Commonly identified by their large, urticating hair covered bodies and long, turned legs, it is safe to say that tarantulas are a type of arachnids that give many people the creeps.
Apart from their painful bites, these hairy spiders are harmless for humans as they are not even very venomous. Tarantulas are a species of spiders that are spread all over the world from South America to Africa and even Asia.
According to certain estimates, this species has at least 800 subspecies and over 700 species of tarantulas. Moreover, this member of the arachnid family is a popular pet as well.
Luckily, it is easy to distinguish a spider from a tarantula because of the different characteristics each species possesses. Since tarantulas have become so popular, it is important to gain a basic understanding of this marvelous exotic pet species.
Identifying a Tarantula
Tarantulas are popular pets, but this species is commonly found in the wild as well. Because they have a unique body and appearance, it is quite easy to identify a tarantula.
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The average size of a tarantula varies from 7 cm to 10 cm lengthwise, but there a few species that go over 30 cm in length. The color of every tarantula, its habitat, and its size vary depending on the species.
Even though there are a few characteristics that are common in the majority of the species, it is not important for every tarantula to share the same characteristics. The common characteristics among the tarantulas are:
- Black or brown colored bodies
- Hairy bodies
- Dense hairs (sometimes they are urticating hair)
- Some species have stripes covering the legs, which make their legs like appendages, making it easier to identify them
A tarantula bite is quite painful, and they produce mild venom that is very similar to the sting of a bee. The fangs of a tarantula are under its eyes. The legs of a tarantula are retractable and one leg has 7 segments.
Types of Tarantulas
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas (Brachypelma smithi)
A Mexican Redknee Tarantula is the classic pet tarantula and it is the most recognizable type of spider. This tarantula can live for 30 years and its leg can grow about 5 inches. These tarantulas are quite calm and they only need a small place to thrive and live happily.
Chilean Rose Tarantulas (Grammostola rosea)
Also known as a Chilean Fire, Chilean Common, Chilean Flame and Chilean Rose Haired Tarantula, this tarantula is a beginner spider that works well around humans.
The average leg span of this tarantula is 5 inches and the female Chilean Rose tarantula can live up to 15 years or more. Although they are known to be quite calm, it is important for a Chilean Rose tarantula to be in a humid, warm environment to thrive.
Costa Rican Zebra Tarantulas (Aphonoplema seemani)
A little bit smaller in size as compared to a Chilean Rose, the Costa Rican Zebra tarantula has a leg span of 4 to 4 ½ inches. This tarantula enjoys spending most of its time on the ground as it wanders.
Like the other species, this species is quite calm and fast at the same time. The female tarantula can live up to 20 years or more and they like staying in 70 to 85 degrees F with high humidity levels.
Mexican Redleg Tarantulas (Brachypelma emilia)
With the ability to live up to at least 30 years, a Mexican Redleg Tarantula has a leg span of 6 inches. There is no surprise in saying that the Mexican Redleg tarantula is a ground loving spider but it can easily be startled.
It loves spending time in temperatures that vary from 75-85 degrees F and the humidity rate has to be 65-70%.
Honduran Curly Hair Tarantulas (Brachypelma albopilosum)
Also referred to as the wooly tarantula or the curly hair tarantula, the Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula is a slow-moving, fast-growing, hardy tarantula.
Like the other species, this tarantula loves wandering on the ground and prefers spending time in small spaces. These spiders do well in moderate temperatures but they require humidity.
Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantulas (Eupaleastrus campestratus)
South America is the home to many tarantulas including the Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula. Apart from being a hardy tarantula, these types of tarantulas are confused with another tarantula known as the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula.
The female Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula can live at least 25 years and its legs can grow up to 6 inches. As compared to the other tarantula species, this one has a calm personality.
Pink Toe Tarantulas (Avicularia avicularia)
A Pink Toe Tarantula (also known as a South American Pink toe, Guyana Pink toe, Pink-toed tree spider, or a Common Pink toe, these types of tarantulas do not like wandering on the ground. It has the ability to grow 3 ½ to 5 inches. The female Pink Toe Tarantula can live up to 10 years.
Unlike the other tarantulas, this tarantula species does not like walking on the ground, and it needs a big space to live. Moreover, since it does not walk on the ground, it likes to climb heights.
Brazilian Black Tarantulas (Grammostola pulchra)
The Brazilian Black Tarantula is pitch black and it has a wide leg span that adds to its natural beauty. The female Brazilian Black Tarantula can easily live up to 39 years and it needs to eat at least half a dozen crickets every single week. The living conditions for this tarantula are quite similar to the living conditions of the others.
