Goliath Birdeater Tarantula
The goliath bird-eating or goliath birdeater tarantula can measure up to 12 inches in diameter. These tarantulas range from light to dark brown in coloration, although a number of specimens appear golden. Some goliath bird-eating tarantulas exhibit colored bands on their legs.
Goliath birdeater tarantulas prefer to dwell in damp, warm locations, where they reside within burrows. Despite their name and ability to consume nestling birds, these tarantulas feed primarily on crickets, cockroaches and small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs and mice.
When threatened, goliath birdeater tarantulas are capable of producing a hissing sound through abrasive leg contact. Known as stridulation, this sound may cover distances up to 15 feet. Goliath birdeater tarantulas are also capable of painful bites and the projection of barbed hairs.