Theraphosidae
The Tarantula
Theraphosidae family
Caution
All species
Photo: User:Fir0002 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Family
Theraphosidae
Size
Leg span 100–280 mm
Region
Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia
Habitat
Burrows, tree hollows and ground retreats in warm regions.
Overview
The giants of the spider world. Imposing and hairy, but most species are docile with venom no worse than a bee sting.
How to identify it
- Very large, heavy, densely hairy body and legs
- Slow, deliberate movement
- New-world species flick irritating hairs when threatened
- Lives for years — females of some species over 20 years
Standout fact
A tarantula's bald patch on the abdomen shows where it has kicked off defensive urticating hairs.
