The Theraphosa genus belongs to the tarantula family, comprising of three species according to the May 2018 reports.
Size: They are big with a body length of about 7.5 cm on average, with the Theraphosa blondi (Goliath bird eater) being 11.9cm (4.7 inches) long, having a leg span of 30 cm (12 inches). The Theraphosa apophysis (pink foot Goliath), on the other hand, has a length of 8.7 cm (3.4 inches) and a leg span of 9.6 cm (3.8 inches).
Color: Most of them are brown, with the patterns differing from one species to the other. For instance, the Goliath possesses faint marking on its feet, while the pink foot Goliath has pink feet.
Other Characteristic Features:
They are small, of the size of a tennis ball.
They stay with their mother for sometimes and disperse to be on their own after maturation.
Since they are part of the tarantula family, spiders of this genus may not catch prey using their webs, though they may spin silk.
Like other members of the tarantula family species of this genus possess large, venomous fangs but rarely attack humans unless provoked. Their bite is not much than a wasp’s sting resulting in itching and irritation.
| Lifespan | Males: 3 to 6 years Females: 15 to 25 years |
| Distribution | Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil |
| Habitat | Marshy and swampy regions |
| Diet | Toads, lizards, earthworms, snakes, and frogs |
All the three species belonging to this genus stridulate through the process of rubbing setae (hair-like structures) on their legs and pedipalps.
Image Credits: mikebasictarantula.com
The Theraphosa genus belongs to the tarantula family, comprising of three species according to the May 2018 reports.
Size: They are big with a body length of about 7.5 cm on average, with the Theraphosa blondi (Goliath bird eater) being 11.9cm (4.7 inches) long, having a leg span of 30 cm (12 inches). The Theraphosa apophysis (pink foot Goliath), on the other hand, has a length of 8.7 cm (3.4 inches) and a leg span of 9.6 cm (3.8 inches).
Color: Most of them are brown, with the patterns differing from one species to the other. For instance, the Goliath possesses faint marking on its feet, while the pink foot Goliath has pink feet.
Other Characteristic Features:
They are small, of the size of a tennis ball.
They stay with their mother for sometimes and disperse to be on their own after maturation.
Since they are part of the tarantula family, spiders of this genus may not catch prey using their webs, though they may spin silk.
Like other members of the tarantula family species of this genus possess large, venomous fangs but rarely attack humans unless provoked. Their bite is not much than a wasp’s sting resulting in itching and irritation.
| Lifespan | Males: 3 to 6 years Females: 15 to 25 years |
| Distribution | Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil |
| Habitat | Marshy and swampy regions |
| Diet | Toads, lizards, earthworms, snakes, and frogs |
All the three species belonging to this genus stridulate through the process of rubbing setae (hair-like structures) on their legs and pedipalps.
Image Credits: mikebasictarantula.com
