The goliath birdeater is a giant tarantula of northern South America’s rainforests. It is the world’s heaviest spider and a formidable ambush predator of the forest floor.
Interesting facts
- Despite its name, it rarely eats birds.
- Its name comes from an engraving from the early 1700s showing a tarantula eating a hummingbird.
- When threatened, it flicks irritating hairs from its abdomen at attackers.
- Its fangs can be 2–4 cm long, but its venom is only mildly harmful to people.
- The giant huntsman spider has a wider leg span, but the goliath birdeater is much heavier.
- It is roasted and eaten by some Indigenous communities.
Behaviour
Goliath birdeaters live in deep burrows and hunt at night, ambushing prey near their burrow entrances. They do not build webs to catch food.
Breeding and young
After mating, the female lays up to about 100 eggs in a silk sac, which she guards for several weeks until the spiderlings hatch.
Threats and conservation
Habitat loss and collection for the pet trade.
Where to see it
- Rainforests of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, on guided night walks
- Northern Brazil and southern Venezuela
- Insect and spider houses at major zoos
- Never handle wild tarantulas
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
