Goliath birdeater

Presentation

The Goliath birdeater is one of the largest spiders in the world. This impressive tarantula is characterized by a robust and hairy body of blackish-brown color, covered with stinging hairs which constitute its main defense. Despite its intimidating size, it generally remains shy and not very aggressive towards humans.

Its chelicerae are powerful and capable of biting, although the venom is of little danger to humans. Its pedipes (jaw legs) and venom fangs are well developed. It has eight eyes arranged in two rows, giving it weak vision but useful for detecting movements at close range.

Characteristics

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

Habitat and distribution

It lives exclusively in the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly in Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam and Brazil. It digs deep burrows in the ground or occupies hollows in trees, creating a silk web at the entrance to its refuge.

Behaviour

It is nocturnal and sedentary, spending most of its time in its burrow or web. It is not very aggressive, preferring to flee threats or defend itself by projecting its stinging hairs. It can remain motionless for a long time waiting for prey.

Reproduction

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

Peculiarities

Despite its English name "birdeater", it rarely hunts birds in reality. Its major characteristic lies in its stinging hairs: when it feels threatened, it projects these fine, barbed hairs which cause intense itching. It is the heaviest tarantula known.

Threats and conservation

Although its IUCN status is not assessed, it currently faces no major threats. However, the gradual destruction of forest habitats due to deforestation could become problematic in the long term.

References

Profile updated 28 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.