Theraphosa

The Theraphosa genus currently includes four accepted species (stirmi, blondi, aphophysis). All are very large and considered the largest tarauntula species in the world. They are typically found in Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela, and Columbia. They species requires humidity, which should be monitored. They are large enough to consume vertebrate prey items.

The fourth "accepted" species is T. spinipes, however, this classification may not be universally acknowledged. At any rate, Bertani and colleagues 2023 transferred Lasiodora spinipes to Theraphosa. This species is found in the northern area in the state of Roraima, Brazil.

Genus and species: Theraphosa stirmi

Common name: Burgandy goliath bird eater

Given name: Crimson, aka "dickhead"

This is a huge species of tarantula that can commonly reach 10 to 12 or more inches. They are found in Guyana and Brazil. They are surprisingly quick for their size, and may threat pose or kick hairs if disturbed.

Habitat: This species is native to humid areas in Guyana and Brazil. They create burrows in hollows.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 18x18x12

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Likely male

Life stage: Adult

Size: Approximately 8 to 8.5 in

Growth: Steady, Molted April 13, 2025

Disposition: Generally stays in his hide during the day and comes out at night. Defensive if feels a threat.

Eating habits: Always eats.

Misc.: Generally well-mannered now but intimidating. Very fast.

Genus and species: Theraphosa blondi

Common name: Goliath bird eater

Given name: Maple

This is a huge species of tarantula found in the northern areas of South America, and may reach 10 to 12 inches or more. They are surprisingly quick for their size, and may threat pose or kick hairs if disturbed. These are the largest spiders in the world by mass. There are reports of T. blondi consumption as part of local cuisine.

Habitat: They are from humid and tropical regions in the Amazon rainforest and dig deep burrows. They are believed to be moisture dependent in captivity.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x12

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Juvenile

Size: Approximately 4.5 in

Growth: Modest thus far, molted in April 2025

Disposition: Periods of aggressiveness but generally well-mannered

Eating habits: Typically an aggressive eater, but has periods of complacency

Misc: Has been pretty slow in putting on size.

Genus and species: Theraphosa aphophysis

Common name: Goliath pink toe birdeater

Given name: Clover

This is a huge species of tarantula from Venezuela that can reach 10 to 12 inches. They are surprisingly quick for their size, and may threat pose or kick hairs if disturbed. This species has pink shading at the end of their legs as juveniles. They tend to be a little more skittish than blondi's and stirmi's. They are leggier than stirmis and blondis.

Habitat: Tropical regions of Venezuela where they create deep burrows.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 8x8x8

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Juvenile

Size: Approximately 3.25 in

Growth: Steady, has molted twice

Disposition: Generally stays near their burrow and a bit skittish.

Eating habits: Typically an aggressive eater

Misc: Typically always in the same place but has been more mobile lately. Very leggy.