Our planet is full of amazing species and the Goliath tarantula (Theraphosa yellowi) is undoubtedly the largest spider of all.
The Goliath tarantula, also known as the giant tarantula, is the largest spider in the world with a wingspan of up to 30 cm and a weight of more than 100 grams.
This giant spider has attracted the attention of both scientists and the public, especially photography enthusiasts.
This tarantula, a member of the teraphosid family, is native to the tropical forests of northern South America, including countries such as Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, northern Brazil and southern Venezuela.
They are often found in wetlands, where they build burrows for shelter during the day and hunt at night. They are nocturnal predators that leave their burrows in search of food and use their sensitive fur to detect the vibrations of their potential prey.
This larger spider's enormous wingspan allows them to hunt more effectively in the dark of night without being detected. Unlike many spiders that use webs to capture their prey, tarantulas are aggressive predators that rely on stealth and speed to capture their prey.
Their size and weight allow them to hunt a variety of prey including insects, small mammals, amphibians and even reptiles.
Although it is believed based on its nickname that it feeds primarily on birds, this is not true; Hunting of birds by this spider is relatively rare.
Their strategy is simple: their body is covered with small, sensitive hairs that serve several purposes: on the one hand, they help the spider to detect vibrations in the environment and thus find and detect vibrations in its prey, on the other hand, they also serve as a protective shield against Defenses, because when the spider senses a threat, it can release these hairs into the air, causing discomfort and avoiding possible predators.
It is not the only species that uses these stinging hairs: many tarantula species have characteristic hairs on their abdomen. When they feel threatened, they may throw this hair towards their attacker, causing irritation and discomfort.
When hunting prey, tarantulas are equipped with fangs up to 3 cm long that can release poison.
Although their venom is not fatal to humans, their sting can be extremely painful, comparable to that of a wasp. However, these spiders are not usually aggressive towards humans and it is natural for them to flee rather than attack.
Your safety has not been assessed. However, like many other species living in the South American rainforest, the Goliath tarantula faces a number of threats from habitat loss and deforestation. Additionally, it is sometimes caught for the pet trade, which can negatively impact its wild populations.
With information from: