GOLIATH BIRDEATER SPIDER

rascal · October 21, 2014

The South American Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is the world's largest spider, according to Guinness World Records. Its legs can reach up to one foot (30 centimeters) and it can weight up to 6 oz. (170 grams).

a body the size of "a large fist" the spider can weigh more than 6 oz. (170 grams) — about as much as a puppy

The birdeater's enormous size is evident from the sounds it makes. "Its feet have hardened tips and claws that produce a very distinct, clicking sound, not unlike that of a horse's hooves hitting the ground," he wrote.

the spider was sending out a cloud of hairs with microscopic barbs on them.

its prickly hairs aren't the birdeater's only line of defense; it also sports a pair of 2-inch-long (5 centimeters) fangs. it would be extremely painful, "like driving a nail through your hand,"