Spiderling Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula, Theraposa Blondii

Goliath bird eater spiderlings, or Theraphosa blondi, are already stunning and aggressive spiders, even before reaching their maximum size. Originating from South American rainforests, these young spiders show early signs of their future grandeur with a rapidly growing leg span. It takes spiderling goliath bird eaters only a couple of years to reach their adult size – a fast growth rate compared to other species, with a total lifespan of up to 20 years in captivity. Goliath bird eater spiderlings can be fed on crickets, dubia roaches, and most other small livefood insects, though their adult counterparts in the wild have been known to take on larger prey owing to their name. Sporting a dark chocolate brown coat, these youngsters are generally docile but come with a set of urticating hairs that can irritate the skin, and their bites can already be quite powerful. Handling is not advised. Given their inclination to grow into some of the largest tarantulas, a spacious terrarium with a deep, moisture-retaining substrate is ideal even at this young age. Optimal setup conditions mimic their natural rainforest habitat: temperatures should be maintained between 75-85°F (24-29°C) and a humidity level of 70-80% should be aimed for.