The Goliath Bird Eating Spider by Isaiah Dupree

The Goliath Bird Eating Spider is argueably one of the biggest spider in the world. This massive spider can be found in nothern South america, Brazil, Venezuela, and other places where there are wet swamps and marsh areas within a rainforest. The Goliath Bird Eating Spider got its name from Victorian era explorers who witnessed the huge spider eating a hummingbird. This spider has a leg span of 11 inches that is about the size of a dinner plate. It can weigh up to 6oz. Despite this spider’s large body it’s eyes are still very poor same as a regular spider. The Goliath Bird Eating Spider relies on its sensory hairs that are spread all over its body to feels the vibration on the ground and also the vibration in the air to warn him that either prey or a predator is near. The spider tends to not travel as far away from its home which is located under the ground. A female can have up to 50 eggs whereas your normal sized spider can lay up to 1000. These spiders can be considered very aggressive. They make hissing noises and stand on its hind legs in threat position to fend off potential dangers. The Goliath Bird Eating spider has its natural predators such as other spiders and snakes but its biggest enemy is the human.

Questions

• If this spider goes extinct how will its ecosystem be affected?

• Who do people have a natural fear of spiders regardless of its size?

• How do you think a spider would feel if you touched it?

Cites

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/goliath_bird_eating_spider.htm - Article

http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/arachnopephobia-hand-massive-spider-141018.jpg -Picture