bird spider
noun
variants
or bird-eating spider
or birdeater
plural bird spiders or bird-eating spiders or birdeaters
: any of various tarantulas (see tarantula sense 1) that are reputed to sometimes prey on small birds
Hairy South American bird spiders, which stalk lizards and small birds, grow as big as dinner plates, spanning 10 inches from toe to bristly toe.—
Richard and Joyce Wolkomir
Richard and Joyce WolkomirWhen attacked themselves, bird-eating spiders rise on to their four hind legs and bare their fangs at the intruder. Normally, though, they are calm and docile animals and will rarely attack or bite anything other than potential food.—Mark Carwardine
see also goliath bird spider
Mark CarwardineDictionary Entries Near bird spider
Cite this Entry
“Bird spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20spider. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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