Tarantula spider. Description, features, species, lifestyle and habitat of the tarantula

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The tarantula spider , or tarantula, has a rather memorable and very colorful appearance.
This insect is quite large in size, has long, hairy limbs and a bright color, which becomes even brighter with each subsequent molt. This type of spider is divided into many subspecies. However, they are all considered poisonous to one degree or another. For an adult, healthy person, their bite is unlikely to be fatal, but can provoke chills, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, high fever, a severe allergic reaction, and burns. For an elderly, weakened person, or a child, or a small animal, a bite from this insect can be fatal.

Origin of the species and description

Photo: Tarantula spider

This spider belongs to arthropod insects, is a representative of the class of arachnids, the order of spiders, the family of tarantula spiders. The name of this poisonous spider comes from a painting by the German artist Maria Sibylla Merian, who depicted a spider attacking a hummingbird. She herself witnessed this episode, which she was able to observe during her stay in Suriname.

These spiders belong to the suborder of primitive arachnids. In various sources they are often classified as tarantulas. However, this is due to an incorrect, not entirely correct translation of their name. Many scientists and researchers consider it advisable to classify tarantulas into a separate class of insects, such as scorpions.

Video: Tarantula Spider

The first description of this type of arthropod appeared in the 18th century after a German artist returned from a long trip along the coast of South America, where few people had been in those days. After she witnessed an unusual scene of a spider attacking a small bird, she transferred it to her canvas. Upon arrival home, the picture was presented to society. However, this episode was severely criticized by the public, since no one could believe that an insect could feed on small invertebrate animals or birds.

However, after just a century and a half, sufficient evidence was obtained for this phenomenon and the name tarantula spider was very firmly attached to the arthropod. Today, spiders are quite common on different continents. They are divided into many subspecies, of which researchers number about a thousand.

Pairing

Scientists have described in detail the process of how spiders mate. A distinctive feature of these creatures is the presence of pedipalps.

On a note! Pedipalps, or claws, are modified short oral limbs in chelicerates, which, in addition to spiders, also include horseshoe crabs and sea spiders.

Before the last molt, which signifies the final maturation of the male individual, the endings of the pedipalps become containers for seminal fluid. The spider weaves a mesh (usually triangular) and squeezes sperm out of the gonads there. The mesh with genetic material is placed in the copulatory (intended for mating) process of the pedipalp - the embolus.

When a female accepts courtship from a male, the embolus is placed in a special hole on her abdomen - the spermatheca. It often happens that the sperm reservoir breaks off, so that the male becomes unable to fertilize more than one female.

Appearance and features

Photo: Goliath tarantula spider

The tarantula spider has a rather memorable, bright appearance. It has long limbs covered with hard, thick hairs. They perform the function of the organs of touch and smell.

Visually, it seems that arthropods have six pairs of limbs, but if you look closely, it becomes clear that the spider has only four pairs of limbs. These are paws, one pair of which is chelicerae, which are used for digging holes, protection, hunting and moving caught prey, as well as pedipalps, which serve as organs of touch. The chelicerae, which contain ducts of the poisonous glands, are directed forward.

Some subspecies are quite large in size, reaching 27-30 centimeters. On average, the body length of one adult individual ranges from 4 to 10-11 centimeters, excluding the length of the limbs. The average body weight is 60-90 grams. However, there are individuals whose weight reaches about 130-150 grams.

Each of the subspecies of this species has a bright and very specific color. With each subsequent molt, the color becomes brighter and more saturated.

Interesting fact: During the molting period, not only the color becomes brighter and more saturated, but also the body size increases. Some individuals can increase their size three to four times at the moment of molting!

Sometimes during the molting process the spider is unable to free its limbs. By nature they are endowed with the ability to reject them. However, after three or four moults they are restored again.

The body of the arthropod consists of two segments: the cephalothorax and abdomen, which are connected to each other by a dense isthmus. The body segments are covered with a dense exoskeleton - chitin. This protective layer protects arthropods from mechanical damage and helps prevent excessive moisture loss. This is especially important for those insects that live in regions with hot, dry climates.

The cephalothorax is protected by a solid shield called a carapace. On its front surface there are four pairs of eyes. The organs of the digestive tract and reproductive system are located in the abdomen. At the end of the abdomen there are appendages that allow us to weave spider threads.

Marriage ritual

The reproductive process of spiders begins with a mating ritual, as is often the case in the animal world. The methods of male courtship are very diverse:

• some species hypnotize the female with rhythmic leg movements;
• twitching the abdomen;
• peacock spiders from the jumping family reveal a colorful “fan” on their abdomen;
• Some specimens bring the lady of the heart a “gift” - prey wrapped in a web.
• wolf spiders circle around the female, getting closer;
• the male karakurt pulls the threads of the female's web in a certain rhythm, as if ringing a doorbell;
• Attids living in Canada “dance”, making intricate movements with their limbs.

Mating dance

Interesting fact! Males secrete special aromatic substances - pheromones, which attract females only of their own species.

All the tricks of males are aimed at ensuring that the female is favorable, and in some cases, so that she does not eat them ahead of time.

Where does the tarantula spider live?

Photo: Dangerous tarantula spider

Tarantula spiders are quite common in nature and live almost throughout the entire globe. The only exception is the territory of Antarctica. Spiders are found somewhat less frequently in Europe than in other regions.

Geographical regions of distribution of arthropods:

• South America;
• North America;
• Australia;
• New Zealand;
• Oceania;
• Italy;
• Portugal;
• Spain.

The habitat region is largely determined by the species. Some species are drought-resistant and live in deserts with a hot, sultry climate. Others prefer tropical or equatorial forest areas. Depending on the environment and type of habitat, spiders are divided into several categories: burrowing, arboreal and earthen. Accordingly, they live in burrows, in trees or bushes, or on the surface of the ground.

It is characteristic that at various stages of their development spiders can change their appearance and place of residence. The larvae, which at this stage live in burrows, emerge from the burrows upon reaching puberty and spend most of their time on the surface of the earth. Many tarantulas that prefer to live in burrows dig them themselves and strengthen them by entwining them with cobwebs. In some cases, burrows may be occupied by small rodents that have been eaten by a spider. Spiders that live on trees or shrubs can construct special tubes from their webs.

Due to the fact that spiders are considered sedentary arthropods, they spend most of their time in selected or made shelters. Female individuals who have eaten tightly and thoroughly may not leave their shelters for several months.

Now you know where the tarantula spider lives, let's now see what you can feed the tarantula.

Breeding

Now let's talk about how to properly breed a tarantula spider at home. In order to properly maintain such an unusual animal from the point of view of the average person, you need to know several rules.

Terrarium

A terrarium for a tarantula spider needs to be selected and equipped depending on its belonging to one category or another. So, for example, for arboreal representatives, the height of the walls of the structure should be no lower than 35-50 centimeters. It’s a good idea for such a home to have an interesting tree branch that your animal could climb on as in natural conditions.

Ground spiders are given a terrarium that is elongated in length so that the pet can have somewhere to run and frolic.

For burrowing spiders, it is desirable to have an improvised burrow, similar to one made in nature. These could be objects such as:

• coconut shell;
• shell from a large mollusk;
• a piece of bamboo trunk;
• clay cup with a broken side.

Regardless of the type of spider, the bottom of the terrarium should be covered with loose substrate. Coconut shavings are best suited for this, although clean, dry soil can also be used.

Climatic conditions

For residents of warm tarantula countries, temperature means a lot. When kept at home, you need to maintain it at a level of 25 degrees Celsius. This can be achieved by using special heat lamps or heating mats on the bottom of the terrarium.

Humidity also plays a big role for the inhabitants of the subtropics. It should be at a level of 80-90 percent. To do this, spray the substrate 2-3 times a day or place a bowl of water, which humidifies the air as it evaporates.

Attention! It is necessary to moisten the substrate only in one corner of the terrarium; the rest of the litter should be dry.

Feeding

The domestic tarantula spider is unpretentious in food, the main thing is that it is of animal origin and larger in size than your pet’s body.

The choice of what to feed the tarantula spider at home is varied, it can be:

• locusts and grasshoppers;
• large insects;
• little mice;
• baby frogs;
• worms;
• bloodworms and maggots.

Attention! It is very important that your pet's prey is alive. This is how the spider feeds and develops at the same time.

What does a tarantula spider eat?

Photo: Poisonous tarantula spider

Insects rarely eat meat, but they are considered predators and eat exclusively animal food. The structural features of the digestive tract require easily digestible, delicate food.

What serves as a food source for tarantula spiders:

• birds;
• small rodents and invertebrates;
• insects;
• smaller arthropods, including spiders;
• fish;
• amphibians.

The digestive organs are designed in such a way that they cannot cope with poultry meat. However, in nature there are indeed cases of spider attacks on small birds. The main part of the diet of tarantulas is small insects - cockroaches, bloodworms, flies, arthropods. Relatives of arachnids can also become prey.

Tarantula spiders cannot be called active insects, therefore, in order to catch their prey, they most often wait for their prey in ambush. Thanks to their hypersensitive hairs, they sense every movement of potential prey. They are also able to determine the size and type of prey. When she gets as close as possible, the spider attacks with lightning speed, injecting poison into her.

During the period when spiders are too hungry, they can chase the victim, or carefully sneak up on it until they get as close as possible. Spiders that have just emerged from eggs do not experience hunger or need for food.

Nutrition

It is in connection with its feeding habits that such a spider received the name: tarantula . And this story happened at the end of the 18th century in Venezuela, when a group of scientists discovered a huge spider in the tropical forests, eagerly eating hummingbirds.

Then even one of the expedition members, Maria Merian, made a colorful sketch of a tarantula, impressed by what she saw. And he soon made it into the newspapers, creating a certain fame for all the spiders of this family, which became the reason for the name.

In reality, the organisms of such spiders are not often able to digest bird meat. That is, such cases do occur, but rarely. Basically, these creatures eat insects, small arachnids, and can even encroach on their own relatives.

Tarantulas are active predators and can even eat their own relatives

But they are definitely predators. They ambush their victims. And to catch them, pre-prepared traps are used. The diet of these spiders includes: birds, small rodents, frogs, in some cases fish, as well as smaller prey - bloodworms, cockroaches, flies.

Features of character and lifestyle

Photo: Tarantula spider

The tarantula spider leads a solitary lifestyle. They tend to spend most of their time in their chosen shelters. If spiders are full, they may not leave their shelter for several months. These types of spiders typically lead a solitary, sedentary lifestyle. If necessary, spiders leave their shelter mainly at night.

This type of arthropod is characterized by unpredictable behavior, as well as changing habits throughout different life cycles. When choosing shelter, spiders prefer to locate themselves close to vegetation to increase their chances of finding a food source. Adult spiders that live in the crowns of trees have a better ability to weave webs.

One of the most important processes in the life of every arthropod is molting. Young individuals molt almost every month. The older the spider gets, the less often it molts. During molting, the pack grows and improves its color. Before molting, spiders stop feeding to make it easier to free themselves from the tight chitinous cover. Most often, arthropods turn over on their backs in order to free themselves from the shell more easily and quickly.

Tarantula spiders are deservedly considered record holders for life expectancy. Some individuals live up to 30 years. Average life expectancy is 20-22 years. Despite their impressive size, tarantulas have many enemies when living in natural conditions.

For self-defense, arthropods have means of defense:

• excrement attack;
• bites with injection of poison;
• burning villi in the abdominal area.

With the help of hairs, females protect their future offspring. They weave them into a web that entangles the cocoon. An effective weapon that scares away enemies is considered to be a stream of excrement that spiders direct into the enemy's eye.

Did you know?

• Tarantula spiders are often brown in color, which may have lighter or darker shades. It all depends on where they live.
• Some species blind predators with a stream of excrement thrown in their direction.
• Tarantulas have four pairs of legs, with distinct spines on the third and fourth pair of legs.
• Tarantulas can go without food for up to 2 years!
• Tarantula spiders are used to treat fear of arachnids.
• These are some of the most popular exotic animals, especially on the black market.

Social structure and reproduction

Photo: Large tarantula spider

Males mature much faster than females, but their life expectancy is much lower than that of females. A male individual lives no more than a year, and if he manages to mate with a female, he lives even less.

Males have special hooks, which are usually called tibal hooks. With their help, males hold females and at the same time protect themselves from them, since during the mating process females can be unpredictable and quite aggressive. Before starting to search for a suitable companion, males weave a special web, onto which they secrete a small amount of seminal fluid. Then they grab the edge of the web with their limbs and pull it along with them.

Even if the female is attracted to a potential partner, mating does not occur without performing special rituals. With their help, arthropods find out whether they belong to the same species or not. Each species is characterized by special rituals for recognizing relatives: swaying the body, tapping the limbs, etc.

The mating process can be instantaneous, or it can last several hours. It involves the males using their pedipalps to transfer seminal fluid into the female’s body. After the end of mating, the males immediately try to move away. Otherwise, the female eats the male.

Subsequently, eggs are formed in the female’s body. When the time comes, the female lays eggs. The number of eggs depends on the subspecies. The female can lay from several dozen to thousands of eggs. Then the female makes a kind of cocoon in which she lays her eggs and incubates them. This process lasts from 20 to one hundred days.

During this period, females are especially aggressive and unpredictable. They can desperately and fearlessly protect their future offspring, or they can eat everything without hesitation if they feel a strong feeling of hunger. Nymphs emerge from the cocoon, which during the molting process grow and turn into larvae, and then into adults.

Danger to humans

Tarantulas do not threaten the health and life of their owner. But when carrying out any activities to care for your pet, you must adhere to precautions. All species of spiders are poisonous to one degree or another. If we talk about non-poisonous species, then we mean a low degree of toxicity of the poison.

An animal bite leads to the death of small rodents. There have been recorded cases of domestic cats dying due to spiders. The bite is likely to be dangerous to the health of young children.

Females in the active stage of motherhood show increased aggression. But in other cases it is impossible to predict the reaction of an arthropod to any, even the most harmless, actions. That is why it is not recommended to touch them with your hands. Before purchasing a tarantula, you need to acquire a special terrarium, as well as long tweezers for carrying out all kinds of manipulations.

Whether the venom is toxic or not depends on the type of spider. For an adult, the danger of a tarantula bite will be equal to a wasp sting: a burning pain is felt and swelling appears. With increased sensitivity of the body to toxins, an increase in body temperature, fainting, muscle cramps, vomiting and even mental disorders are observed. When a tarantula bites through the skin, venom is not always injected; most often, so-called “dry” bites occur.

The danger comes from the hairs covering the legs and body of the arthropod. When under stress, the spider is able to quickly pull out fibers with its paws, trying to throw them to the enemy.

When hairs come into contact with human skin, they cause burns and allergic reactions. Contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes causes severe burning and itching that does not go away for several hours, and in some cases, days. Sometimes toxins lead to deterioration in the quality of vision for the rest of your life.

The tarantula spider really poses a danger to humans. If the potential owner of such a “pet” animal is not afraid of a health threat, the exotic appearance of the arthropod is not repulsive, but attracts, you can safely keep it at home. But at the same time, we must not forget about the rules of keeping a pet and safety precautions.

Natural enemies of tarantula spiders

Photo: Poisonous tarantula spider

Despite their impressive size, terrifying appearance and the presence of defense mechanisms, tarantula spiders have a fairly large number of enemies in natural conditions. They themselves often become prey to other insects. Various varieties of scolopendra are considered one of the worst enemies of the tarantula spider. They hunt not only tarantulas, but also other, larger spiders and snakes.

The tarantula often becomes prey for representatives of the ethmostigmus genus, or larger arachnids. The enemies of the tarantula also include many amphibians, including the giant frog, white-lipped tree frog, aga toad, etc. some invertebrates are not averse to occasionally feasting on the tarantula.

This type of arachnid is also subject to attacks by parasitic insects that lay eggs in the body of spiders. The eggs subsequently hatch into larvae that parasitize the host’s body, eating it from the inside or outside. When the number of parasites becomes huge, the spider simply dies due to the fact that the larvae literally eat it alive.

Interesting fact: This arthropod has a serious competitor in the form of the Goliath spider. During their existence in natural conditions, they compete for food supply.

They are not found only in Antarctica

The tropical rainforests of South America are home to the largest populations of tarantulas. You can also meet them on the African continent, Australia and Oceania. Tarantulas are difficult to spot in Eurasia. Only small populations have been recorded in Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Tarantulas prefer damp areas, such as swamps. They sometimes live in burrows dug or left behind by other animals, as well as in the canopy of equatorial forests. Some species live in drought-resistant semi-desert regions.

Birth of spiderlings

Eggs mature over several weeks. As a rule, the female guards the clutch all this time. Spiders are born, or rather hatch, from eggs ranging in size from 2 mm (in Cyclosternum) or with a paw span of up to 1.5 cm (in the goliath tarantula Theraphosa blondi).

Interesting fact! Spiderlings of arboreal species mature faster than their relatives, but there are significantly fewer of them in the clutch.

Stages of development of spiders inside the cocoon:

1. The first molt occurs inside the egg. The newborn spider feeds on the yolk of the egg. This stage is called “prelarva”.
2. Then another molt occurs, the spiders turn into first-stage nymphs. Their covers are still very thin and are not able to protect them from the external environment, so development continues to take place inside the cocoon.
3. After 3-5 weeks, a larva appears - a nymph of the second stage. Such an individual cannot yet feed on its own, but claws on its paws and chelicerae are already developing.
4. The next molt is considered postembryonic. Spiders are becoming more and more active. With small spines on the pedipalps they tear the cocoon and emerge into the light. Newly born spiderlings initially stay in a group, then scatter.

Female tarantulas themselves open their cocoons, helping the cubs get out. The Argiope cocoon has very thick walls. Spiderlings dissolve part of the cocoon using enzymes contained in saliva.

Reviews

Before you buy a tarantula spider for home keeping, it is important to decide for yourself whether you are ready to provide it with comfortable living conditions. Pets need a certain temperature and humidity. Animals must be fed properly. The diet should contain food of animal origin. Families with small children are not recommended to have a tarantula spider, since it is unknown how the baby’s body will react if the child is bitten by an exotic pet.

How do you feel about spiders, in particular tarantulas? Would you like to have one of these? Share in the comments.

Lighting

As mentioned earlier, lighting can negatively affect the spider's health. And the sun's rays can even kill a spider. The fact is that tarantulas are nocturnal animals and light can cause them great stress. But if you need to monitor your pet, then you can use moonlight lamps, which will create an imitation of night and cause minimal stress to the spider.