The+Goliath+Bird+Eating+Spider

The goliath bird eating spider is the largest spider in the world. Their body can measure up to 4.75 inches while their legs span can measure up to 11 inches! This is bigger than the average grown adults hand.

The average color of this spider is russet brown to black. When examining the spider's legs you can see very distinct spines located on their third and fourth pair of legs. These spider’s fangs are tucked under its massive body. As a result this species of spider must attack their prey from a downwards angle.

The goliath bird eating spider can be found in warm tropical areas and/or rainforests in northern South America. These areas include Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. The spider’s prefered burrow are silk lined and are located under rocks and roots.

These spider’s have amazing ways of self defence. One way they defend themselves is by rubbing together the spines on their third and fourth pair of legs. This action puts out a loud hissing noise that can be heard almost 15 feet away. Also when these animals feel threatened they will shoot the sames spines used to hiss at their predators. The last way of self defence is to stand on its hind legs to reveal its large fangs to scare off predators.

The diet of the goliath bird eating spider stays true to its name. This spider does indeed eat the goliath bird but that’s not all. This spider species also eats mice, frogs, toads, lizards and many more.

By: Elli Duensing