Goliath Bird-Eating Spider: Care Guide by TopFlight Dubia
Posted by TopFlight Dubia on Apr 4th 2024
Imagine a spider so large it can cover the size of a dinner plate, with fangs that send shivers down your spine. The Goliath Bird-Eating Spider is the largest tarantula species in the world, captivating arachnid enthusiasts everywhere.
But don’t let its intimidating size fool you. This remarkable spider is more than just a giant; it requires extra care and attention. If you’re considering adopting this species as a pet, it’s essential to understand its unique needs.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from creating the perfect habitat and maintaining optimal humidity to understanding its feeding habits and behavior. By the time you finish reading, you will know how to provide the ideal environment for your Goliath Birdeater spider.
What Are Goliath Bird Eaters?
Typically, the name itself suggests that these species of spider eat birds. But they do not.
They are mostly known as the king of spiders. It is native to the rainforests of northern South America, particularly in Venezuela, Guyana, northern Brazil, and Suriname. This species is known for its impressive size; some members reach up to 12 inches.
What Do Goliath Birdeaters Look Like?
- Size: These spiders have leg spans that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm). Due to the Goliath Birdeater’s size, they are highly distinctive among various species of spider.
- Color: They are typically brown, with a slightly reddish hue on their abdomen and legs. They also have fine hairs on their bodies, which can be irritating if touched.
- Fangs: The fangs of these spiders can grow up to 1 inch long and are used to subdue prey such as small rodents, insects, and even small birds.
What is the Habitat of the Goliath Bird-Eating Spider?
The Goliath birdeater tarantula prefers dark, moist environments. It typically hides from predators in burrows or hollowed-out logs.
These spiders also create underground burrows to stay safe from the intense rainstorms and predators in their natural habitat.
Temperature and Humidity: They thrive in temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C) and humidity levels of 80-90%.
How To Set Up Habitat for Goliath Bird-Eating Spider
1. Choose the Right Tank
Select a tank with ample space. A vivarium around 8 inches deep is perfect. This allows enough room for the spider to dig and create its burrow.
2. Prepare the Vivarium
The first step is to cover half of the tank screen with plexiglass to retain humidity.
Create a background using cork and oak bark to give a more natural appearance. The background can be secured with foam and silicone to make the setup safe and stable.
3. Substrate
The bottom of the tank can be filled with a layer of clay pebbles followed by mesh and landscape fabric for proper drainage.
A suitable substrate like peat or soil can be added to ensure the environment remains humid and allows the spider to burrow.
4. Planting
You can add low coverage plants such as creeper plants to add a touch of greenery.
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NOTE: Since the goliath birdeater is burrow-dwelling, the plants should be kept away from the spider’s hide to prevent disturbance. |
5. Set the Hide
A deep hide can be set up in the tank to mimic the spider’s natural environment where it can feel secure and retreat.
6. Add Microfauna
Small creatures like springtails can be added to break down the organic matter. Over time, you can also add dwarf whites to enhance the habitat’s health.
7. Final Adjustments
After you set up the tank, transfer the spider into its new home carefully, using a catch cup. Allow the spider to adjust and explore its new environment for a few days.
What is the Diet of the Goliath Birdeater Spider?
Goliath Birdeaters are opportunistic predators. They have a broad diet that includes:
Insects
Their primary food source includes insects like crickets, locusts, and beetles.
Small Vertebrates
They are also capable of hunting small vertebrates such as lizards, rodents, and even small birds.
Feeding Behavior
Goliath birdeating tarantulas wait in their burrows and ambush passing prey. Once the prey is captured, they inject the venom into it to immobilize it before consuming it.
How to Breed Goliath Bird-Eating Spiders
These species of spider need specific conditions and careful handling, such as
- Maintaining a suitable environment.
- Ensuring proper mating.
- Managing the egg sac and spiderlings. Generally, a female Goliath bird-eating spider lays about 70 eggs.
Here is the breakdown of the mating process:
- Mating between these spiders generally happens during the warmer months, which is also their breeding season.
- Make sure the enclosure is large enough for both spiders to move around comfortably, but not so large that they cannot find each other.
- Introduce the male spider to the female’s enclosure. Closely monitor their interaction.
- Remove the male immediately after mating to prevent the female from potentially cannibalizing the male.
Conclusion
The Goliath Birdeater is a fascinating and essentially harmless creature. Its large size, distinctive appearance, and unique lifestyle make it one of the most amazing spiders in the world. It is important to note that handling this species of tarantula is not recommended for beginners. If you want to learn more about keeping them as a pet, it should be done with care and expertise.