Tarantulas

Tarantulas are a unique type of exotic pet and have become increasingly popular in recent years. Tarantulas belong to a group of very large, hairy spiders known as Theraphosidae. Approximately 900 species of tarantula have been identified which are either aboreal or terrestrial. The arboreal tarantula species live and hunt prey in the tree tops and forest canopies, while the terrestrial species often live and hunt close to the ground and building a burrow in which live.

Tarantulas are native to many different areas and climates, ranging from arid to subtropical to tropical environments, with different species being adapted to these different conditions. Tarantulas mainly eat insects and other arthropods which they catch using ambush techniques.

Although venomous, most tarantula venom is not fatal to humans, it will usually have an effect on the location of the bite similar to that of a wasp sting, however some people also suffer adverse reactions to the different proteins injected along with the venom. New world tarantulas (those from North and South America) are also equipped with another defence mechanism known as urticating hairs. These are special hairs on the tarantulas’ abdomen which can be flicked off to irritate sensitive areas of the animal posing a threat.

Chilean Rose Tarantula

Grammostola rosea