Tarantulas

HYG-2061B-97

William F. Lyon

Over the past few years, tarantulas have become acceptable pets now widely sold, traded and kept in houses, apartments, schools and dormitories. Occasionally, these very large, hairy spiders escape within a dwelling causing alarm and panic among those fearing spiders. Actually, most tarantulas are docile, non-aggressive and rarely bite. Bites are not considered dangerous and cause little lasting pain. Bites are no more painful than a bee sting, and its symptoms should be treated similarly. Some have a dense covering of special hairs on the abdomen, which, when dislodged, cause skin irritation. This is mechanical rather than chemical in nature.

The name tarantula has unfortunately become associated with several spider families, but most often is applied to the ones called the hairy mygalmorphs. Tarantulas have been much publicized in horror shows in movie houses and television shows due to their forbidding hairy appearance.

Identification

The largest tarantulas are tropical with a body length of 3-1/2 inches and leg span of 9-1/2 inches. The largest United States' species has a body length of two inches and leg span of about six inches. These spiders are stout-bodied and covered with hollow, needlelike, barbed hairs, especially on the abdomen. When disturbed, the hind legs are used to scrape off and throw very fine (fiberglass-like) abdominal hairs in the direction of danger, resulting in a remaining bald spot. A bald spot may also occur on the abdomen prior to the shedding of the skin. Hairs may cause a skin rash, allergic reaction and possibly anaphylactic shock to certain individuals.

Life Cycle and Habits

Tarantulas are the world's largest spiders with the largest living in South American jungles. In past years, when bananas were transported as large bunches on stalks, tarantulas commonly were accidentally imported. Since bananas are now shipped in small bunches, encounters are now more rare. Great numbers of tarantulas also are found in the southwestern United States. (None are found in Ohio.) About 30 species occur north of Mexico, with most in the Southwest. These spiders are nocturnal for the most part, hiding during the day inside of natural cavities in the ground, in abandoned rodent tunnels or similar places with the upper portions lined with silk.

Males wander in search of females, usually during the summer months (July to November). They sometimes stray into homes where not wanted. Females may live up to 35 years and usually molt at yearly intervals. Males are relatively short-lived, five to seven years at most, and do not molt after maturity. Some live in burrows with camouflaged doors constructed of silk and local debris, watching for nearby insects.

Bite Symptoms

Bites from the United States' species are no more harmful than a bee sting. The bite may feel like a pin prick with mild pain, smarting and soreness. The jaws of these spiders work in a vertical plane rather than in a horizontal one as do those of the true spiders. Venom contained in the sacs, held within the base of the fangs, is only slightly toxic to mammals. There can be a risk of developing a hypersensitive or allergic response to their body hairs. Anyone handling a pet tarantula should recognize this potential hazard.

Tarantula Care

Tarantulas can be housed in small aquariums or large jars with a secure, well-ventilated lid. They must be housed separately as they will attack and eat other tarantulas. The bottom of the container may be covered with clean dry sand or aquarium gravel. A small refuge may be provided to the tarantula in which it may hide if desired. Water should be provided in a shallow dish containing a piece of sponge or cotton balls. Food consists of cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers and even newly-born (pink) mice. Provide six cockroaches or crickets per week. One new born mouse per week is also sufficient. Take care in handling your tarantula. If a tarantula has its front legs raised up, it may be in its defensive posture and may bite if mishandled. Also be careful not to drop your pet, as this may cause their abdomen to burst open and always causes death.