Goliath birdeater
These massive spiders can reach the leg span of 30 cm and weigh up to 170 g. Despite their ferocious appearance they are rather harmless – their first line of defense are urticating hair, and employ the 2 cm-long fangs only as the last resort.
ArachnidaAraneaeTheraphosa blondiTheraphosidaespidertarantula
Goliath bird-eating spider (Theraphosa blondi) is the largest spider on the planet. An adult female, like the one pictured here, can reach 30 cm leg span and 120 g (more than 1/4 lb) body weight. This is one of few spiders with clearly audible footsteps. Despite the name these spiders feed mostly on invertebrates, frogs, and mice.
The Goliath tarantula (Theraphosa blondi) from Suriname, the largest spider in the world
The Goliath tarantula (Theraphosa blondi) from Suriname, the largest spider in the world
