Tarantulas and spiders are mostly hated due to wrong and misleading information about them. Myths are circulating among us from centuries that have created a poisonous and dangerous image of tarantulas and spiders in our minds. the main question comes in our mind is are tarantulas poisonous?

 Also, thanks to our Hollywood directors who have almost been associated in horror movies as instruments of witchcraft or as a pet of villains, etc. however, it’s not true there are only a few species of tarantulas that are actually poisonous and are harmful. In fact, they are very shy and less moving creatures and bite only when they are disturbed.

Myth: Tarantulas are dangerous to humans

Tarantulas are very docile, sensitive and shy animals and they rarely bite when they are teased. Also, their bite is no more dangerous than a sting bite but it may prove fatal for species like birds and mammals and there are also species which are also lethal to humans as well.

Tarantulas when feeling any kind of threat approaching them they use their back legs to throw thorn-like hairs towards the victim. How will you know? You will know obviously as they are tingling and eventually cause a rash. In some cases, situations may get worse when the hair comes in contact with eyes? Tarantulas will also get a spot on their belly with no hair.

Females have a larger lifespan other than males. They may live up to 30 years but males as they reach their age of sexual maturity they die having a lifespan of 3-10 years only.

Some tarantula bites are more harmful than thought

Some people are scared of spiders but there are also a number of people who are spider lovers and they mistakenly get bitten and some of the tarantula species are actually poisonous and can prove lethal.

Pet spider bites are rare and one only gets them when the spider is provoked and teased intensively, while feeding the spider or the spider may think or finger or another thing as prey. The fact is spider bites are not too much to worry about but still one should be educated about consequences and treatments.

Some people keep really dangerous and toxic species of spiders as pets which can cause muscle cramps for weeks. According to a research, pet owners should learn the Latin name of the spider they are owning so that the doctor can easily know. Also, if they don’t bite they release hairs from their abdomen part which can cause symptoms similar to asthma.

Tarantula venom will kill you:

Tarantulas come in various varieties and colors and due to their bad reputation they are commonly associated with fear and danger but the truth is only some of the species are venomous and toxic. While, most of the time a tarantula bite it’s not venomous and is much similar to a bite of a sting. However, the contact with their hairs can be very unpleasant which they release from their abdomens by rubbing their back legs causing redness, swelling and if the hair comes in contact with the eye it can cause swelling, rashes, water dripping from eyes and can make eyes light sensitive. It is said that hair in the eye is much similar to glass pieces stuck in your eyes.

What you should know about tarantulas?

There are several factors that you should be aware of about tarantulas, these factors will burst some myths as well and will create a broader image of tarantulas in your mind.

Appearance:

The fact is there are a variety of tarantula species and they all look versatile. Mostly, tarantulas are found in regions of California and in jungles of North and South America. The easiest identification of a tarantula is that they are quite big and are covered with hair.

They have a wide range of color spectrum but mostly they are in colors black and brown. As far as their size is concerned they are 7-10 centimeters in length. The measurement varies up to the world largest and biggest spider, Goliath bird eater spider which is 30 cm in length.

There is a pattern specification in the case of tarantulas. They come in a variety of patterns and colors. Some of the tarantulas that are famous around the world are Red Rump, Red knee and cobalt blue tarantulas. Their extreme variety in colors and patterns have them an attraction for pet owners.

Physiological appearance:

Similar to other spiders tarantulas also have a very hard exoskeleton that is more convenient to see than in small spiders. Like all other spiders they also have eight eyes in the form of pairs. Majorly, there are two big eyes in center and these are surrounded by three more eyes one each side. Their bodies are divided into two sections:

• Prosoma

• Abdomen also referred as opisthosoma

The above mentioned body parts are connected through what they say in easy words such as the waist which is known as a “pedicle”.

The point through which they release their venom is known as “Pedipalps” or “Fangs” as they are quite large and are very easily visible to the human eye.

Hiding areas:

Tarantulas are excellent in camouflaging and hiding. During most of their life they remain underground and burrowed and often come out during their mating season. When they are not hiding in their holes they will hide at any place that will save them from their predators.

Tarantulas are night animals which means they hunt, eat and get outside in the dark. It is also essential for them to do this at night as it saves them from predators and also as they do not produce any kind of web to capture their prey.

Tarantulas Do they bite?

The simplest answer to the question without any hanky panky is “yes”, they do bite. That’s their natural process to capture their prey. They bite so that they can inject venom into their prey and then they release such kind of enzymes that helps them in digestion of their prey so they can easily consume them.

As far as human biting is concerned, the answer is “probably”. The thing is any organism when it gets sacred can cope up the situation with their natural capability to protect itself. They may stiff their hair up to warn you so that you should get away. But if you are constantly teasing a tarantula and there is no option left for it then it will definitely bite.

But in most cases the bites are dry without any venom just to scare and hurt. The tarantula bite without any venom is similar to the sting bite in terms of pain. But, anyone with a tarantula or spider bite should seek vet immediately to remain on the safer side.

A tarantula bit me

Normally as it is clear from the above discussion that tarantulas don’t frequently bite. They bite only when they have felt any kind of threat or they suddenly mistaken you as their prey. In most cases, when tarantulas bite their bites are dry. That means no venom. These bites are only meant to threaten. The bite will be similar to that of a sting bite with visible redness and swelling.

Things to do when tarantulas bite:

When a tarantula bite you, you should immediately wash up the area with soap and water. If it stings and hurts a lot you can also go for a pain killer medicine. Icing will also help to reduce the pain and swelling.

To avoid a bite from tarantula, try to minimize your exposure with tarantula. Don’t handle them physically and watch them from a distance. Try to feed them with a tong or something so that you can avoid any attack.

Question and Answers

Are tarantulas poisonous to humans?

Tarantula bites are not poisonous to humans. Rather their bites are dry and they are much more similar to that of a sting bite. Usually, it causes redness and swelling that will go after some weeks. But, some people may have allergic reactions to bites as they have for the bee stings as well. So, they may have to seek medical assistance.

Are tarantulas poisonous to cats?

Goliath bird eater may be harmful for kittens and small pups. Because that is their main diet. These tarantulas are also the largest in the world.

Are tarantulas poisonous to eat?

Tarantulas can’t be eaten alive because they have nasty hairs on them which can cause severe reactions. However, on deep frying they make a good snack.

Are tarantula bites are dangerous to dogs?

In most case the bitten area hurts the most. However, if the dog has orally taken the tarantula it may cause vomit and nausea to the dog. But tarantulas don’t cast longing effects on the dogs.

Are blue tarantulas poisonous?

Yes, their bite can be very painful like that of cobalt blue spider. But their venom won’t take a life. However, the bite can be very painful.

Are black tarantulas poisonous?

Mostly tarantulas are of black color and they are not poisonous. Their bite is similar to that of a bee sting. However, their hair when comes in contact with the eye and other body parts can cause severe allergic reactions.