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.

  1. 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.