Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula

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Growing up to one foot in length (including leg span), the Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula (Theraphosa blondi), or Goliath Birdeater, often receives the title of world's largest spider.

They make their homes on the ground of tropical rain forests in Northern South America, and aggressively hunt small animals and birds that wander into their territory.

The status as world's largest makes them a target for the pet trade. It should be noted that their aggressiveness extends to life as a pet. They bite and shoot uriticating hairs from their legs as defensive measures.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels