Tarantulas

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Theraphosidae: //ˌθɛrəˈfɒsɪdiː//

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Summary

Tarantulas, belonging to the family Theraphosidae, are large, hairy spiders found primarily in the New World, renowned for their distinct appearance and unique defense mechanisms such as urticating hairs. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems as predators and are notable in cultural contexts for their use in exotic pet trades and consumption.

Physical Characteristics

Tarantulas are large, often hairy spiders with body lengths ranging from 5 to 11 cm (2 to 4+1/2 in) and leg spans of 8–30 cm (3–12 in). The largest species, such as the goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), can weigh up to 170 g (6 oz) and achieve a leg span of 30 cm (12 in). They feature downturned fangs that can reach a maximum size of 4 cm (1+1/2 in) and have urticating hairs that can irritate skin and mucous membranes.

Identification Tips

Tarantulas can be identified by their large size, distinct downturned fangs, and the presence of urticating hairs, although some genera may lack these hairs. They usually do not use webs for hunting but rather as building material. Their segmented body structure includes a prosoma (cephalothorax) and opisthosoma (abdomen).

Habitat

Tarantulas inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, grasslands, rainforests, deserts, scrublands, mountains, and cloud forests. They are primarily terrestrial and often live in burrows they excavate in the ground.

Distribution

Tarantulas are found in the southwestern and central United States, particularly in states such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. They also inhabit regions throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America, along with parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some species are found in parts of Europe.

Diet

Tarantulas primarily consume large insects, other arthropods such as centipedes and millipedes, and in some cases, small vertebrates like lizards, mice, and birds. They employ ambush tactics for hunting.

Life Cycle

Tarantulas undergo periodic molting, with young specimens molting several times a year. Maturity is achieved between 2 to 10 years, with males living a shorter lifespan than females, which can live for up to 40 years.

Reproduction

After reaching sexual maturity, females mate and lay eggs once per year, depositing 50 to 2,000 eggs in a silken egg sac. Females guard the egg sac until they hatch, which occurs in approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

Predators

Tarantulas are preyed upon by various predators including wasps (such as tarantula hawks), scorpions, large centipedes, birds, and mammals like coatis and mongooses. They also face predation from humans, who consume them in certain cultures.

Ecosystem Role

Tarantulas play a significant role as predators in their ecosystems, helping to control the populations of insects and other arthropods.

Economic Impact

Tarantulas are increasingly popular in the exotic pet trade. Some species are harvested for consumption in certain cultures.

Cultural Significance

Tarantulas have cultural significance in various regions, where they may be consumed as delicacies, particularly in countries like Venezuela and Cambodia.

Health Concerns

While tarantula bites are generally not deadly, they can cause pain and discomfort; some species possess venom with potentially severe allergic reactions. Their urticating hairs can irritate skin and mucous membranes, particularly if inhaled.

Collecting Methods

• Active searching in appropriate habitats
• Setting up pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

• Drying specimens
• Ethanol preservation
• Museum specimen preparation

Similar Taxa

• True spiders (Araneomorphae)
• Trapdoor spiders
• Funnel-web spiders
• Purseweb spiders
• Huntsman spiders

Misconceptions

Tarantulas are often confused with medically significant spiders such as the Brazilian wandering spider and funnel-web spiders, which are not closely related to tarantulas but share a common infraorder. The term "tarantula" is also frequently misused for various other large, non-tarantula spiders.

Tags

• Tarantula
• Theraphosidae
• Arachnology
• Biodiversity
• Wildlife