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Tarantulas

There are approximately 900 different species of tarantulas found throughout the world. These spiders or arachnids often hairy and very large (up to 32cm) but several species do not grow very large and are known as dwarf tarantulas (2.5 to 7cm). Some tarantulas live and hunt in trees while others live and hunt on the ground in burrows or under shelters.   Most arboreal or tree living tarantulas have slightly stronger venoms (such as the ornamentals) and are less likely to sustain damage from falling and they tend to move faster. The terrestrial or ground dwelling tarantulas normally have heavier bodies which may tear if they are dropped. 

All tarantulas can produce silk. The silk can be used to construct elaborate tunnel networks for protection or to strengthen burrows or bind other material to create nests from wood, bark leaves etc.   Most tarantulas are ambush predators that feed mainly on insects while larger tarantulas have been known to also feed on lizards, mice, birds and small snakes.

Depending on the species and sex most tarantulas can live 5 to 28 years with the males normally living around 5 years and the females much longer. We find that males tend to grow faster and for this reason many people first choose males when they get spiders from a pet shop or breeder

Defence

Most tarantulas are harmless to humans but all tarantulas have venom. Although the venom of most tarantulas is not very strong some people may have an allergic reaction to the venom similar to bee stings. The most potent venom is that of a feather leg baboon spider and Togo starburst which can produce severe discomfort and pain over several days.  In addition to venom many species of tarantula have urticating stinging hairs. These are hairs are often released when the spider rubs its legs against its abdomen creating a little “dust cloud”. When these hairs come in contact with human skin it can produce an allergic reaction and severe itching. If these hairs enter the eyes or respiratory system it can lead to temporary medical problems. Bear this in mind when you clean the enclosure as well as people tend to forget about this and start itching when cleaning the enclosures.

Housing

Arboreal tarantulas need more height in their enclosures than floor space while terrestrial tarantulas need more floor space and often deeper substrate such as palm peat to allow them to burrow. Some species like to hide such as cobalt blues while other species openly roam the enclosure without attempting to conceal themselves.  Spiders that come from tropical regions may require higher humidity while most tarantulas prefer warmer regions.

Tarantulas as pets

Tarantulas species can be compare to dogs. Some dog species are calm and docile while others may be naturally more aggressive. Similarly you will find that certain tarantula species are really calm and docile by nature but you will find and individual that may react differently. A second illustration we often use is that most tarantulas are like pet goldfish. You do not remove them from the water, handle them for a while and then return them to their bowl or tank. You feed them, watch them and appreciate them without handling them. As stated previously some tarantulas love to hide and are not often seen and another consideration is to make is to keep in mind that some spiders may grow large but some remain quite small. Some other factors to keep in mind is arboreal or terrestrial (size and height of enclosure), male or female, temperature, humidity, feeding, heating, spider defences and cost.

Which one is for me?

A good starting tarantula would be a Curly hair tarantula, a Chaco golden knee or Chilean rose tarantula as they are easy to keep, easy to maintain and do not have urticating hairs and they are fairly inexpensive. They are calm and docile by nature and can be handled. The pinktoe  is regarded as the best arboreal tarantula to keep but remember they are quite agile making handling more difficult.

If you want a nice display tarantula I’d suggest a white knee, brazilian red and white, mexican red rump, costa rican zebra,orange banded,  brazilian fire red, scarlet bird eater, salmon pink, or fire leg or the ornamentals. A mexican red knee or Brazilian black are also good choices but remember they grow slowly. Violet tree spiders, suntigers, cobalt blue, blondes and the green bottle blue are some of the most colourful tarantulas but many people are disappointed as they often hide and you do not see them. They either burrow or they have elaborate webs covering the whole enclosure.

Tiger rumps, Trinidad olives  and bolivian tarantulas have nice patterns but some people are disappointed as they do not grow as large as the other tarantulas.

This all refers back to personal preference, purpose and obtaining the correct information before acquiring a tarantula.