COMMON NAME

Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula, Brazilian Bird Eater

LATIN NAME

Theraphosa leblondi

NATIVE TO

Southeastern Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Surinam and northeastern Brazil.

ADULT SIZE

Largest recorded leg span is 12in/30cm. Females have an average life span of 6-14 years. Males die soon after maturity and have a lifespan of 3-6 years.

EGGS OR YOUNG?

Lays 100-400 eggs hatching between 1 and a half to 2 and a half months. The young are called spiderlings

APPEARANCE

This is a huge tarantula but apart from its size, it isn't very striking. Generally dark or light brown in colour with faint markings on the legs.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

On average feed 2-3 larger insects per day according to appetite. Note though that feeding depends on age and time since the last moult. They eat invertebrates such as crickets, mealworms etc but also vertebrates such as small mice and lizards. Do not leave uneaten live food to over run the vivarium as these will annoy, stress or damage the tarantula.

EASE OF CARE

Experienced. Not suitable for beginners

TEMPERAMENT

This species is aggressive and has an unreliable temperament. It will make an audible hissing sound when annoyed. Best not handled. Ground dwelling burrower. Nocturnal. House alone or they may fight to the death.

VIVARIUM SETUP

A vivarium 24x12x12in/60x30x30cm or 20 gallon tank will house one. Rainforest-type climate. Provide either cork bark, tree bark or broken (length wise) flower pot to provide a retreat. Temperature 75-82F/24-28C. Relative humidity of at least 85%. Under-tank heatpad required

SUBSTRATE

A mix of pure soil and sand with lots of peat moss in it. Depth of 3-8in/7.6-20cm.