Features of Goliath Birdeater Spiders

Location: The Goliath Birdeater is primarily found in the highland rainforests of northern South America, including regions like Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, northern Brazil, and southern Venezuela.

Size: These formidable creatures can reach lengths of 4.5 to 5 inches and have an impressive lifespan.

Lifespan: Females have a longer life expectancy, living up to 20 to 25 years, while males typically only survive for 3 to 6 years.

Appearance: Goliath Birdeaters range in color from russet brown to black and have distinctive spines on their third and fourth leg pairs.

Size: With a limb span of up to 12 inches, a body length of 5.1 inches, and a weight of up to 6.2 ounces, they are indeed giants among spiders.

Behavior & Temperament

Defensive Behavior: When threatened, Goliath Birdeaters are known to produce a distinctive hissing sound, and they can be swift and aggressive. As such, they are not recommended as pets for beginners.

Habitat: These spiders create silk-lined tunnels and can be found deep within the jungle, often beneath rocks and roots.

Food & Diet

Versatile Eaters: Goliath Birdeaters have a varied diet, consuming creatures smaller than themselves, including insects, mice, frogs, lizards, and even birds, which inspired their name.

Cockroach Menu: Cockroaches are among the many items on their menu.

Housing Goliath Tarantulas

Enclosure: Adequate housing for Goliath Birdeaters includes a spacious 20 to 25-gallon aquarium.

Temperature and Humidity: Maintaining temperatures between 22°C to 30°C is crucial to replicating their native rainforest environment.

Relation to Humans

Venom: While their venom is dangerous to smaller creatures, Goliath Birdeaters pose minimal threat to humans. Their bite is likened to that of a wasp and typically results in localized pain.

Aggressive Nature: These spiders are known for their quick reactions and nervous behavior, and they may bite if they perceive a threat. Such bites can cause extreme pain and burning sensations.

Albino Goliath Birdeater: A Rare Marvel

The Albino Goliath Birdeater is a rare and captivating variant of the Goliath Birdeater spider. These unique spiders exhibit a striking lack of pigmentation, resulting in their characteristic white or pale appearance. While they share many characteristics with their non-albino counterparts, there are some noteworthy distinctions:

Appearance: Albino Goliath Birdeaters stand out due to their distinctive lack of coloration. Their exoskeleton appears pale white, which is a stark contrast to the typical russet brown to black coloration seen in regular Goliath Birdeaters.

Diet: Like their non-albino counterparts, Albino Goliath Birdeaters are opportunistic hunters with a diverse diet. They can consume various creatures, including insects, rodents, amphibians, and smaller birds. Their unique appearance doesn’t affect their dietary habits.

Habitat: Albino Goliath Birdeaters are primarily found in the same regions as regular Goliath Birdeaters, inhabiting the highland rainforests of northern South America.

Behavior: Behaviorally, albino variants exhibit similar traits to their non-albino counterparts. They are known for their defensive hissing sounds when threatened and can be quick and aggressive in their responses.

Availability: Due to their rarity and unique appearance, Albino Goliath Birdeaters may command higher prices in the pet trade compared to standard Goliath Birdeaters.

Conservation: While these albino variants are captivating to enthusiasts, it’s essential to consider their conservation. The pet trade should always prioritize ethical and sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of these unique creatures in captivity.

Goliath Birdeater for Sale

Varied Prices: The cost of Goliath Birdeaters varies widely based on size and quality, ranging from $50 to $250. Some individuals with exceptional breeding capabilities may command higher prices.

Rescue Groups: Numerous non-profit rescue organizations are dedicated to finding suitable homes for neglected or wild Goliath Birdeaters.

Fun Facts

Stridulation: Goliath Birdeaters produce a hissing sound through a process called stridulation when they feel threatened.

Exoskeleton: These spiders have exoskeletons that enable them to perform various bodily functions and manage their sense nerves.

Impressive Size: Goliath Birdeaters are notably large, capable of eating an adult mouse.

Goliath Birdeater-FAQ’s

1. Where Does the Goliath Birdeater Live?
   • The Goliath Birdeater primarily inhabits the highland rainforests of northern South America, including Venezuela, northern Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname.
2. What Happens if a Goliath Birdeater Bites You?
   • The venom of the Goliath Birdeater is not dangerous to humans, with a bite sensation similar to that of a wasp. However, the spider’s urticating hairs can cause irritation.
3. How Big Is the Goliath Birdeater?
   • The Goliath Birdeater is the largest spider species globally, with females reaching nearly a foot in length, significantly larger than males.
4. What Does the Goliath Birdeater Eat?
   • The Goliath Birdeater has a diverse diet, including insects, frogs, lizards, butterflies, mice, small birds, worms, and cockroaches. They eat anything smaller or similar in size.

If you are looking for an alternative pet that is less demanding and more colorful than the goliath birdeater spider, you might want to consider a chameleon instead. Chameleons are reptiles that can change their color depending on their mood, temperature, environment, or communication. They have long tongues that can shoot out to catch insects, and they have eyes that can move independently of each other.

CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFO ABOUT CARING FOR CHAMELEONS

Chameleons are not easy pets either, but they are more manageable than goliath birdeaters. They need a spacious enclosure with proper lighting, heating, ventilation, humidity, and plants. They also need a varied diet of live insects dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements. They can be handled occasionally with care, but they are not very social or affectionate animals.

Chameleons come in many different species, sizes, shapes, and colors. Some of the most popular ones for pet owners are the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), the panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), and the Jackson’s chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii). Each species has its own characteristics and requirements, so you should do your research before choosing one.

Chameleons are fascinating and beautiful creatures that can provide you with hours of entertainment and enjoyment. They are also more suitable for most pet owners than goliath birdeater spiders, which are best left to the experts and enthusiasts. However, if you are still determined to own a goliath birdeater spider, make sure you are ready for the challenge and reward of caring for such a remarkable and impressive arachnid.

CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFO ABOUT CARING FOR CHAMELEONS