Invertebrates
Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater
Lasiodora parahybana · also called salmon pink birdeater tarantula
Covered in dark bristles accented with salmon-pink colouring, a Brazilian salmon pink birdeater moves slowly and calmly across the forest floor, one of the largest tarantulas in the world despite a surprisingly gentle temperament.
Overview
The Brazilian salmon pink birdeater, Lasiodora parahybana, is native to forest habitat in northeastern Brazil. Its status as one of the largest tarantula species by leg span, surprisingly docile temperament, and reliance on urticating hairs rather than biting for defence make it one of the more approachable giants among the world’s tarantulas.
Size without aggression
Despite ranking among the biggest tarantulas anywhere, the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater defies the assumption that bigger means more dangerous, relying on calm, slow movement and a defensive flick of irritating hairs rather than aggression toward perceived threats.
Status
Not Evaluated for conservation status, found across suitable forest habitat in northeastern Brazil.
Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater: common questions
How big does the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater get?
It ranks among the largest tarantula species in the world by leg span, reaching a substantial size at maturity, rivaling some of the biggest tarantulas known.
Is the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater dangerous despite its size?
Despite its large size, it is generally considered calm and slow-moving, and its primary defence against threats is flicking barbed, irritating hairs rather than biting.
What does "birdeater" mean for this tarantula?
The name reflects the broader group of large tarantulas capable of occasionally eating small vertebrates, though its diet consists mainly of large insects rather than birds specifically.
Where is the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater found?
It is native to forest habitat in northeastern Brazil.