Tarantula

Overview

Tarantulas are the largest spiders on Earth, and also among the most peaceable. They're slow-moving ambush predators adapted for life in burrows and tree hollows — not for hunting humans. The fear they inspire is almost entirely a product of their size. Their actual behavior, venom potency, and temperament tell a very different story.

Fascinating facts

• 1

  Most tarantula species have venom roughly equivalent to a bee sting — enough to immobilize a cricket, not dangerous to a healthy adult. Even the most potent species cause pain and cramping, not fatality.

• 2

  New World tarantulas have a second defense: urticating hairs on the abdomen they flick at threats with their back legs. These cause intense skin and eye irritation — often more uncomfortable than a bite.

• 3

  Female tarantulas of some species live 20–30 years — longer than many dogs — while males often die within months of reaching sexual maturity.

• 4

  Tarantulas don't eat solid food — they liquefy prey with digestive enzymes injected through the bite, then drink the dissolved material.

• 5

  Tarantulas give extensive warning before biting: rearing up, exposing fangs, releasing urticating hairs. A bite is a last resort after all other options are exhausted.

Myth vs. Reality