Head to head
Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater vs Goliath Birdeater
Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater
VS Goliath Birdeater
The Brazilian salmon pink birdeater and the goliath birdeater are both giants among tarantulas native to South America, and both share a reputation for being surprisingly calm despite their intimidating size.
| Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater | Goliath Birdeater | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lasiodora parahybana | Theraphosa blondi |
| Size by leg span | Among the largest tarantulas | Rivalled by few other tarantulas |
| Weight | Not the heaviest tarantula | Up to about 175 g, the heaviest spider known |
| Temperament | Relatively docile | Shy, relatively docile |
| Primary defence | Flicking barbed urticating hairs | Hissing, then flicking barbed urticating hairs |
| Bite danger to humans | Not seriously dangerous | Not seriously dangerous, venom comparable to a wasp sting |
| Range | Northeastern Brazil | Northern South America |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater vs Goliath Birdeater: common questions
Which spider is heavier, the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater or the goliath birdeater?
The goliath birdeater is heavier, weighing up to about 175 grams and holding the title of the heaviest spider known, though the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater is competitive in leg span.
Do both the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater and goliath birdeater use urticating hairs for defence?
Yes, both species rely on flicking barbed, irritating hairs from their abdomens as a primary defence before resorting to biting.
Are either of these giant tarantulas actually dangerous to people?
Not seriously; despite their intimidating size, both the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater and the goliath birdeater have venom roughly comparable to a wasp sting and are generally considered docile toward humans.