Leblond's tarantula is also known as Goliath tarantula, although its Latin name is Theraphosa blondi. It is a species of migalomorph spider in the Theraphosidae family. They are found in South American jungles such as Brazil, Guyana or Venezuela.
Origin
- America
- Brazil
- Guyana
- Venezuela
Physical appearance
The Leblond's tarantula or Goliath tarantula is the largest spider on Earth that has been found so far, as it can reach 28 or 30 centimeters and weigh more than 100 grams.These animals have hairy bodies which they use as a defense mechanism because the hairs are irritating when in contact with the skin.
Behaviour
In the wild, these giant spiders build burrows or use those abandoned by rodents. They do not stray too far from their nest to hunt, only a few meters around, and their prey is usually snakes, rodents and lizards. It is a solitary animal that only seeks members of its own species during mating season. After copulation, the female usually lays about 50 eggs in a cocoon inside the burrow, which take about 21–25 days to hatch. Small spiders take at least 3 years to mature and can live up to 14 years.
The Leblond Tarantula is aggressive and emits a hissing sound to ward off potential enemies. It possesses venom, although this is not fatal, affecting humans for about 48 hours with feelings of nausea and sweating.As said above, the hairs of the Goliath tarantula only cause irritation of the dermis when they come into contact with the skin.
Caring for a Leblond tarantula
The Leblond tarantula needs a large terrarium to grow. A terrarium of 40 x 30 centimeters is sufficient, although if we want our specimen to be comfortable we should look for something larger. We will add a small container with water to it.
The temperature should be between 23 and 26°C, as in its natural environment, and the humidity should be around 70%.
We will provide the terrarium with peat at least 10 cm thick for the tarantula to burrow, we can facilitate the creation of a nest if we include a buried plant pot.
The Leblond tarantula is a carnivorous animal, so you will have to offer it insects, rodents or birds 2 or 3 times a week.Think carefully if you will be able to offer him this type of diet before getting such an animal (do you have sufficient economic resources?, etc.)
He alth of Leblond's tarantula
Did you know? The Goliath tarantula molts every year, although young specimens molt two or three times a year. This process lasts about 24 hours and we will recognize it easily because the spider will stop moving and feeding. It is important that at this stage the humidity is correct and that there is fresh water.
If you notice that your spider, outside of the moulting period, bristles excessively or drinks a lot of water, this may be a sign of an illness. Consult your specialist veterinarian as soon as possible.
Curiosities
- The heaviest specimen of Leblond's tarantula known weighed 155 grams, a female in captivity.
Photos of Leblond's Tarantula
