Interesting facts about tarantulas – size, anatomy and unusual features

How often do you see someone walking their bird spider? These creatures can surprise you with their size, the way they move and their build. Especially when you are not expecting them at all. And although they look dangerous, they are one of the most interesting gentle exotic animals that can be kept at home. For some, it’s just a spider. For others, it’s a living lesson in biology and patience. In this article, you will find many more interesting facts worth knowing about them.

Tarantulas in Poland – do they occur in the wild?

No, tarantulas do not occur naturally in Poland. If you see one in Poland, it either comes from a breeding farm or someone’s arachnophobia proved stronger.

In nature, they live mainly in the tropics: in South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. In Poland, you can legally keep them at home, as long as they come from an equally legal source. These are not ordinary spiders from the cellar – they are, in fact, sensitive creatures with special needs and different living conditions.

Goliath bird spider – impressive size

When it comes to records, Goliath (Theraphosa blondi) is almost unrivalled. It is generally considered to be the largest not only among tarantulas, but also among all spiders in the world. And its size? Its leg span is up to 30 cm, and it weighs over 150 grams. It is not the body length that is measured, but the leg span.

For comparison: popular breeding species are 12–18 cm long. And to illustrate it even better: it is like a sheet of paper from a printer weighing as much as your mobile phone. Is that a lot? See what other tarantula species can surprise you with.

But it’s not just the size that makes an impression. Goliath needs a large terrarium, high humidity and peace and quiet. It is not a spider for beginners, although it is undoubtedly one of the most impressive.

Karapaks ptasznika i inne elementy budowy

Karapaks – an interesting name, isn’t it? Knowledge about the anatomy of tarantulas and the names of their body parts will help you in breeding and observation. Here are some of the most important parts of its body:

• carapace – a hard chitinous shell on top of the cephalothorax. It protects the internal organs and provides a base for the legs. It often has a shine and sometimes attractive patterns.
• bulbus – found on the tips of the male’s walking legs. They are used to transport sperm and are particularly visible in adults (this is also the name of a species of snail, but we are concerned with other animals here).
• stinging hairs – when the tarantula feels threatened, it can ‘comb’ them out of its abdomen towards its opponent. They stick into the skin and cause itching or irritation. Not pleasant.

A bird that does not comb its feathers

Not every tarantula uses defensive hairs. Tarantulas that do not comb their hairs do not walk around dishevelled – they are usually arboreal species or species native to Africa or Asia. An example? Poecilotheria regalis (royal colourful beast) – fast, agile, and instead of warning, it simply runs away or attacks. This is not only a curiosity, but also an important tip for breeders: these beautiful spiders require experience and reflexes.

There is great diversity in the world of large spiders. Make sure you know how to adapt your terrarium to the needs of your tarantula.

How does a tarantula move and what does it feel?

Some tarantulas do not spin webs. This depends not only on the species, but sometimes literally on the spider’s temperament. When they do not look into their webs, they hunt by surprise. They move slowly, but if necessary, they can carry out a lightning-fast attack. They usually come out of their hiding places at night and look for insects, but sometimes small amphibians or rodents.

And what does a tarantula feel? Mainly vibrations, because that’s how its senses work. Sensitive hairs and legs allow it to sense movement in the ground. Sight? Poor. Tarantulas can see light and shadow, but not very clearly.

Tarantula: the drawing will tell you a lot about its appearance

You surely know what a spider looks like. You probably also know what a large spider looks like. So you can imagine what a giant tarantula looks like. A drawing with a brief explanation will help you remember the most important parts of its body.

• Cephalothorax with carapace – at the front.
• Abdomen – soft, at the rear.
• Eight legs – four on each side.
• Two tarsus – smaller legs at the front, ending in bulbs in males.
• Venom fangs – hidden beneath the cephalothorax.

This description will help you better understand and remember that spiders are not insects. Count its legs, and in a while, show off your new knowledge at school.

Giant tarantula – is it venomous?

Tarantulas are predators – each one has venom. I could end my explanation here, but I am sure you are interested in something else. Giant tarantula: is it as venomous as a cobra? No. The strength of its venom allows it to hunt small animals, but it will not normally harm humans. It will hurt, that’s for sure. It will sting and itch. A blister will also appear. It will be like a sting. But if you are not allergic, nothing serious will happen.

Most tarantulas only use their venom for hunting. They only attack humans when they have no other choice.

They are impressive.

Tarantulas are not pets to be stroked. If you understand their needs and are able to observe them, they turn out to be ideal for breeding. You will see that their behaviour, defence mechanisms and movement are different from most animals kept at home. They create a miniature world that you can only discover up close.
Tarantulas are not pets to be stroked. If you understand their needs and are able to observe them, they turn out to be ideal for breeding. You will see that their behaviour, defence mechanisms and movement are different from most animals kept at home. They create a miniature world that you can only discover up close.