Despite their scary appearance, tarantula bites usually cause little or no harm. Giant and hairy spiders like the goliath birdeater belong to the tarantula family. These massive creatures are undoubtedly the largest spiders that exist worldwide.
Scientifically known as theraphosa blondi, goliath tarantulas are found in the wettest rainforests of South America within burrows. Bird-eating tarantulas display aggressive traits when annoyed by making a hissing noise and using their barbed hair to attack.
The Brazilian salmon, pinktoe, king baboon, whistling spider, and Mexican redknee also belong to the same large spider family of tarantulas.
Behavior and Temperament
The Goliath birdeater is impressively large, bulky, and certainly not friendly. They prefer dwelling in burrows as climbing trees proves challenging. For your better understanding, listed here are traits associated with this tarantula species:
Aggressive
When they feel threatened, goliath tarantulas aggressively attack; hence, these pets are best kept within large enclosures in solitary confinement. They express signs of nervousness in threatening situations by rubbing their bristled legs.
This action produces a hissing sound that can be heard even 15 feet away. For them to feel safe, line their enclosure with a thick and damp substrate that they can use to create deep burrows that serve as hideouts.
Defensive
Avoid handling these large spiders, even your pets, under all circumstances as they only sense danger and use their defense mechanisms for protection. They are capable of causing harm by using their large fangs and flinging their abdominal hair, which causes a sharp sting.
Even when moving them to clean and maintain their enclosure, stay clear of any physical contact. It is advisable to use a paintbrush or similar tool to facilitate this transition.
Adaptable
When provided with the right environment, the theraphosa blondi tarantulas thrive and adjust well to their living conditions as they are naturally hardy. Indicators pointing towards your pet not feeling normal are when they pace their enclosure, look rather skinny, appear lethargic or lose their appetite.
When tarantulas extensively shed their existing skin only to reveal a new layer during the annual molting season, they commonly lie on their back. You may also notice your pet goliath refuses to eat while undergoing this stressful and delicate transition, so it is best to leave them undisturbed.
Especially during this growth phase, ensure their habitat provides them the required warmth and humidity to stay healthy. A tarantula’s preparation to molt involves lying in a dead like posture with their legs in the air. More enormous spiders take longer to recover from the molting experience and may take weeks before they regain their appetite.
Nocturnal
Bird-eating tarantulas are mostly active at night, and when in the wild, occupy burrows abandoned by smaller creatures. They prefer a solitary existence and only come together to mate.
Since they have weak eyesight, the birdeater species uses their sensory hair to detect nearby movement. The loud hissing noise they produce when threatened frightens intruders and predators.
Goliath tarantulas feed on frogs, insects, beetles, lizards, mice, cockroaches, and sometimes young birds. They prey on creatures smaller in size than them but rarely consume birds, contrary to what their name suggests.
Approach a reputed supplier of healthy and nutritious feeders to cater to your pet tarantula’s taste buds.
