Tarantulas are fascinating creatures that belong to the family Theraphosidae within the class of arachnids. With over 800 species of tarantulas spread across various genera, these hairy eight-legged critters can be found in many different habitats around the world.
As a tarantula enthusiast, you might be curious to know where these intriguing arachnids reside. Generally, tarantulas inhabit regions with warm climates, such as deserts, rainforests, and savannas. They often make their homes in burrows, either using their silk to line the walls or residing in natural crevices in trees and foliage.
Different species of tarantulas have diverse living preferences, which makes studying them all the more exciting. As you delve deeper into the world of these magnificent arachnids, you will uncover a wealth of knowledge about their unique habitats, behaviors, and characteristics.
Habitats of Tarantulas
Desert Dwellers
Tarantulas can be found in various habitats, but one common home for them is deserts. In the United States, these spiders are mostly found in the arid regions of the Southwest. Here, they burrow into the soil, sand, or under rocks to protect themselves from extreme temperatures and predators. An example of a desert-dwelling tarantula is the Texas brown tarantula, which is commonly found in the American Southwest, including Texas.
Desert tarantulas prefer environments that offer:
- Dry, sandy or rocky terrain
- Fewer trees and vegetation
- Adequate places to burrow
Rainforest Residents
In contrast to their desert-dwelling cousins, some tarantulas make their homes in the lush rainforests of South America. These spiders, such as the pink-toed tarantula, prefer the high humidity and dense vegetation found in tropical areas. They tend to build their nests in trees, taking advantage of the abundant foliage and prey.
Rainforest tarantulas enjoy habitats with:
- High humidity and moisture
- Abundant vegetation
- Plenty of trees for nesting
Subtropical Settlers
Subtropical regions, like parts of Europe and Australia, also host tarantula populations. These environments offer a mix of mild temperatures and varied terrain, which allows these spiders to build their homes in soil, under rocks, or within logs. One example of a subtropical tarantula is the Australian funnel-web tarantula, found along the eastern coast of Australia.
Subtropical tarantulas favor areas with:
- Mild, temperate climates
- Varied terrain (rocks, soil, and vegetation)
- Availability of suitable hiding spots
In summary, tarantulas can be found in a range of habitats, from the deserts of the American Southwest to the tropical rainforests of South America and the subtropical climates of Europe and Australia. Their preferred homes depend on the climate, terrain, and availability of food and shelter.
Physical Characteristics
Strange Shapes and Sizes
Tarantulas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some species have a leg span of only a few inches, while others like the Goliath Birdeater can grow over a foot in length. Their weight varies too – from a few grams up to around 100 grams for the large ones.
These spiders have an interesting anatomy: a fused head and thorax called the cephalothorax, an abdomen, and eight hairy legs. Their pedipalps, which look like a pair of short legs near the front, act as sensory organs and help with catching prey.
Colorful Creatures
Tarantulas exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, making them visually appealing creatures. Some are brown or black, while others flaunt vibrant colors like blue, orange, or green. The tarantula’s abdomen may have contrasting hues or markings that further enhance their appearance.
One well-known aspect of tarantulas is their fangs. These massive, needle-like structures enable them to inject venom into their prey. Despite their fearsome look, tarantula bites are generally not life-threatening to humans.
Examples of Tarantula Species and Their Traits
| Species | Color | Leg Span | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goliath Birdeater | Brown | Over 1 foot | The world’s heaviest tarantula |
| Mexican Redknee | Black / Orange | 5-6 inches | Black legs with orange-red joints |
| Greenbottle Blue | Blue / Green | 4.5-6 inches | Green-blue carapace, blue legs, orange body |
Overall, tarantulas are fascinating creatures with a diverse array of physical characteristics that can be found in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Understanding their unique features and appearances helps paint a more complete picture of these intriguing arachnids.
Behaviorial Traits
Daily Life of Tarantulas
Tarantulas are nocturnal creatures, which means they are active during the night and rest during the day. They typically prefer a solitary life, staying close to their burrows and avoiding any unnecessary contact with other animals1. As for their hunting behavior, tarantulas are known for their patience and ambush techniques. Rather than spinning webs to catch prey, they rely on their powerful fangs and venom to subdue their victims1.
Mating and Reproduction
In the world of tarantulas, there’s a noticeable difference between the lifespan of a male and a female2. Males live for about 7 to 8 years, while females can live up to 20 to 25 years2. During mating season, which usually occurs in October, males embark on a dangerous journey to find a receptive female2.
Here’s a brief comparison between male and female tarantulas during mating season:
| Traits | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 7-8 years | 20-25 years |
| Mating | Actively searches for a mate | Waits in her burrow for a mate |
| Role in reproduction | Delivers semen to female | Stores semen, fertilizes eggs, and protects the eggsack |
Once a male tarantula locates a female, he must carefully approach her, signaling his intentions through a complex series of vibrations and movements2. If the female is receptive, they’ll mate and the male will deposit his semen2. The female then stores the semen until she’s ready to fertilize her eggs2. When the time comes, she creates a silken eggsack to protect her offspring from predators1.
Diet and Predators
Predator or Prey?
Tarantulas are both predators and prey to other animals. They primarily feed on insects such as crickets and grasshoppers, but they have also been known to eat small mammals, birds, and frogs in the wild. On the other hand, tarantulas face several predators in their natural environment. Some of the more common predators include larger lizards, snakes, and birds. However, their fiercest enemy is the tarantula hawk, a large species of wasp that specializes in hunting tarantulas.
Unusual Meals
Occasionally, tarantulas may consume other spiders in their diet, including other tarantulas. They have also been known to eat centipedes and roaches. A tarantula’s diet, however, can vary depending on its habitat and the availability of potential prey.
Here is a comparison table of tarantulas’ diet and predators:
| Item | Prey | Predator |
|---|---|---|
| Insects | Yes | No |
| Small mammals | Yes | No |
| Birds | Yes | Yes |
| Frogs | Yes | No |
| Lizards | No | Yes |
| Snakes | No | Yes |
| Spiders | Yes | No |
| Roaches | Yes | No |
| Centipedes | Yes | No |
| Tarantula hawk (wasp) | No | Yes |
In summary, tarantulas are opportunistic eaters with a varied diet, while also being preyed upon by different types of animals, especially the tarantula hawk.
Tarantulas as Pets
Housing a Tarantula
Tarantulas are becoming a popular pet due to their unique appearance and interesting behavior. To house your tarantula, you’ll need a suitable terrarium. Depending on the type of tarantula, there are different requirements:
- For a ground-dwelling species, a horizontal terrarium is ideal.
- Arboreal species prefer vertical terrariums with branches to climb.
Young tarantulas typically require smaller enclosures, making it easier for them to find food. Additionally, your terrarium should have proper substrate, hide, and temperature control, ensuring the comfort and safety of your pet.
Health and Safety Concerns
When keeping a tarantula, it’s essential to consider their health and well-being. Be aware of the following concerns:
- Feeding: Tarantulas eat insects or larger prey (e.g., Goliath bird-eating tarantula). Feed adults every 2-3 weeks and juveniles more frequently.
- Molting: Tarantulas shed their exoskeleton periodically. Avoid handling your tarantula during this time, as they are more fragile.
- Pet trade impact: Ensure you purchase your tarantula from a reputable breeder to discourage illegal or unethical pet trade practices.
Here are some precautions to be mindful of for your safety:
- Always wash your hands after handling your tarantula or cleaning its enclosure.
- Use caution when opening the terrarium, as tarantulas can be fast and may escape.
Remember, the key to a happy and healthy tarantula is regular care and maintenance. By being attentive to your pet’s needs, you can enjoy the fascinating world of tarantula ownership.
Dangerous or Misunderstood
Venomous Bites
Tarantulas are often seen as dangerous creatures due to their venomous bites. However, you should know that their bites are usually not harmful to humans. In most cases, a tarantula bite can be compared to a bee sting in terms of pain and severity. Symptoms may include mild pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site.
Some tarantula species possess stronger venom, but even in those cases, the effects are usually manageable. However, individuals who are allergic to bee stings may experience more severe reactions to tarantula bites.
Potential Risks
While tarantula bites are generally not a significant threat to humans, there are other potential risks associated with handling or being near these spiders. Some tarantulas can be aggressive when they feel threatened, which may lead to a higher likelihood of being bitten. To reduce this risk, it’s essential to handle tarantulas gently and with care.
In addition, tarantulas possess urticating hairs on their abdomen, which they can flick at predators or perceived threats. If these hairs come into contact with your skin or eyes, they can cause irritation and itching, which may lead to more severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
In summary, tarantulas are often misunderstood creatures that are not as dangerous as they are perceived to be. Their venomous bites are usually manageable, and the potential risks can be minimized by handling them with care and taking precautions to avoid contact with their urticating hairs.
Additional Facts
Molting Mysteries
Tarantulas go through a process called molting, shedding their exoskeleton to grow. During this time, they are vulnerable to predators and environmental factors, so they usually stay hidden in their burrows. Molting also allows them to replace damaged limbs and regenerate lost ones.
Unusual Occurrences
Tarantulas are fascinating creatures with some interesting behaviors and features:
- Silk Production: Unlike web-spinning spiders, tarantulas use silk to line their burrows and create a cocoon for their eggs.
- Uricating Hairs: When threatened, a tarantula defends itself by flicking tiny urticating hairs at its enemies, causing irritation and deterring predators.
- Geographic Distribution: Tarantulas can be found in a variety of climates and continents, including North and South America, Africa, Asia, and parts of southern Europe. For example, the Arkansas chocolate tarantula can be found in the U.S., while the Mexican red-knee tarantula is native to Mexico.
- Arboreal Species: Some tarantulas, like those found in parts of Asia, are arboreal, meaning they live in trees rather than burrows.
Here’s a comparison table of some tarantula species:
| Species | Native Region | Habitat | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Chocolate Tarantula | United States | Ground | Dark Brown |
| Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula | Mexico | Ground | Red and Black |
| Ornamental Tarantula | India and Sri Lanka | Arboreal | Blue and White |
As you can see, tarantulas are diverse creatures with a wide range of habitats, colors, and behaviors. Keep in mind though, that these extraordinary spiders are often misunderstood, so it’s essential to learn more about them to appreciate their importance in our ecosystems.
Footnotes
25 Comments. Leave new
I am not an expert, but I do believe that this tarantula is actually the Costa Rican Zebra tarantula (Aphonopelma seemani). Will burrow in captivity. 6″ or more of substrate should be provided. Skittish / nervous and not recommend for handling. Does well with higher humidity. Mating is a bit difficult in captivity, as the females are not always receptive and males are typically very nervous/skittish. (Information found on http://www.beccastarantulas.com/index.html )
I am not an expert, but I do believe that this tarantula is actually the Costa Rican Zebra tarantula (Aphonopelma seemani). Will burrow in captivity. 6″ or more of substrate should be provided. Skittish / nervous and not recommend for handling. Does well with higher humidity. Mating is a bit difficult in captivity, as the females are not always receptive and males are typically very nervous/skittish. (Information found on http://www.beccastarantulas.com/index.html )
Hi Daniel, I think you have some real tarantula experts in your readership now, but my totally amateur guess (please folks correct me if I am wrong) is a male Acanthoscurria geniculata. Although its knees are only a little bit white, it does look rather like the individual shown here: http://www.swiftinverts.com/species/Agen1m.jpg
Best wishes to you, Susan J. Hewitt
I am going to include a link this time to a photo of a male CR Zebra, because well I forgot to last night. Apologies for this. Okay so here is the beautiful little guy that I was referring to http://www.swiftinverts.com/species/Asm1.jpg . I am going to ask if the original poster could, to try and take some more close up shots of the legs, and the hair on the body (please be cautious, whether he is friendly or not, tarantulas are still wild creatures and can be hostile at times) so as to assist in further identifying this little guy. Alright, I must be off to work… I just can’t get enough of this site. Take care all, and I will check back later to see if anyone else has any ideas….
Tina
Normally the white knees are very distinctive on A. geniculata; I have a bunch of them, but never raised any to maturity. But- judging by the size of the abdomen, it’s male- which means it’s probably at its final moult, meaning it will die soon (within a few months). It may not even feed. Some Ts have hooks on the inside of the front legs- used to capture the female’s legs as they mate, and she pretty much tries to kill him. Not all Ts have these, but if there are such hooks present, then he’s definitely a male, and it’s definitely his final moult.
The males go wandering once they mature, trying to find females (which live much longer lives- frequently in burrows). You may wish to let him go with this in mind, or find someone with a female.
The Asian and African Ts are the arboreal ones (hanging out in trees) for the most part. Ts from the Americas are terrestrial, and a fall from a substantial height- sometimes even a foot or less- is often fatal, particularly for large females with their big abdomens.
Good luck!
i too found a lovely spider which matches this description. it was very photogenic, here stood next to a 2 euro coin before coaxed it out of the room. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2188203057090&set=a.2188194776883.2116452.1007479227&type=1&theater
This species has the common name of Costa Rica Tiger Rump and is currently going through clarification on the species.
Its very likely to be Cyclosternum fasciatum as this is a natural species but a similar species, Cyclosternum pentalore, can be found in Guatemala.
Neither grow to much more than 5-6″ and lifespan is expected to be around 12 years.
Their venom, as is the case with all terrestrial New World tarantula, is mild but they do posses urticating hairs.
Thanks for your research
Aphonopelma is always a good bet from this region. This might be A. iodious, I’d need more photos, specifically of its carapace to identify properly
Thanks for all of your Tarantula comments. They are most helpful.
I have lived in Baja Ca, Sur for forty five years. To show of I used to pick up our black Turantulas and shopw everyone they are harmless to humans. On day I found the kids pusing one around under their ping pong table . I told them that wasn’t the rigt ting to do and I bent down and picked up the spider from his backside. The spider imidiatle embed it’s fangs into mmpal near a finger . I thought nothing of it and walked outside the gsrsge and tried to flip the ppyder off from my hand . It hung on I had to really snap my wrist to get rid of it. The was blood rujnning out of one puncture and a cleasr liquid on my hand near the wound. A few hours later my muscles started cramping when ever they were bent. That night I had to have someone stay with me to straighten my arms legs, fingers and every thing else out I couldn’t release a coffee cup. This lasted over a month but dimished a little each day , I even had prlonged orgasms. When I told my story to some spyder expert and asked why alll my life I’ve read Turtantula poison doesnt affect humans. I was told, “OH we do not know anything about Bajas Turtrantulas”. I think a good bight like I got could stop a heart. This person I taked to seemed seemed disinterested. Thanks Jimmie Jeffries.
Hi Jimmie,
Thank you for commenting regarding your firsthand experience with Baja Tarantulas.
damn, these spiders look nasty…
Tarantulas are not pets. Leave them where they belong. Period.
Good day ,I’m from South Africa and we only have the baboon spider,and that’s only one my spider colection are growing and scorpions so hope we can export more or trade
We are not a conduit for the trade in exotic Arthropods.
Thank you for the information. The tarantula is making a good recovery! We gave him (I decided he’s a male) water, which he drank; then, three little crickets – of which he has eaten one. I just checked on him and he has buried himself under a combination of small wood chip/mulch and gossamer! So, I think he is recuperating well.
We suspect you are most likely going to nurse him back to health and release him back into the wild. Daniel is hoping to be able to stop by for a peek before that happens. Knowing what a good caretaker of the environment you are, we don’t think there is much chance you are keeping him with that exotic female Tarantula that you have cared for so many years. We shudder to think how that roommate situation would end.
Whoa is that a wild Heteroscodra maculata?
No they are in west Africa, but there is a superficial resemblance
I found a tarantula like that, I’m also from South Africa
Just to avoid confusion, in Brazil it is said to be wrong to call Theraphosidae a “tarantula”, because it is more appropriate to Lycosa species (although it is now common because of the internet). It is considered an “English mistake”. Common name for Therasphosidae in Brazil is “caranguejeira”.
Thanks so much for that information Cesar. We doubt we will be able to convince English speakers to give up the familiar name in lieu of the rather musical Brazilian name you provided, but then again, Tarantula is also quite musical sounding.
In the early 1960’s I lived in Puerto Rico above Arecibo near Lago dos Bocas. We had plenty of tarantulas around. But they were very gentle and we let them crawl on us (at least I did). In a storeroom I have a picture of one on my face.
Living in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, and I just got a great pic and can deo if a Tarantula here! Beautiful! He was walking thru the yard of redwood and pine tree chips.