We can’t think of a better time than Earth Day (though we celebrate Mother Nature every day here at Butterfly Wonderland!) to unveil our new bee exhibit in the Conservatory as well as the new in habitants of our Arthropod Room!
Now that we’ve explained what arthropods are, we want to introduce you to our very own arthropods! The new occupants in our live exhibits include the Asian Forest Scorpion, Leaf Frogs, Black Widow Spiders, Bark Scorpions and — ta da! — the Goliath Birdeater Spider! Scientifically known as Theraphosa blondi and part of the tarantula family, the Goliath Birdeater Spider is native to South America and eats a diet including invertebrates, small reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and occasionally — you guessed it! — small birds. The largest species of spider on Earth, these female tarantulas can grow up to 12 inches in length and weigh about six ounces at full size! When mature, their fangs measure 1.5 inches long and the female Goliath can live up to 25 years, while the male’s life span is only about six years.
We can’t wait to show off our new inhabitants! Come for our butterflies and stay for the bees and arthropods!
