Goliath birdeater

Presentation

The Goliath birdeater is one of the world's largest spiders. This impressive tarantula is characterized by a robust, hairy body with a dark brown-black coloration, covered in urticating hairs that serve as its main defense mechanism. Despite its intimidating size, it remains generally shy and non-aggressive toward humans.

Its chelicerae are powerful and capable of biting, though the venom is relatively harmless to humans. Its pedipalps and fangs are well-developed. It has eight eyes arranged in two rows, giving it poor vision but useful for detecting movement at close range.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

It lives exclusively in the humid tropical rainforests of South America, particularly in Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. It digs deep burrows in the soil or occupies tree hollows, creating a silk web at the entrance of its refuge.

Behaviour

It is nocturnal and sedentary, spending most of its time in its burrow or web. It displays little aggression, preferring to flee threats or defend itself by flicking urticating hairs. It can remain motionless for extended periods while waiting for prey.

Reproduction

Sexual dimorphism is striking: females are significantly larger than males. Mating is a risky process for males, who must approach cautiously. Females produce silk cocoons containing hundreds of eggs, which they guard fiercely for several weeks.

Peculiarities

Despite its common English name 'birdeater,' it rarely hunts birds in reality. Its major peculiarity lies in its urticating hairs: when threatened, it flicks these fine, barbed hairs that cause intense itching. It is the heaviest known tarantula species.

Threats and conservation

Although its IUCN status is not formally evaluated, it does not currently face major threats. However, progressive destruction of forest habitats due to deforestation could become problematic in the long term.

References

Profile updated 08 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Not evaluated (NE)

IUCN source, latest published assessment.

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