The giant tarantula is also known as the Goliath tarantula or aviary tarantula although its Latin name is Theraphosa blondi. It is a species of mygalomorphic spider of the Theraphosidae family. We can find them in the South American jungles like in Brazil, Guyana or Venezuela.
Physical appearance
It is the largest spider found on planet earth so far, as it can reach 28 or 30 centimeters and weigh more than 100 grams. They have a hairy body that they use as a defense mechanism since they are irritating when in contact with the skin.
Behaviour
The giant tarantula in nature builds burrows or uses those that are abandoned by rodents. It does not travel very far from its nest to hunt, only a few meters around it, and its victims are usually snakes, rodents and lizards. It is a solitary animal that only looks for members of its own species during the mating season. After copulation, the female usually lays approximately 50 eggs in a cocoon inside the burrow and they take about 21 or 25 days to hatch. The little spiders will take at least 3 years to mature and their longevity increases to 14 years.
Giant tarantulas are aggressive and make a hissing noise to ward off potential enemies. They have poison although this is not fatal, it affects humans for about 48 hours with feelings of nausea and sweating. The hairs only irritate the skin.
Care
The giant tarantula needs a wide terrarium in which to grow, one 40 x 30 centimeters is sufficient, although if we want our specimen to find comfortable we should look for something broader. In it we will add a small container with water.
The temperature should be between 23ºC and 26ºC as it would be in its natural environment, the humidity should be around 70%.
We will supply the terrarium with peat at least 10 centimeters thick so that it can make its burrow, we can facilitate the creation of a nest including a buried pot.
They are carnivorous animals, for this reason, you should offer them insects, rodents or birds 2 or 3 times a week. Think carefully about whether you are going to be able to offer him this type of diet (you have financial resources, possibilities to acquire it, desire to do it…)
He alth
The giant tarantula sheds its skin annually, although young specimens do it two or three times a year. This process lasts about 24 hours and we will easily recognize it because the spider will stop moving and feeding. It is important that at this stage the humidity is correct and that fresh water is available.
If you notice that your spider, outside the moulting period, bristles its hair excessively or drinks a lot of water, it could be a disease. Go to the vet as soon as possible.
