May 14, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Zebra Tarantula
The zebra tarantula, or Aphonopelma seemani, is identifiable by colored bands along its legs. Coloration may
vary between specimens: some are russet in color, with white bands along the legs. Others are brown with tan
striping. Zebra tarantulas grow up to four inches in size.
These arachnids are found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and the southern regions of the United States. They thrive in
tropical forests and on coastlines. Zebra tarantulas dwell in terrestrial burrows and consume small insects, as
well as young mice. Zebra tarantulas have a leg span of approximately four inches.
Although not particularly aggressive, zebra tarantulas are known for their rapid movements. A bite from a zebra
tarantula will be painful and is likely to bleed. If bitten, one should clean the bite wound. Those experiencing
further symptoms may be suffering an allergic reaction to the tarantula’s venom. It is advised that medical
attention be sought.
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May 7, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Red Haired Tarantulas
Most tarantulas are black or brown in color, although some species exhibit more vibrant coloration. A number of
tarantulas are known to bear red hair and are thus known as red haired tarantulas.
The Brachypelma smithi, or Mexican red knee tarantula, is a common tarantula species. Native to Mexico, they
are named for red patches of hair located at the joints of their legs. When specimens are young, these markings
appear red-orange in color; their red pigment deepens as they age. It is not uncommon for females of this species
to live 25 years or more.
Although their coloration tends to be pinker in color, Chilean rose hair tarantulas are also sometimes considered
red haired tarantulas. They are native to desert and scrubland habitats. Chilean rose hair tarantulas measure up
to five inches in size and can live as long as 20 years.
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April 30, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Pink Patch Birdeater Tarantula
Pink patch birdeater tarantulas are named in part for their coloration. Although their bodies are primarily tan,
pink spots are visible on the carapace of this species. Despite its name, the pink patch birdeater tarantula rarely
feeds on birds. Rather, they are dubbed birdeaters solely as a result of their large size: the leg span of the pink
patch birdeater tarantula can measure up to 10 inches.
Although pink patch birdeater tarantulas are threatening in appearance, they tend to be docile arachnids. They
are venomous, but a bite from a pink patch birdeater tarantula is not fatal to humans. Many bites are dry bites
and result only in pain akin to that caused by a bee sting. However, some individuals are allergic to spider venom
and will experience severe reactions. Medical attention should be sought in the event of severe discomfort
following any spider bite.
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April 23, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Pink Tarantulas
The most common pink tarantula is the Avicularia avicularia, or pink-toed tarantula. Typically dark in
coloration, some specimens do appear pink. Pink-toed tarantulas are solitary, docile arachnids.
A variation of the pink-toed spider, the Aviles pink toe changes color as it matures. Newly hatched spiderlings
bear blue markings. As spiderlings grow, these markings turn light pink and eventually redden. Aviles pink toe
tarantulas prefer arboreal dwelling places.
The Brazilian pink tarantula is truly pink in color and grows up to four inches in size. They also change color as
spiderlings mature. Coloration also varies between genders: adult female specimens are grayish pink in color,
while adult males are metallic pink.
The Lasiodora Parahybana, or Brazilian salmon pink tarantula, is not as docile as other tarantula species. These
spiders consume various snakes and can grow up to 12 inches in size. It is not advised that humans approach a
Brazilian salmon pink tarantula.
The Mexican pink tarantula, or Brachypelma klaasi, is a rare spider native to the humid, arid, deciduous forest
zones of the Pacific coast. As with most tarantulas, females grow larger than males. The orange, yellow and pink
legs of these spiders serve as camouflage within their native environment.
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April 16, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Mexican Redknee Tarantula
The Mexican redknee tarantula is black in color with orange patching at the leg joints. Once molting has taken
place, their coloration becomes more pronounced. These arachnids grow up to five inches in size and dwell in
warm, humid locales. They can be found most commonly in scrub forests.
Like most other tarantulas, the Mexican redknee tarantula consumes crickets, other large insects and some small
vertebrates, such as lizards and mice. These tarantulas are among the longest living tarantulas, with females
living up to 30 years.
Mexican redknee tarantulas are docile arachnids. However, they will attack when threatened. An attack often
includes biting or flicking barbed, hairs at approaching predators or competitors. While the bite of the Mexican
redknee tarantula is not fatal to humans, it can produce localized pain akin to that of a bee or wasp sting. In
addition, some individuals may be allergic to spider venom. In the event of a severe reaction to any spider bite,
seek medical attention.
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April 9, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Haitian Brown Tarantulas
Haitian brown tarantulas, or Phormictopus cancerides, exhibit highly defensive behavior. They are most
common in warm, rainforest habitats. They are solitary spiders that rarely leave their homes. However, they will
emerge in search of food.
Haitian brown tarantulas stalk and ambush prey. The venom of the Haitian brown tarantula immobilizes prey,
while digestive enzymes liquefy the body to prepare it for consumption.
These tarantulas may grow as large as nine inches in size. Although blue as spiderlings, adults exhibit purple or
bronze coloration. Some Haitian browns may be dull in color, while others appear more vibrant.
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April 2, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Hairy Tarantula
Tarantula species are distinguishable from other spiders by the dense body hair. In addition, tarantulas native to North and South America, also known as New World tarantulas, possess urticating hairs, which they use to defend themselves from predators.
The New World tarantula’s urticating hairs bear microscopic barbs at the tips. Tarantulas with urticating hair can be identified by a bald spot on the lower abdomen. If a New World tarantula perceives danger, it will flick these needle-like hairs at its attacker. Hundreds of urticating hairs can become airborne at once.
Although they are not venomous, urticating hairs prove to be an effective defense against attackers. When they come into contact with skin or the eyes of an advancing foe, they cause discomfort. Skin rashes, itchiness or allergic reactions may occur in humans. Sensitive persons can experience serious effects that require the assistance of a medical professional.
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March 26, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Goliath Tarantulas
The largest known spider species is the Theraphosa blondi, also known as the goliath tarantula or bird-eating spider. Measuring twelve inches in diameter, these arachnids may weigh up to six ounces. Full-grown males are known to possess longer leg spans than females.
The body of the goliath tarantula is brown in color and bears red bristles. As a result, these arachnids appear to be golden, from which they earned their Latin name. At the patella, their hair lightens to white. Like other
tarantulas, goliath tarantulas possess eight eyes. However, their eyesight is notoriously poor. Goliath tarantulas rely instead on their hair’s ability to sense vibrations, indicating the presence of prey or predators.
Due to its size, the diet of the goliath tarantula differs greatly from other tarantula species. These tarantulas feed upon juvenile birds, bats, frogs, snakes, lizards, mice and insects. Goliath tarantulas are capable of incapacitating large prey.
However, goliath tarantulas also serve as prey to other predators. The most cunning of these predators is the pepsis wasp, also known as the tarantula hawk. These wasps immobilize tarantulas with their sting and lay their eggs within the body of the paralyzed arachnid. Hatching larvae then consume the tarantula’s body.
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March 19, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: Colorful Tarantulas
Most tarantulas are brown or black in color. However, some species exhibit vibrant coloration. Females tend to be
brighter in color and larger in size than males. Common names of colorful tarantulas are usually derived from
their striking appearances. Tarantula coloration serves to warn predators and identify species.
The Antilles pink toe, or Avicularia versicolor, changes colors as it matures. The Antilles pink toe is also known
as the Martinique red tree spider or the Martinique pink toe. Born with blue abdominal markings, these
tarantulas eventually exhibit light pink and red markings. The pink toe can grow to be between four and six
inches in size.
The Poecilotheria regalis is more commonly known as the Indian ornamental tarantula. These arboreal
tarantulas bear black, white and gray markings that resemble the ornate weave of a tapestry. A female Indian
ornamental tarantula’s life span is approximately eight years, while males rarely survive more than three years.
The Cameroon red baboon tarantula changes color several times while developing. They are orange prior to
molting, black immediately after molting and are finally red in color. These tarantulas are extremely reclusive
and are known for their burrows, where they remain most of the time.
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March 12, 2010
Type of Tarantula Spider: The Cobalt Blue Tarantula
As their name suggests, the bodies of cobalt blue tarantulas are vibrant, metallic blue in color. This coloration
extends to their legs, as well. The cobalt blue tarantula is much less common than other tarantula species. Their
diet consists of crickets, cockroaches and other insects.
Cobalt blue tarantulas can be very aggressive and should not be handled. Like other spiders, cobalt blue
tarantulas possess a set of fangs. While the venom is unlikely to cause serious harm to humans, the cobalt blue
tarantula’s bite can prove extremely painful. When threatened, these arachnids rear up on their hind legs in
warning. Because these spiders do not have urticating hairs, biting serves as their only means of self-defense.
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