The Goliath Bird-Eating Spider, which is scientifically known as Theraposa blondi, is indeed a spider that can actually eat a bird. This spider that belongs to the Tarantula family is hairy and is coffee-colored. The Goliath Bird-Eating Spider is a large spider with four pairs of thick legs, a large abdomen and has a stocky broad carapace. The body of this spider is about the size of a dinner plate and are divided into two external parts namely; the cephalothorax, and the abdomen. Goliath Bird-Eating Spiders can weigh as much as 70 grams. The legs of this spider are usually 10 inches in length but could reach a maximum length of 12 inches. The male of this spider species is more slender and long-legged than the female (Biggest Spider, 2003). Giant Bird-Eating Spiders bodies have sensory hairs that help them feel even the slightest vibrations on the ground and in the air.
[...] Smaller spiders recover much quicker than larger ones. Other Problems: Other problems are usually the result of some type of environmental stress. There may be a drop in the temperature of the enclosure, there may be parasites, or the tarantula may just not be comfortable with the depth of its hiding place. These things can be easily adjusted or changed, or you can try moving your pet to a new enclosure. Availability: The Goliath Bird-eating Spider has been bred in captivity and [...]
[...] Most common small spiders would use different techniques in order to capture prey for food. Most would constuct elaborate and intricate webs that trap small insects and animals. Some have the ability to leap great distances in order to capture their prey. The Goliath Bird-Eating Spider does not use such techniques but instead relies mainly on its strength and old-fashioned stealth. Goliath Bird-Eating Spiders would pounce on unsuspecting prey and would rely on their poisonous venom in order to kill their prey. [...]
[...] It is a good suggestion to mirror the natural diet of the Goliath Bird-Eating Spider by giving them a variety and diverse diet which consists of adult crickets, grasshoppers, and just occassionally giving them mice. Another important information in keeping Goliath Bird-Eating Spiders as pets is to know about their behaviors during molting. These spiders will exhibit unusual behaviors during their molting period. Goliath Bird-Eating Spiders would extensively molt their existing exoskeleton. For several weeks prior to shedding they will be growing a new skin under their old one. [...]
[...] Because they are large species, the Goliath Bird-eating Spider should be kept in a large enclosure. It is best to use at least a 30-gallon terrarium or the largest plastic sweater box. A substrate of peat moss or cypress mulch works well. A large shelter should be offered in the form of a cork bark or a half-buried clay pot (Features Goliath Bird- Eating Spider. 2003). Though these spiders are often found in humid tropical forest areas, in captivity it is best to maintain them on the dry side and spray them with water only once or twice a week. [...]
[...] The venom of the Goliath Bird-Eating Spider is very harmful to small animals such as birds, frogs, and rodents. However, their venom is not considered harmful and fatal to humans and would often cause irritation and mild swelling similar to a wasp sting. Most often than not, Goliath Bird- Eating Spiders would give humans a bite when threatened by humans. Although the venom is not very toxic to humans, they can cause severe pain, nausea and sweating. The venom works on the nervous system and paralyzes its smaller victims (Biggest Spider, 2003). [...]
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