Tarantula
Theraphosidae
Quick answer
Tarantulas are a family of large, hairy spiders found across the warmer parts of the world, with around 1,000 species. Despite their fearsome look, most are not dangerous to humans, with venom milder than a bee sting. The biggest, the Goliath birdeater, can span 30 cm (12 in) across the legs. Females are long-lived, with some surviving 20 to 30 years.
Tarantula facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Theraphosidae (family) |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Deserts, rainforests, and grasslands |
| Lifespan | Females up to 20–30 years |
| Leg span | Up to 30 cm (12 in) in the largest |
| Top speed | Slow; short quick dashes |
| Conservation status | Varies by species (most Least Concern) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Arachnida |
| Order | Araneae |
| Family | Theraphosidae |
Where it lives
Warm regions worldwide, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia, with the greatest diversity in South America.
Big, hairy, and mostly harmless
Tarantulas are among the largest spiders, but their reputation is far scarier than the reality. Almost all species have venom no more harmful to a healthy person than a bee sting, and they bite only in self-defense. They are ambush predators that pounce on insects, and larger species may take small lizards or rodents.
Urticating hairs
Many New World tarantulas have a clever defense: they flick irritating barbed hairs from their abdomen at attackers using their back legs. These 'urticating' hairs cause itching and irritation to the eyes and skin of would-be predators, buying the spider time to escape.
Molting and growth
Like all spiders, tarantulas grow by molting, shedding their entire exoskeleton to reveal a larger new one underneath. During a molt they are soft and vulnerable, and they can even regrow lost legs over successive molts. The process leaves behind an eerily lifelike empty 'spider' shell.
Long lives and the pet trade
Female tarantulas are remarkably long-lived for invertebrates, with some species reaching 20 to 30 years, while males live only a few years. Their docile nature and longevity have made several species popular exotic pets, though wild collection and habitat loss threaten some species.
Frequently asked questions about the Tarantula
Are tarantulas dangerous to humans?
For almost all species, no. A tarantula bite is roughly comparable to a bee sting for a healthy person, and tarantulas bite only when threatened. Their irritating defensive hairs are usually more of a nuisance than the venom.
How big can tarantulas get?
The largest tarantula, the Goliath birdeater of South America, can have a leg span of up to about 30 cm (12 in) and weigh over 150 g, making it the biggest spider by mass.
What do tarantulas eat?
Tarantulas are carnivores that mainly eat insects such as crickets and beetles. Larger species occasionally catch small lizards, frogs, or rodents, ambushing prey rather than spinning webs to trap it.
How long do tarantulas live?
Female tarantulas can live 20 to 30 years depending on the species, while males usually live only a few years and often die not long after maturing.
Why do tarantulas flick their hairs?
Many tarantulas defend themselves by flicking barbed urticating hairs from their abdomen at predators. The hairs irritate skin, eyes, and noses, deterring attackers without the spider needing to bite.
