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Meet the Goliath Birdeater: Amazon's Giant Spider

9/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is the largest spider, measuring up to 30 cm across and weighing up to 170 grams.
It resides in the Amazon rainforest and is sometimes consumed by local Indigenous peoples, with a taste similar to shrimp.
Cat-faced and garden spiders in Canada are large but harmless, aiding in pest control.
The Goliath birdeater's bite is painful but not lethal to humans.
Females live 12-15 years, while males live 3-5 years after reproduction.

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Story summary

The Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is the largest spider, measuring up to 30 cm across and weighing up to 170 grams.
It resides in the Amazon rainforest and is sometimes consumed by local Indigenous peoples, with a taste similar to shrimp.
Cat-faced and garden spiders in Canada are large but harmless, aiding in pest control.
The Goliath birdeater's bite is painful but not lethal to humans.
Females live 12-15 years, while males live 3-5 years after reproduction.