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.
Key takeaway
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.
Overview
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.
Biology
Tarantula (Theraphosidae) is classified as Invertebrate with conservation status Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.085 kg; lifespan around Females up to 20–30 years.
Ecology
Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: Deserts, rainforests, and grasslands. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Tarantula profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
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.
Research notes
Figures for tarantulas (Theraphosidae) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter tarantulas in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Tarantula: Key Facts & Natural History?
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.
What is the scientific name of the tarantula?
Theraphosidae
What do tarantulas eat?
Carnivore
Where do tarantulas live?
Deserts, rainforests, and grasslands
Are tarantulas endangered?
Listed here as Least Concern. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.