The Goliath birdeater, scientifically referred to as t blondi, is the largest tarantula in the world. This is a very big and intimidating arachnid, T blondi, which, in addition, makes it an impressive spider species native to the thick rainforests of South America. Whether for choice as a pet or simply an interest in these giant arachnids, this article covers everything about Goliath Birdeaters.
What is the Goliath Birdeater (t blondi)?
The Goliath birdeater is a species of tarantula which is known to hold the record in the category for the largest spider in terms of mass and body length. They weigh about 6.2 oz, with a leg span of up to 12 in., having earned them the title as the largest tarantula species, though they are not the longest by leg span. Despite their name, Goliath birdeaters do not typically prey on birds, though they are capable of consuming small vertebrates.
Natural Habitat
- blondi is a resident of the tropical rainforests found in northern South America; it dwells in burrows dug by itself or occupied after some other animal has abandoned them. They are generally found in swampy or marshy areas and the burrows will allow them to avoid would-be predators while creating an environment which is cool and moist.
They are ground-dwelling, nocturnal predators; thus, they are more active in the night hours, emerging from their burrows on hunting missions.
Goliath Birdeater Diet
In nature, the principal food of Theraphosa blondi is formed by different invertebrates such as crickets, worms, and insects of an appreciable size. Although they bear the name “birdeater”, birds are seldom caught, but it has been reported to eat small vertebrates like frogs and lizards and even small snakes. In captivity, they can be fed crickets, locusts, roaches, and other insects. Some keepers may occasionally feed them small rodents such as pinky mice, sparingly.
Breeding and Lifespan
The female of the species, Theraphosa blondi, may live up to 15 to 25 years, while the male spiders live for approximately 3-6 years. Their breeding usually occurs in coordination with the rainy season of their natural habitat. After fertilization, females lay hundreds of eggs that hatch in two to three months into spiderlings. Spiderlings grow very fast in their first year and take three to five years to reach maturity.
Caring for Goliath Birdeater in Captivity
If you’re planning to keep a Goliath birdeater as a pet, proper care is essential to ensure they thrive in captivity.
1. Enclosure:
- Size: Adult T. blondi requires a large enclosure of at least 24″x16″x16″ to accommodate its size. Spiderlings and juveniles can start in smaller containers but will need to be rehoused as they grow.
- Substrate: The best substrate for t blondi is a mixture of coconut fiber, peat moss, and topsoil. Ensure a depth of around 10 inches to allow burrowing.
2. Humidity and Temperature:
- Goliath birdeaters thrive in high-humidity environments of 70-80%. Misting the enclosure and keeping a water dish filled are important to maintain this level of humidity.
- The temperature should be kept between 75-85°F, similar to their natural tropical environment.
3. Diet in Captivity:
- Provide a variety of large insects like crickets, locusts, and roaches. While some pet owners feed their tarantulas pinky mice, it’s generally not recommended due to potential health risks.
Handling and Temperament
While Goliath Birdeaters may look intimidating, most actually are not terribly aggressive. They retreat rather than fight when threatened. However, they do have urticating hairs on their abdomen that they can flick off when disturbed. These can cause skin irritation and irritation to the eyes, so best handle them with care.
Large in size they may be, but they can still easily be handled. However, one must remember that they can die from falls even from the shortest of height orders. Generally speaking, T. blondi do not like to be handled and should be left alone as much as possible within its enclosure.
Health Issues
Poor environmental conditions prevail as the most frequent health problems, ranging from extreme aridity and excessive dampness, which may cause dehydration or mold growth in a Goliath birdeater. Always check the level of humidity and temperature and ensure proper ventilation to avoid respiratory problems .
FAQs
Q1: How big do Goliath birdeaters get? A: Goliath birdeaters can reach up to 12 inches in leg span and weigh up to 6.2 ounces, making them the largest tarantulas by mass(Wikipedia).
Q2: What do Goliath birdeaters eat? A: In captivity, they eat large insects like crickets and roaches. In the wild, they may consume small vertebrates like frogs and lizards.
Q3: Are Goliath birdeaters dangerous? A: While they can bite, their venom is mild and comparable to a bee sting. They are more likely to defend themselves by flicking urticating hairs.
Conclusion
The t blondi, Theraphosa blondi, is an impressive and interesting species that, with stringent care and the proper use of Orangîa, can intrigue the experienced keeper. You will be adequately providing your pet tarantula with a long and healthy life by simulating its natural habitat based on enclosure size, substrate, humidity, and temperature. Keep in mind that although they can be handled, T. blondi prefer not to be disturbed and should be carefully cared for to avoid stress or possible injury.
