliath birdeater’s size is comparable to that of a dinner plate, and its leg span is slightly shorter than that of the giant huntsman spider, which holds the title for the largest spider in the world in terms of leg span, reaching around 12 inches, according to BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Found predominantly in the rainforests of northern South America, the Goliath birdeater prefers to spend its time hidden in burrows, awaiting its prey. While its name may suggest a diet of birds, these spiders mainly feed on insects, with the occasional frog or rodent also on the menu. Interestingly, in certain regions of South America, the Goliath birdeater is considered a delicacy, roasted in banana leaves and served as a dish, as reported by National Geographic.
To capture its prey, the Goliath birdeater uses its size advantage to pounce from above and inject venom into its meal with its long fangs. Despite having eight eyes, this spider relies more on the vibration-sensitive hairs on its legs to detect predators, rather than its eyesight. In self-defense situations, the Goliath birdeater can rub its legs together, releasing hairs with tiny stinging barbs at its attacker, in addition to emitting a hissing noise audible from 15 feet away, as described by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. It may also stand on its hind legs to display its sharp fangs as a warning to potential threats.
Ashlyn Messier, a writer for Fox News Digital, highlights these incredible characteristics of the Goliath birdeater, shedding light on its remarkable size, hunting tactics, and unique defensive mechanisms. With its imposing presence and fascinating behaviors, the Goliath birdeater rightfully holds its title as the largest spider in the world.
