Here’s A Look At The World’s Largest Spider That’s Moved Into Northern South America
Someone spotted a Goliath Birdeater moving into Northern South America, and suddenly the “world’s largest spider” title feels very, very real. This isn’t a cute little house spider, it’s Theraphosa blondi, the kind of tarantula that can hit dinner-plate size and make you rethink every step you take near a burrow.
The complicated part? These giants are not venomous, but they still pack a terrifying vibe. They wait in burrows for prey, they can hiss like a tiny warning siren from about fifteen feet away, and locals even treat them like a delicacy, roasted and served in banana leaves. So when news hits that one is showing up in a new area, people react fast, especially anyone who already gets hit with arachnophobia.
And the worst part is, this spider’s whole “bird-eating” reputation is basically a myth with an old engraving as its hype man.
The giant spider breed that we’re looking at is the Goliath Birdeater.
This spider is named the world’s largest spider, and for good reason. The Goliath Birdeater, or Theraphosa blondi, is the largest spider ranked by its mass and overall size.
Surprisingly enough, these spiders are actually not venomous at all. Their size is enough to scare away large animals (and humans), but according to National Geographic, their bites might cause a sting, but they aren’t venomous.
Typically, this spider can weigh about 6 ounces and can grow to about 11 inches long. The body alone can measure about 5 inches, and the spider’s size is usually compared to that of a dinner plate.
I honestly might cry if I saw this beast in person.
This spider usually lives in burrows as it awaits prey. It is even considered a delicacy in South America, as it is roasted and served in banana leaves as a dish.
The Goliath Birdeater got its name from an 18th-century engraving that showed a tarantula eating a hummingbird. Despite its name, this Goliath Birdeater actually doesn’t feast on birds often, even though it could because of its size.
This spider also doesn’t have great vision despite having eight eyes. It relies on hairs on its body that sense vibrations instead of utilizing its eyes.
These vibrational hairs are prominent on this eight-legged spider.
The spider rubs its legs together to send tiny hairs with tiny stingers into its prey as a defense mechanism. Doing this also creates a hissing noise, which can deter predators.
The hissing can be heard about fifteen feet away, which is beneficial for keeping predators far from the spider. When it feels threatened, it can also stand on its hind legs to show its sharp fangs to the predator.
The second people hear it might weigh about 6 ounces and grow to around 11 inches long, the burrow near town suddenly feels like a threat, not just scenery.
Then comes the twist, it’s not venomous, but that hissing noise and the leg-rubbing defense make it sound anything but harmless.
And if you think size is scary, a diver’s surprise encounter with a 23-foot Brazilian anaconda is next.
Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is a common issue that affects many individuals, causing significant anxiety and distress.
Even the “tarantula eating a hummingbird” origin story from that 18th-century engraving starts getting dragged into arguments, because everyone wants the dramatic version.
The discovery of the world’s largest spider making its way to Northern South America has caught the attention of arachnologists worldwide.
Educating communities about the ecological benefits of spiders can foster a more balanced view and reduce irrational fears.
By the time the news sinks in that it’s moving across Northern South America, people are split between “stay away” and “wait, it’s actually eaten there?”
After hearing about all of the awesome things this spider can do, it’s actually a little less scary and a lot cooler. However, this spider is still giant, and it’s crazy to believe that some people are eating these as a delicacy when most of us would be stepping on it as fast as we could.
Would you ever eat a spider?
The arrival of the world’s largest spider in Northern South America underscores a critical need to reshape our perceptions of such creatures. While many may instinctively react with fear, particularly those with arachnophobia, it is essential to recognize the ecological role these spiders play. Educational initiatives that delve into their significance can help transform societal narratives from one of fear to one of respect. This shift not only fosters a better understanding of these often-misunderstood creatures but also promotes a healthier coexistence between humans and wildlife. Embracing knowledge about these giant spiders may ultimately diminish fear and enhance appreciation for the complexities of our ecosystems.
Nobody wants to roast one in banana leaves after they’ve heard it hiss.
Want deadly camouflage too, check out the Gaboon Viper that blends into African rainforest leaves.
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