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Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animal
Phylum: Arthropod
Class: Arachnid
Family: Tarantula (Theraphosa blondi)
Order: Spider
Genus: Theraphosa
Species: Theraphosa Blondi
Evolution
All Subspecies: No subspecies
How long has this species been in existence: There isn't an exact amount of years, but this spider has been around for close to 15-20 million years. Theraphosa have existed for up to 300 million years.
Closest living relatives to this species: There are two other closely related species to the blondi and they are the Theraphoa apophysis Pinkfoot goliath and the Theraphosa stirmi (burgandy Goliath birdeater).
3 ancestors of this species: The Attercopus finbriunguis, Mesothelae, Paleocharinus. All of these species are 300-400 million years old.
Description
Physical description of the animal: 12 inch leg span (roughly the size of a dinner plate). Brown to dark brown coloration. 1.5-2 inch fangs, large and rounded abdomen, covered in bristle-like hairs. They have thick, robust legs, and have eight small eyes arranged in two rows on the front of its head.
Point key characteristics of species: One of the largest spiders in the world. Nocturnal usually foraging under the cover of darkness. Thick, robust, hairy legs with claws at the tips for girpping and spines for climbing and defense.
Size: The Goliath birdeater is one of the largest spiders in the world. It can have a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 centimeters), Its body length can reach up to 4.75 inches (12 centimeters.)
Weight: This spider can weigh over 6 ounces (170 grams), making it the heaviest spider on record.
Life Span: Females live up to 15-25 years. Males usually live around 3-6 years.
Differences between Males and Females: Females are generally larger and heavier, males are slightly smaller and lighter than females. Females have a stockier build, and a more robust body. Males usually have longer legs in proportion to their body and may appear more slender. Females are much less mobile than males, because males are usually always in an active search for females, especially during the mating season.
Description of the Habitat
How much rainfall: The Goliath birdeater is native to the rainforests in South America. These rainforests can receive anywhere from 80 to 160 inches (200 to 400 cm) of rain annually.
Plants: Many plants are significant coverage for this fascinating spider. Canopy tree, Understory plants, Epiphytes, Ferns and mosses. The plants all play a role in creating the complex ecosystem that supports the Goliath birdeater and many other species.
Animals: Insects, small mammals (rodents), birds, amphibians and reptiles, other predators. These animals all interact within the same ecosystem, contributing to the complex web of life in the rainforest.
Temperature: Rainforests typically range from 75-85 fahrenheit. These conditions are essential for the spiders wellbeing, allowing it to thrive in its natural habitat.
Terrain: Typically inhabits the forest floor. The terrain where you might find them is often covered with leaf litter, fallen branches, and dense vegetation.
Distribution
Continents found: Found on the continent of South America. Specifically, it inhabits the rainforests of countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname.
Invasive at all: Not invasive
Diet
What exactly does it eat: Mainly insects and amphibians, but if it gets the opportunity, it will go after small rodents and birds.
How often does it eat: About every few weeks, depending on the availability of prey and their own nutritional needs.
How does it get its food: Primarily hunts at night. It uses its keen sense of touch and vibrations to detect prey. It does ambush hunting, uses speed and power, and strong venom.
Any special foods: Its main food is insects. But it does have the ability to catch birds, and small rodents.
Social Structure
Live in packs or live solo:
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Reproduction
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Development
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Difference between males and females:
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