cypherdecypher:

Animal of the Day!

Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)

(Photo by Piotr Naskrecki)

Conservation Status- Not Evaluated

Habitat- South America

Size (Weight/Length)- 175 g; 12 cm body; 28 cm leg span

Diet- Birds; Lizards; Frogs; Mice

Cool Facts- Being the largest spider in the world, the goliath bird-eating tarantula is a scary sight to behold. Despite their size, their venom is only comparable to a bee sting to humans. Their best defense method is flinging hairs at their attacker, which causes skin irritation. Despite their name, they don’t often eat birds, preferring amphibians, lizards, and rodents. They are also a popular snack in South America, tasting vaguely like shrimp.

Rating- 13/10 (This just in: Spider wants friends but everyone is afraid.)

(via oarfjsh)