11 Things Most People Don't Know About Tarantulas

Everyone calls most big, hairy spiders tarantulas, but the word actually applies to only one species. Before Europeans reached the Americas, a large Italian spider called the wolf spider became known as theLycosa tarantula. This spider earned a scary reputation. When settlers moved to areas with bigger, more dangerous spiders, the name tarantula stuck. Technically, what people call tarantulas should be called Theraphosids—bird-eating spiders.

Most tarantulas cycle through molting several times during their lives, shedding their exoskeleton to grow and become adults. During molting, almostevery part of the tarantula comes off, leaving the creature totally exposed. The hardening process takes just an hour or up to a whole week, depending on the species. This process is so extreme that tarantulas canthese events replace internal organs and limbs.If they get stuck leaving their old exoskeleton behind, they usually die.

Tarantulas rarely pose a threat to humans, unlike the fearsome monster image built around them. Generally, theytry hard to stay awayThey sense potential danger and know when people are close. Dave Clarke, head of invertebrates at London Zoo, says, "Most spiders sense body heat and avoid us. They are not naturally very aggressive." Even when defending themselves, a tarantula often injects only a small amount of venom or nothing at all.

Tarantula lifespans differ greatly by species and sex. Males and females show severe sexual dimorphism. Most females canlive up to 30 yearsin the wild and reach 20 years old in captivity. However, males usually live no more than seven years. Most males reach only five years old.

Dogs dig holes, chameleons change color, and spiders spin webs. Smaller spiders use silk to catch insects, but tarantulas use webs for a different goal. Males use their webs toattract females and signal they are ready to mateWhen they are ready to reproduce, males spin a web and put sperm on the silk. The male then rubs the sperm on hispedipalps (leg-like parts near the mouth) and uses them to mate with a potential partner. Arachnids are surprisingly weird.Who knew arachnids were so kinky?

People think tarantulas have venom, but that toxin does not scare people. Instead, focus on the urticating hairs. TheseThey fire off tiny little bristles in defense.Tarantulas use barbed hairs as a common defense. Plants and caterpillars use them, but almost all tarantulas carry them. These hairs irritate and inflame tissue. Tiny barbs burrow into skin and eyes. Untreated, this causes serious scarring and blindness.

The Goliath Bird Eater holds the title of the world's biggest spider. This huntsman spider has a leg span that surpasses any other arachnid. Still, its overall body size and weight do not match some large tarantulas.The goliath bird eater is the biggest tarantula.This huge tarantula weighs about 6.2 ounces, similar to a small puppy. It has an 11-inch leg span. While it can eat birds, bird eaters usually hunt earthworms on the ground.

Most tarantula species rely on small insects for food, despite their size and reputation for eating birds. However, they will eat other prey if they find access.Certain species have been known to eat larger creatures.These include snakes, frogs, lizards, mice, and rats. As ambush predators, they surprise victims and inject venom to kill them fast.

Tarantula biology shares traits with other spiders. The tarantula's intestines are too narrow for solid food. Thus, these creatures must inject digestive juices.They inject powerful digestive juices into their prey.These chemicals dissolve the victim into a soup-like material. The tarantula then sucks up and eats this material.

Tarantulas cannot escape a big fall without risking serious injury, unlike smaller relatives. Their tough exoskeleton cracks from even small falls.A tarantula’s tough exoskeleton cracks from small falls.A big impact can crack the exoskeleton, causing hemolymph to leak and kill the tarantula. Tarantulas must stay secure when climbing because they are easily injured by falls. They use retractable claws at the leg bases, embedding them in climbing objects.

People often do not know about a new tarantula named after Johnny Cash. They named it.Aphonopelma is a tarantula named after Johnny Cash. The tarantula is named Johnny Cash.The tarantula features traits that led researchers to call it "the Man in Black"'s monikor. Its furry black coat reminded discoverers of Cash's black wardrobe. It lives near the Folsom State Prison.The tarantula lives near Folsom State Prison.The location in California inspired one of Cash's hit songs.