Description
Burgundy Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa stirmi)
The Burgundy Goliath Birdeater is one of the largest and most impressive tarantulas in the world. Theraphosa stirmi is a huge, heavy-bodied New World species known for its rich burgundy-brown colouration, enormous leg span and formidable feeding response. Its sheer size and more demanding care requirements make it an outstanding display animal for experienced tarantula keepers.
Habitat
Native to the humid tropical forests of northern South America, Theraphosa stirmi is a terrestrial species that requires considerably more space and moisture than many commonly kept tarantulas.
- Enclosure: Large, secure terrestrial enclosure with generous floor space
- Temperature: Approximately 22–26°C
- Humidity: High, generally around 75–85%, while maintaining good ventilation
- Decor: Large cork bark hide, leaf litter, moss and other natural cover
- Provide sufficient depth to allow digging and the creation of a secure retreat
- The enclosure should remain appropriately moist without becoming stagnant or waterlogged
- A large dish of clean, fresh water should always be available
Feeding
The Burgundy Goliath Birdeater is a powerful opportunistic predator with an impressive feeding response.
- Diet: Large crickets, locusts, roaches and other appropriately sized invertebrate prey
- Juveniles: Offer appropriately sized prey around 1–2 times per week depending on size and condition
- Adults: Generally feed around once per week or according to body condition
- Large adults are capable of taking substantial prey, but vertebrate prey is not required for a healthy captive diet
- Remove uneaten prey, particularly when the tarantula is approaching a moult
- Fresh water should always be available
General Care
Theraphosa stirmi is best suited to experienced keepers due to its enormous adult size, defensive capabilities and environmental requirements.
- Temperament: Often defensive and readily disturbed
- Handling: Not recommended
- Defence: Possesses particularly irritating urticating hairs which can be released when threatened
- Threat Display: May raise its front legs and can produce an audible stridulating or hissing sound when seriously disturbed
- Adult Size: Can reach approximately 25–28cm in leg span
- Lifespan: Females can potentially live around 15–20 years, while males have considerably shorter lifespans
- Maintenance: Stable humidity, good ventilation, clean water and minimal unnecessary disturbance are particularly important
Care should be taken during enclosure maintenance due to the species' size, speed and defensive hairs.
Why Choose a Burgundy Goliath Birdeater?
- One of the world's largest tarantulas
- Incredible 25cm+ potential leg span
- Impressive heavy-bodied appearance
- Powerful and fascinating feeding response
- Beautiful burgundy-brown colouration
- Spectacular display species
- A rewarding challenge for experienced tarantula keepers
Few tarantulas can match the sheer presence of an adult Theraphosa stirmi. Its enormous proportions, impressive behaviour and unmistakable appearance make the Burgundy Goliath Birdeater an extraordinary centrepiece for an experienced keeper's collection.
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