When it comes to the world’s most impressive spiders, two species consistently capture the imagination of arachnologists and enthusiasts alike. One is the enigmatic Omothymus spider from Southeast Asia and the legendary Goliath Birdeater from South America. Both represent the pinnacle of spider size and adaptability in their respective regions and though they belong to the same tarantula family (Theraphosidae), these two giants couldn’t be more different.
In this article, we will compare these two incredible spiders: Omothymus Spider vs Goliath Birdeater. Get ready for the full comparison.
Table Of Contents
- Omothymus Spider or Malaysian Earthtiger Tarantula
- Interesting Facts About Omothymus Spiders
- Theraphosa Blondi or Goliath Birdeater
- Interesting Facts About Goliath Birdeater Tarantula
- Omothymus Spider vs Goliath Birdeater: The Full Comparison
- Major Differences Between Omothymus Spider vs Goliath Birdeater
- Similarities Between Omothymus Spider vs Goliath Birdeater
- Conclusion
Omothymus Spider or Malaysian Earthtiger Tarantula
The Omothymus spider, scientifically known as Omothymus schioedtei, stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable arachnids. Commonly called the Malaysian Earth Tiger Tarantula, it has evolved perfectly to live in the treetops of tropical rainforests.
Even though its name includes “Earth Tiger,” this spider doesn’t live on the ground. Adult females actually live high up in tall, mature trees, far above the forest floor.
Interesting Facts About Omothymus Spiders
- They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, with males turning vibrant olive green with yellow striping while females remain dark black.
- Adult females are almost exclusively found in large mature trees, while juveniles live behind loose bark and in rock crevices.
- They’re part of a genus containing only four recognized species, making them relatively rare in the tarantula world.
- Their leg span can reach up to 22 cm (8.7 inches), making them one of the largest
Theraphosa Blondi or Goliath Birdeater
The Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) holds the prestigious title of the world’s largest spider by mass and body length. Weighing up to 175 grams (6.2 ounces) with a leg span reaching 30 cm (12 inches), this terrestrial giant dominates the forest floors of northern South America.
What makes the Goliath fascinating isn’t just its size, it’s the way it defends itself. When threatened, it may hiss loudly (a sound known as stridulation) and launch thousands of itchy urticating hairs into the air, a clear warning to back off.
Interesting Facts About Goliath Birdeater Tarantula
- Despite its fearsome name, the Goliath Birdeater, doesn’t often prey on birds. Instead, it prefers more manageable prey like frogs, insects, and small mammals. The moniker comes from an 18th-century engraving showing a different tarantula eating a hummingbird.
- It can live up to 25 years, making it one of the longest-lived spiders.
- Produces a distinctive hissing sound by rubbing its legs together, audible from 15 feet away.
- Its fangs can reach up to 4 cm (1.5 inches) in length.
Omothymus Spider vs Goliath Birdeater: The Full Comparison
| Characteristic | Omothymus Spider | Goliath Birdeater |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Omothymus schioedtei | Theraphosa blondi |
| Common Names | Malaysian Earth Tiger, Earth Tiger Tarantula | Goliath Birdeater, Goliath Bird-eating Spider |
| Geographic Distribution | Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia | Northern South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana) |
| Body Length | Up to 3 cm carapace length | Up to 13 cm (5.1 inches) |
| Leg Span | Up to 22 cm (8.7 inches) | Up to 30 cm (12 inches) |
| Weight (Maximum) | Unknown (significantly lighter) | Up to 175g (6.2 oz) |
| Habitat Type | Tropical rainforest, arboreal | Tropical rainforest, terrestrial |
| Lifestyle | Tree-dwelling | Ground-dwelling, burrowing |
| Coloration | Males: olive green with yellow striping; Females: dark black with striping | Light brown to dark brown with golden hues |
| Sexual Dimorphism | High – males turn green, females remain dark | Moderate – females larger and longer-lived |
| Lifespan (Female) | 15-20 years (estimated) | 15-25 years |
| Lifespan (Male) | 3-5 years (estimated) | 3-6 years |
| Primary Diet | Insects, arthropods, small vertebrates | Insects, worms, amphibians, small mammals, rarely birds |
| Hunting Method | Ambush predator from tree retreats | Ground hunting, opportunistic predator |
| Web Building | Silk-lined retreats in trees | Silk-lined burrows |
| Defense Mechanisms | Speed, urticating hairs, defensive posturing | Stridulation (hissing), urticating hairs, large fangs |
| Venom Toxicity | Mild (similar to bee sting) | Mild (comparable to wasp sting) |
| Aggression Level | Defensive, fast-moving when threatened | Generally docile, defensive when threatened |
| Temperature Requirements | 23-25°C (73-77°F) | 26-32°C (79-90°F) |
| Humidity Requirements | 75-80% | 80-90% |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
| Captive Breeding | Challenging | Common in captivity |
| Experience Level Required | Intermediate to Advanced | Intermediate |
Key Differences and Similarities
Major Differences Between Omothymus Spider vs Goliath Birdeater
Habitat Preferences: The most significant difference lies in their ecological niches. Omothymus spiders are arboreal specialists, spending their adult lives high in the rainforest canopy, while Goliath Birdeaters are confirmed terrestrial species, creating silk-lined burrows in the forest floor
Size and Mass: While both are impressively large, the Goliath Birdeater takes the crown for overall size and mass. It’s significantly heavier and has a larger leg span, making it the undisputed heavyweight champion of the spider world.
Geographic Distribution: These giants occupy completely different continents. Omothymus species are found exclusively in Southeast Asia, while Goliath Birdeaters inhabit the northern regions of South America.
Sexual Dimorphism: Omothymus spiders exhibit more dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males developing striking green coloration while females remain dark, compared to the Goliath’s more subtle size-based differences.
Similarities Between Omothymus Spider vs Goliath Birdeater
Defensive Strategies: Both species employ urticating hairs as a primary defense mechanism, launching clouds of irritating bristles when threatened.
Venom Potency: Neither species poses a significant threat to humans, with both having venom comparable to common stinging insects.
Longevity: Both species demonstrate impressive lifespans for arachnids, with females living 15-25 years.
Nocturnal Behavior: Both are primarily nocturnal hunters, becoming active as darkness falls.
Conclusion
The Omothymus Spider and Goliath Birdeater are two of the largest and most fascinating spiders in the world, each dominating their unique rainforest habitats. While the Goliath Birdeater is the biggest spider by mass and leg span, the Omothymus stands out as one of the largest arboreal species. Both spiders have mild venom, impressive size, and distinct adaptations, making them popular among arachnid enthusiasts.
Whether you’re interested in the Omothymus Spider’s striking coloration or the massive Goliath Birdeater, both are extraordinary examples of spider evolution. Their comparison highlights the diversity and wonder of giant spiders for curious minds exploring “Omothymus Spider vs Goliath Birdeater.”