The tarantula spider is a large arthropod that is increasingly being kept at home by exotic lovers. A pressing question arises: why is the spider called that? The tarantula got its name at the end of the 18th century, when a team of scientists discovered a large spider in the tropical forests of Venezuela that ate hummingbirds.
Then, impressed by what happened, Maria Merian, a member of the expedition, depicted this situation on paper. Soon the sketch appeared on the pages of newspapers, the animals gained popularity and an appropriate name.
Description and features
Let's look at what an unusual tarantula spider looks like. It is distinguished by long limbs covered with shaggy hairs and a rich color, the intensity of which increases after each molt. Most often the animals are gray or brown in color, but there are individuals of black and bright blue.
The body structure of the tarantula spider is represented by a cephalothorax and abdomen, connected by a small bridge. The chitin exoskeleton prevents mechanical damage and reduces moisture loss, which is especially important in arid regions. The cephalothorax is covered with a solid carapace, on the front of which there are 4 pairs of eyes.
The organs of the reproductive and digestive systems are located on the abdomen. Here you can see 2 – 6 pairs of spider appendages. Spiders have 12 limbs:
- 8 are paws;
- 2 – chelicerae, used for hunting, digging burrows, defense, and moving caught prey. They also contain poisonous glands;
- 2 – pedipalps, perform a tactile function.
Arthropods detect odors and sounds using sensitive hairs located on their paws.
The size of tarantulas varies depending on the species. Taking into account the legs, the animal’s body reaches 25–28 cm, with females noticeably larger than males. On average, the weight of spiders is 60–85 g; large species living in Venezuela and Brazil sometimes weigh up to 150 g or more. Thus, the mass of a male goliath tarantula is 170 g.
What does a tarantula spider eat?
Based on the name, it can be assumed that spiders exist solely by eating birds. In reality, these arthropods' digestive systems are unable to regularly digest poultry meat. Such cases do occur, but they are quite rare. The diet of adults consists mainly of insects, small arachnids, and sometimes their own relatives.
The tarantula feeds on the same thing as other predators - other animals. He goes hunting and ambushes his prey. For capture, traps made of cobwebs are pre-prepared.
Spiders' main diet consists of frogs, small rodents, birds, locusts, and crickets. Sometimes the tarantula manages to feast on fish or snakes, as well as smaller prey: flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, bloodworms.
Behavior in the wild
Arthropods hunt prey in trees, on the ground, and in burrows. They are capable of producing a protein-crystalline substance and weaving a web. But more often, predators lie in wait for the prey and attack it. They use cobwebs to strengthen burrows and nests and provide faster ascent and descent along it to their home.
Behavior can change throughout life. Larvae spend most of their time in burrows, while adults are busy searching for food and consuming it on the surface.
Tarantulas have natural enemies. Hawk wasps paralyze the arthropod and then drag it into their burrow. The insect lays eggs in the stomach of the victim and seals them. The hatched larvae feed on the remains of the spider. Representatives of mygalomorphs are attacked by predatory scolopendras, scorpions, and spiders of the genus Lycosidae.
Lifespan
It is important for people who decide to keep this animal at home to know how long tarantula spiders live in captivity. Females, regardless of conditions, can live up to 30 years. As for males, their life expectancy is much shorter. They usually stop molting after reaching reproductive age, in most cases they die in the same year or after mating.
When maintaining a home, it is important to choose an arthropod suitable nutrition system and optimal temperature. If fed infrequently, the spider will live longer. Cold causes the metabolism to slow down, so the birder's development will slow down.
Reproduction
In captivity, the reproduction of spiders is very difficult, so it is better for a beginner not to do this unless you are going to breed spiders for sale. The differences between males and females are obvious. Males are much brighter in color than females, males are much more mobile and smaller in size, and the male has very long limbs. Males reach puberty much earlier than females. The male becomes an adult at 1-1.5 years, while the female reaches sexual maturity at 2-3 years. However, under poor housing conditions, as well as a lack of food, maturation can take much longer.
Basically, mating occurs at night. The male will weave a special bag from the web to carry sperm. Before mating, the male will try to get out of the terrarium to find the female and will begin to behave more aggressively. In nature, a male can run up to several kilometers per night before mating. At this moment, the spider should already be settling into a large terrarium with plenty of soil and shelter.
This terrarium should be 2-3 times larger than usual. The amount of substrate at the bottom of such a terrarium should be much greater than usual. Next, you need to place one animal next to another and carefully observe so that a fight does not start.
There is an opinion that it is better to place a male with a female, but this is not always the case. When placing one animal with another, one must take into account the aggressiveness of the female; if she behaves aggressively, it is better to place her with a male. If you do the opposite, then the male in an unusual environment may become confused, and the matter will end in a fight and the death of the male. You also need to carefully monitor the animals; if they are not ready to mate, then one of them may attack the other, and this can lead to injury and death of one of the animals. You can tell from their behavior that both animals are ready for the process. The spiders will hit the ground with their paws; if this does not happen, you most likely need to wait a little longer. After mating, the male will instinctively try to quickly leave the female’s terrarium. It is best to help him do this as quickly as possible and resettle daddy in his habitat.
Types of tarantulas
The spider family includes many representatives, including 13 subfamilies with a large number of varieties. In total, scientists count about 143 species of tarantulas. All of them have characteristic features, but some varieties are distinguished by their original appearance, and therefore are worthy of a detailed description.
Goliath tarantula
This animal has become widely known due to its impressive size. Taking into account the legs, the body length reaches 28 cm. Until recently, the goliath was considered the largest spider on the planet. But at the very beginning of the 21st century, Heteropoda maxima was discovered - a species belonging to the same order, the body size is a couple of centimeters larger than that of the goliath.
The spider is brown in color, sometimes with light or red tints. Distributed in the swamps of South America. This is the largest representative of tarantulas, the weight of males reaches 170 g.
Black and white Brazilian tarantula spider
The animals are inferior in size to the goliath, body length is no more than 23 cm. Distinctive features are rapid growth and striking black and white color. The nature of the spider is aggressive and unpredictable. Often arthropods hide under the roots of trees or among stones, and from time to time they crawl out into the open.
Metallic (woody) tarantula
Distributed in the southern regions of India. Among its relatives, this representative does not stand out at all in size, since it grows only up to 21 cm. Its color is very interesting - the body and legs are bright blue with a metallic tint, as if decorated with fascinating patterns. The spider looks like some kind of fantastic creature that attracts attention with its extraordinary beauty.
Metallic tarantulas prefer to form small groups and settle among old rotten trees.
Brachypelma Smitha
Found in Mexico, South America and Australia. The size of spiders does not exceed 17 cm. The colors can be varied: dark brown or black with the addition of orange and red tones, sometimes there is a white or yellow border. The hair on the body turns light pink.
Smith's brachypelma are calm in nature and their venom is non-toxic. As they grow older, after molting, the color of the spiders changes.
Pink Chilean tarantula
This species of arthropod is considered one of the most attractive. It is not surprising that this is what arachnid lovers dream of having at home.
The size of the body together with the paws reaches 26 cm. The color contains various shades of brown: brown, chestnut, and in places there are pink hairs. A lot of light hairs grow on the paws and body.
The pink Chilean tarantula lives in the southwestern part of America, found in the Atacami Desert. When keeping at home, it is important to maintain a suitable temperature regime: during the day +25ºС, at night - at least +20ºС with an air humidity of 60%. Females can live 15–20 years. The nature of the animals is peaceful, calm, and friendly.
Nutrition
The Goliath tarantula spider owes its name to the German entomologist Maria Merian. While traveling through the countries of South America, she saw a picture of a huge spider eating a hummingbird. The information immediately hit the press, and that’s how the name was attached.
The main diet of the Goliath spider:
- insects;
- snakes;
- snakes;
- beetles;
- small birds, chicks;
- snakes;
- frogs;
- toads;
- rodents;
- small arachnids.
The predator does not build trapping nets, does not weave webs, and prefers active hunting. Moves around the area, stalks prey. At the right moment, it instantly attacks, bites with long fangs, injects poison and its own saliva. The first substance paralyzes the victim, the second liquefies the insides. The Goliath spider waits on the sidelines for some time; when the victim’s convulsions stop, he begins to eat.
Goliath spider feeding
Hunts in the dark, sits in a secluded place during the day. This behavior is associated with the presence of a large number of natural enemies - the cat and dog family. Defending itself from an attacker, the goliath tarantula turns its back to him and quickly sheds thin, spiky hairs containing poison. While the predator comes to its senses, the spider crawls away.
Interesting!
The arthropod is capable of regenerating a damaged limb. Initially, it discharges the residues, then directs liquid there, which over time turns into a solid formation. The process is long, but eventually a new leg is formed. Throughout her life, the female molts 5-7 times. In this way, she sheds parasites, increases in size, and renews her poisonous coat.
Habitat of tarantula spiders
Different species of animals are found in a variety of geographical areas and conditions. Some members of the family prefer arid regions or even deserts.
There are species of tarantulas that live in tropical equatorial forests with high humidity levels.
Tree spiders are found on the branches and crowns of trees and shrubs. There they weave a web and roll it into a tube, making a nest. Others settle exclusively on the ground, where they can also find a safe shelter.
Many species independently dig their own burrows that go deep into the soil. The entrance to the home is carefully covered with cobwebs. It is worth noting that only adult individuals settle at altitude; young animals lead a terrestrial lifestyle.
Tarantulas spend almost all their time in a well-equipped nest. They come out only to search for prey or mate. It is important to take this feature into account, since if kept at home it will not be possible to regularly monitor the animal.
A substrate is placed at the bottom of the terrarium; coconut bark is most often used. Its quantity should be enough to create a deep hole, which the tarantula will dig on its own. Snags or tree branches must be placed in the substrate. To create these conditions, you will need a vertical terrarium with a width twice the size of the spider.
The tarantula is fed at night, because that’s when it hunts. This way the owner will not disturb the natural biorhythms of the animal.
Overall Difference
To date, more than 40 thousand species of arachnids have been officially registered. From the smallest common house spiders to large exotic tarantulas.
All of them differ not only in appearance, size, but also in the type of life activity. So tarantulas can be divided into the following types:
- ground. These species lead their lives on the surface of the earth. Often such specimens become prey to porcupines, possums and other predators;
- woody. Spiders of these orders also live on the ground in their youth, but after reaching puberty they move to trees. Even despite the presence of highly toxic poison, these representatives of the flora can be attacked by many animals;
- burrows. Probably the most adaptable species. The life activity of such spiders allows them to dig a hole sufficiently deep, which protects them from the outside world. But even when this species goes hunting, it faces great danger.
Danger to humans
Tarantulas do not threaten the health and life of their owner. But when carrying out any activities to care for your pet, you must adhere to precautions. All species of spiders are poisonous to one degree or another. If we talk about non-poisonous species, then we mean a low degree of toxicity of the poison.
An animal bite leads to the death of small rodents. There have been recorded cases of domestic cats dying due to spiders. The bite is likely to be dangerous to the health of young children.
Females in the active stage of motherhood show increased aggression. But in other cases it is impossible to predict the reaction of an arthropod to any, even the most harmless, actions. That is why it is not recommended to touch them with your hands. Before purchasing a tarantula, you need to acquire a special terrarium, as well as long tweezers for carrying out all kinds of manipulations.
Whether the venom is toxic or not depends on the type of spider. For an adult, the danger of a tarantula bite will be equal to a wasp sting: a burning pain is felt and swelling appears. With increased sensitivity of the body to toxins, an increase in body temperature, fainting, muscle cramps, vomiting and even mental disorders are observed. When a tarantula bites through the skin, venom is not always injected; most often, so-called “dry” bites occur.
The danger comes from the hairs covering the legs and body of the arthropod. When under stress, the spider is able to quickly pull out fibers with its paws, trying to throw them to the enemy.
When hairs come into contact with human skin, they cause burns and allergic reactions. Contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes causes severe burning and itching that does not go away for several hours, and in some cases, days. Sometimes toxins lead to deterioration in the quality of vision for the rest of your life.
The tarantula spider really poses a danger to humans. If the potential owner of such a “pet” animal is not afraid of a health threat, the exotic appearance of the arthropod is not repulsive, but attracts, you can safely keep it at home. But at the same time, we must not forget about the rules of keeping a pet and safety precautions.
Tissue damage
One of the common causes of death of tarantulas is damage to body tissue. A whitish fluid (hemolymph) leaks out. Tissues can be injured as a result of a spider falling from a height, from a wall onto a stone or other hard surface.
As a result, the abdomen may rupture. Arachnids very often enter into a fight with large representatives of cockroaches, whose spiked legs can injure the tissues of the tarantula. Crickets can also cause damage through their bite.
If the damage is not severe, then you should monitor the animal’s condition for several hours to make sure that the hemolymph has not leaked out. If not, then it is best to leave the tarantula alone at least for a while.
If leakage is still noticeable, then the damaged area should be very carefully smeared with BF-6 or Vaseline. Vaseline helps keep the fluid from flowing out. The next step is to move the spider to a sterile space.
This will help reduce the risk of contracting an infectious disease. Under no circumstances should you smear wounds and open damaged areas with brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, iodine or potassium permanganate. The spider may suffer from poisoning.
Some breeders sprinkled the wound with regular wheat flour and wrapped it in a soft napkin. Thus, the wound gradually healed, and the spider did not experience pain or irritation.
Even if the bleeding was stopped, there is a high probability that the spider may die. Like the human body, the structure of the spider's body contains 70 percent liquid. During molting periods, spiders spend the greatest amount of water.
Increased moisture levels help soften the exoskeleton. Dehydration occurs when hemolymph leaks out. The spider's body may not be able to cope with the molting process.
Ticks
The reasons for the appearance and reproduction of ticks can be different: being kept in poor conditions, where there is no ventilation, insufficient humidity, garbage and leftover food. A large number of ticks bother and irritate the tarantula, preventing it from living.
The insect refuses to eat and becomes active only at night. Mites are able to penetrate not only the spider’s lungs, but also the mouth, thus increasing the risk of death. The infected spider must be moved to another container and the mites should be shaken off.
The soil and bedding must be changed immediately and everything should be washed thoroughly with hot water. The tarantula should be kept in another container with a dry cloth for some time.
Gorbatka
The humpback is a miniature black midge. In appearance, it slightly resembles a fruit fly, although it has a slimmer and smaller body. Unlike ticks, the humpback is not capable of causing significant damage to the tarantula, but is a carrier of dangerous diseases.
Its long-term presence in the spider causes a stress reaction. The insect stops eating and combs its fur more and more often. The greatest danger is caused by larvae.
They feed exclusively on flesh. Prevention is very similar to treatment methods for ticks. First, the midges must be eliminated, and then the aquarium must be completely disinfected.
Tarantulas caught in the wild most often suffer from infection by various types of parasites. Timely prevention can alleviate the suffering of the insect, but cannot completely rid it of parasitic midges.
Thus, experts recommend purchasing tarantulas bred in captivity.
Interesting Facts
The tarantula spider is a popular animal that attracts people with its large size and original appearance. There is a lot of interesting information about these amazing creatures:
- Spiders do not experience a sense of affection, so when kept at home, you should not think that the animal is attached to its owner and loves him.
- It is impossible to train a tarantula and also be completely sure of the absence of aggression on its part.
- Even the most calm and balanced individuals bite their own owners from time to time.
- Females are larger in size than males.
- Many females devour males after mating.
- Females live longer, up to 30 years, so they are more expensive.
- Females lay approximately 2,000 eggs, which are placed in a cocoon of spider webs and hatch after 1 to 3 months.
- The terrarium with the spider should always be closed with a tight lid. If there are children at home, it is necessary to use a lock, this will protect the child from an accident.
- Spiders are representatives of a separate class, so it is not entirely correct to classify them as insects.
- Tarantulas are the largest spiders in the world.
- Animals use an original method of protection from enemies - blinding by a stream of feces.
- Arthropods are capable of not eating food for more than 2 years.
- Some species are excellent swimmers and divers;
- To treat the fear of spiders (arachnophobia), experts recommend that patients keep tarantulas in their homes to overcome the disease on their own. According to statistics, the technique brings positive results.
Before purchasing a bird catcher, you need to think about the burden of responsibility that will lie on the owner of such a pet. The animal is a long-livers and needs care and proper care.
Tarantula spider
Shedding
The molting of a tarantula spider is the most difficult period in its life. Before replacing its old exoskeleton, the spider barely moves or eats. At this time, it is better not to touch the animal or expose it to any external stimuli. The day before molting the spider passes with virtually no movement. Often, they change their cover while lying on their back. Juveniles change their cover regularly, adult spiders molt less frequently, and females change their exoskeleton up to once a year. During the change of cover, the old exoskeleton separates, and a new one begins to form under it. After shedding its old clothes, the spider is defenseless until the new cover hardens. Until this same time, the spiders will not eat; this process usually takes several days. Sometimes it is difficult for spiders to shed their old cover, this happens after damage or illness. If the animal does not shed its old coat, it may die.
