Tarantula Spider - Facts, Bite & Habitat Information (original) (raw)
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Tarantulas live in warm areas around the world, including South America, southern North America, southern Europe, Africa, southern Asia and Australia. The greatest concentration of Tarantulas is in South America. The true Tarantula spiders belong to the family Theraphosidae. They are a group of hairy, often very large spiders belonging of which approximately 900 species have been identified.
The name tarantula comes from the town of Taranto in Italy and was originally used for an unrelated species of European spider. In Africa, theraphosids are frequently referred to as baboon spiders. Asian forms are known as earth tigers or bird spiders. Australians refer to their species as barking spiders, whistling spiders or bird spiders.
Tarantula Spider Characteristics
As large spiders, Tarantulas have very powerful fangs and are capable of delivering a sizable quantity of venom. Despite their often scary appearance and reputation, none of the true tarantulas are known to have a bite which is deadly to humans. In general the effects of the bites of all kinds of tarantulas are not well known.
While the bites of many species are known to be no worse than a wasp sting, accounts of bites by some species are reported to be very painful. Because other proteins are included when a toxin is injected, some individuals may suffer severe symptoms due to an allergic reaction rather than to the venom.
For both those reasons, and because any deep puncture wound can become infected, care should be taken not to provoke any tarantula into biting. Tarantula spiders are known to have highly individualistic responses. Some members of species generally regarded as aggressive can be rather easy to get along with, and sometimes a spider of a species generally regarded as docile can be provoked. Anecdotal reports indicate that it is especially important not to surprise a tarantula.
Tarantula spiders are typically divided between New World Tarantulas and Old World Tarantulas, depending on what part of the world the spider in question comes from. Take a look at either New World Tarantulas or Old World Tarantulas and discover the difference between the two.
The main foe of the tarantula spiders are a type of spider wasp known as tarantula hawks. These wasps can sting and paralyse a tarantula spider, then feed them alive to their young.
What is a Tarantula Spider?
Tarantulas live in warm areas around the world, including South America, southern North America, southern Europe, Africa, southern Asia and Australia. The greatest concentration of Tarantulas is in South America.
What do Tarantula Spiders eat?
These wasps can sting and paralyse a tarantula spider, then feed them alive to their young.
Where do Tarantula Spiders live?
Tarantulas live in warm areas around the world, including South America, southern North America, southern Europe, Africa, southern Asia and Australia.
Sources & References
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Joanne Spencer (2026, April 15). Tarantula Spider. Animal Corner. Retrieved 2026, May 17, from https://animalcorner.org/animals/tarantula-spider/
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Joanne Spencer. "Tarantula Spider." Animal Corner, 2026, April 15, https://animalcorner.org/animals/tarantula-spider/.
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Joanne Spencer is the founder and lead writer at Animal Corner, where she has been researching and writing about wildlife since 2005. With over 19 years of experience in animal behavior, ecology, and conservation, Joanne has authored hundreds of species profiles and educational guides covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life. Her work draws on field observations, peer-reviewed research, and partnerships with conservation organizations to deliver accurate, accessible animal information for students, educators, and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.