Identification
Scientific Name:
Theraphosidae sp.
Common Names:
Tarantula, mygale

Classification
Class: Arachnida
Order: Aranea
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Theraphosa
Species: sp.
 

Habitat
Most of the largest tarantulas live in Central and South America. About 400 species have been identified in Latin America, where they live in environments ranging from deserts to tropical forests. They are more common at lower altitudes, nevertheless.

Profile
Tarantulas are not insects, but arachnids. Unlike insects, they have no antennae or wings. Their bodies are divided into two segments, the cephalothorax (the head and thorax combined) and the abdomen, while insects' bodies are divided in three. In addition, spiders have four pairs of legs, whereas insects have three pairs.
 
The name "tarantula" comes from the city of Taranto, Italy, and was originally given to spiders of the species Lycosa tarentula, or wolf spiders, common in southern Europe.
 
Tarantulas are known for their huge size. The largest are the males of the species Theraphosa lablondi, which may reach 25 cm across. Females are smaller, but may weigh up to 90 g.
 
Tarantulas, hairy and huge, are the stuff of nightmares. While a bite from most North American species is no more harmful than a wasp or bee sting, the venom of certain South American species can do serious harm.
 
Tarantulas do not go out of their way to attack humans. They are actually fairly shy and retiring. However, they will become aggressive and bite if they feel threatened.
 
To drive away their enemies, tarantulas rub their abdomens with their hind legs, spraying microscopic hairs into the air. These hairs have tiny irritant barbs that discourage aggressors.
 
Tarantulas are nocturnal insects. They spend the day in underground burrows, which they most often dig themselves. At night they come out of their hiding places to hunt, and to seek a soulmate with which to reproduce.
 
They mainly hunt other ground insects. The largest species, however, trap and devour frogs, toads, lizards, young birds and other small vertebrates.
 
Females of the species live for a very long time. In nature, they reach maturity at age 5 or 10, and may live for several years longer.
 
If you know someone who has a tame tarantula that is willing to be handled, try holding it in your hand. The animal moves about gently, with all the grace of a ballet dancer. Its padded little feet are as soft as silk. You'll never be afraid of spiders again!

About 300 million years ago, during the Paleozoic Era, there were even more enormous spiders. The fossil of a spider with a body 35 cm long has been found in northern Argentina. In other words, with its legs spread out the animal would have been one metre across!
  

Not all humans are terrorized by these monster spiders. Large numbers of tarantulas from a species common in northwestern Mexico, Brachypelma smithi, are imported into the United States to be sold as pets!
  

Tarantulas are superb hunters, attuned to the tiniest vibration caused as potential prey comes within reach. As soon as it senses vibrations, the spider leaps from hiding, seizes the intruder and immobilizes it with an injection of venom.
  

In captivity, females have been known to live to the age of 35.