Tarantulas are among the most captivating arachnids in the world, known for their large size, hairy bodies, and often intimidating appearance. Despite their fearsome reputation, these spiders are typically docile and prefer to avoid confrontation. They use their impressive physical traits not just for defense, but also for communication, courtship, and survival in a wide variety of ecosystems.
These creatures are found in many regions across the globe, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in burrows underground, crevices in trees, or under rocks and logs. Each habitat shapes their behavior, coloration, and the way they hunt or build shelters. Their ability to blend into the surroundings helps them avoid predators and surprise their prey.
Tarantulas are nocturnal hunters, relying on stealth and strength rather than webs to capture food. They feed on insects, small rodents, lizards, and other invertebrates. Their fangs inject venom that paralyzes prey and begins the digestion process, allowing them to consume their meal in liquid form. Though they can defend themselves with a bite, they often resort to fleeing or using irritating hairs as a first line of defense.
These spiders grow slowly and molt periodically throughout their lives. Molting is a delicate process where they shed their exoskeleton to allow for growth or regeneration of lost limbs. It can take hours and leaves them vulnerable to predation. After molting, they need time to harden their new exoskeleton and resume normal activity.
Mating involves elaborate rituals, with the male performing specific behaviors to approach the much larger female safely. Once mating occurs, females may lay hundreds of eggs in a silk sac, which they guard until the spiderlings hatch. Males generally live much shorter lives, often dying soon after mating, while females can live for many years, even decades in some cases.
Tarantulas play a vital role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger animals. Their presence helps maintain balance in the food chain, and in some cultures, they are even regarded as symbols of patience and mystery. While often misunderstood, they are essential members of the natural world.
In recent years, tarantulas have become increasingly popular in the exotic pet trade. Their fascinating behaviors, low-maintenance care, and wide variety of appearances appeal to hobbyists and researchers alike. However, ethical concerns about wild collection and habitat destruction continue to shape the conversation around their conservation and responsible care.
Species of Tarantula
Cameroon Baboon Tarantula (Hysterocrates gigas)
This large, black tarantula has a leg span up to 20 cm and is found in Cameroon’s rainforests. A fossorial burrower, it’s defensive but more likely to flee than bite. It can swim in the wild and is known for its robust build and potent venom.
Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)
The Goliath Birdeater is the largest tarantula by mass, with a body up to 7.5 cm and a leg span reaching 30 cm. It has a robust, hairy brown body and is known for its ability to prey on small birds, though it primarily eats insects. Found in South America’s rainforests, particularly in Brazil and Venezuela, it lives in deep burrows. Its urticating hairs can cause severe irritation, and it produces a hissing sound by stridulation when threatened.
Pinkfoot Goliath (Theraphosa apophysis)
Similar in size to the Goliath Birdeater, the Pinkfoot Goliath is distinguished by pale pink feet that fade after molting. It has a leg span up to 30 cm and a dark brown body. Native to Venezuela’s rainforests, it inhabits burrows and is a nocturnal predator. Less common in the pet trade, it’s known for its massive size and defensive urticating hairs.
Brazilian Salmon Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana)
This species is one of the largest tarantulas, with a leg span up to 25 cm and a dark body with pinkish hairs. Found in Brazil’s forests, it’s a terrestrial species that burrows shallowly. Popular in the pet trade due to its size and relatively docile nature, it can flick urticating hairs when threatened and preys on insects and small vertebrates.
Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra)
Known for its velvety black appearance, this tarantula has a leg span up to 18 cm and a calm temperament, making it ideal for handling. Native to Brazil’s grasslands and forests, it prefers humid environments and lives in burrows. Its slow growth and long lifespan (females up to 20 years) make it a favorite among pet owners.
Chilean Rose Tarantula (Grammostola rosea)
The Chilean Rose Tarantula is recognized by its rose-colored hairs on a dark body, with a leg span up to 15 cm. Native to Chile’s deserts and scrublands, it lives in burrows and is highly docile, making it a top choice for beginners. It’s hardy, with females living up to 20 years, and primarily feeds on insects.
Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi)
This iconic species features striking red-orange bands on its legs against a black body, with a leg span up to 15 cm. Found in Mexico’s coastal plains, it’s a terrestrial burrower with a docile nature, popular in the pet trade. Females can live up to 30 years, and it’s protected due to over-collection.
Mexican Redleg Tarantula (Brachypelma emilia)
With a leg span up to 15 cm, this species has a dark body with pink, red, or orange markings on the legs. Native to Mexico’s dry forests, it’s a docile, ground-dwelling tarantula that burrows. It’s slightly more skittish than other Brachypelma species but is still suitable for beginners, feeding mainly on insects.
Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum)
This tarantula is covered in long, curly hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance, with a leg span up to 15 cm. Found in Central America, particularly Honduras, it inhabits burrows in humid forests. Its docile nature and ease of care make it a great pet, with females living up to 20 years.
Desert Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)
Also called the Arizona Blonde, this species has a light tan or blonde carapace with a leg span up to 12.5 cm. Native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, it lives in deep burrows in deserts. Known for its calm demeanor, it’s ideal for beginners and can live up to 25 years (females).
Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni)
This tarantula has a dark body with white or cream stripes on its legs, resembling a zebra, and a leg span up to 12 cm. Found in Costa Rica’s forests and grasslands, it burrows and is fast but shy. It’s suitable for beginners but may flick urticating hairs if disturbed. Females live up to 20 years.
Greenbottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)
Known for its vibrant blue legs, metallic green carapace, and orange abdomen, this species has a leg span up to 15 cm. Native to Venezuela’s scrublands, it’s a terrestrial webber, creating heavy silk structures. It’s moderately docile but skittish, popular for its stunning colors.
Cobalt Blue Tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus)
This Old World species boasts brilliant cobalt blue legs and a leg span up to 13 cm. Found in Myanmar and Thailand’s monsoon forests, it’s a fossorial burrower, highly defensive, and fast. Its potent venom makes it unsuitable for beginners, and it prefers humid, warm environments.
Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica)
This arboreal tarantula is renowned for its metallic blue body and intricate abdominal patterns, with a leg span up to 20 cm. Native to India’s forests, it lives in tree hollows and is fast and defensive. Its striking appearance makes it a collector’s favorite, but it’s not for beginners.
Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)
The Pink Toe has pinkish-orange toe pads and a leg span up to 13 cm. Found in South America’s rainforests (Brazil, Guyana), it’s an arboreal species that builds silk retreats in trees. It’s generally calm but fast, preferring to jump when threatened, and is suitable for intermediate keepers.
Trinidad Chevron Tarantula (Psalmopoeus cambridgei)
This arboreal species has chevron-shaped markings on its abdomen, green-brown colors, and a leg span up to 15 cm. Native to Trinidad’s rainforests, it’s a skilled climber and nocturnal hunter. It’s temperamental and fast, requiring a tall enclosure with vertical structures.
Orange Baboon Tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus)
Nicknamed the “Orange Bitey Thing,” this African species has a bright orange body and a leg span up to 13 cm. Found in Central, East, and Southern Africa, it’s a fossorial burrower with highly defensive behavior and potent venom, unsuitable for beginners. It builds trapdoors for prey.
Blue Fang Skeleton Tarantula (Ephebopus cyanognathus)
This fossorial species has vivid blue fangs and white leg markings resembling bones, with a leg span up to 12 cm. Native to French Guiana’s rainforests, it’s shy but defensive as a juvenile, mellowing with age. It’s popular in the pet trade for its unique appearance.
Indian Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis)
Known for its striking black and white patterns and yellow markings, this arboreal tarantula has a leg span up to 18 cm. Found in India’s forests, it lives in tree crevices and is fast and defensive, with potent venom. It’s best for experienced keepers.
Queensland Whistling Tarantula (Selenocosmia crassipes)
This Australian species is dark brown with a leg span up to 16 cm and produces a whistling sound when threatened. Found in Queensland’s forests, it’s a fossorial burrower. Its painful bite and defensive nature make it unsuitable for handling.
Stirling’s Australian Tarantula (Selenocosmia stirlingi)
With a heavy, dark brown body and a leg span up to 15 cm, this species is widely distributed across Australia’s rainforests to deserts. It’s a fossorial burrower that produces a whistling sound. Females lay egg sacs in burrows, and it’s not recommended for beginners.
Pink Zebra Beauty (Eupalaestrus campestratus)
This terrestrial tarantula has yellow leg markings and a leg span up to 15 cm. Native to Paraguay and Argentina’s grasslands, it’s docile and hardy, making it a good pet. It burrows shallowly and is known for its striking appearance and calm demeanor.
Chilean Gold Burst Tarantula (Euathlus parvulus)
This small species, with a leg span up to 10 cm, has a dark body with golden hairs. Found in Chile’s scrublands, it’s a terrestrial burrower with a docile temperament, ideal for beginners. Its small size and ease of care make it popular in the pet trade.
Australian Featherleg Tarantula (Selenotypus plumipes)
Identified by long hairs on its rear legs, this dark brown tarantula has a leg span up to 15 cm. Found in north-western Queensland, it’s a fossorial burrower. Its unique leg hairs and defensive nature make it a fascinating but challenging pet.