Tarantulas are often misunderstood due to their intimidating appearance, but these remarkable spiders have many unique traits that make them truly fascinating. Here are five interesting facts about tarantulas that might surprise you:
Tarantulas typically measure around 4.75 inches in body length, with some species boasting a leg span of up to 11 inches. Their weight can range from 1 to 3 ounces, depending on the species and individual characteristics.
Tarantulas have very few natural enemies, but one of their biggest threats comes from parasitic pepsis wasps, which could paralyse the spider and lay eggs on it. Its larvae then feed on the living tarantula.
Tarantulas shed their exoskeletons in a process called moulting, during which they also replace some internal organs and can regrow lost limbs.
There are hundreds of tarantula species which live in tropical, subtropical, and arid regions around the world. These types of spiders are burrowers, living primarily in the ground and adapting their colours and behaviours to their environments.
Tarantulas are slow but skilled nocturnal hunters. While they mainly eat insects, some species, like the South American bird-eating spider, can hunt small birds.