Tarantula Facts: the HAIRY SPIDER 🕷️ Animal Fact Files

A tarantula is a hairy spider. These hairs come in handy for defense! Tarantulas are some of the largest living spiders on our planet, and they live almost everywhere. Learn more tarantula facts on this episode of Animal Fact Files!

Scientific Name: Family - Theraphosidae
Range: Cosmopolitan
Habitat: Underground burrows or trees in rainforests, deserts, and dry areas of open landscape
Size: 0.1 inches (0.254cm) - 11 inches (27.94cm)
Diet: Insects, frogs, snakes, and birds
Threats: Lizards, snakes, birds, and wasps
Life span: Up to thirty years or older depending on the species

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[fredleggett]

You really don't want to go poking at a T until you test its disposition, as many species are very defensive and food aggressive. You want to strenuously avoid having two 1-inch long fangs pierce your skin. Plus, some Ts are so fast that they're half-jokingly referred to as teleporters, so getting out of a way of a bite is virtually impossible. Not only that, but a T's attitude can change instantly, so a specimen that acted mellow a minute ago can pull a Mr. Hyde and become a beast the next minute.

Also, venom toxicity varies greatly. Some are no worse than a bee sting (remember, though - a pair of 1-inch long fangs), but others can be extremely painful lasting for hours with days long after-effects. I understand the featherleg baboon species has one of the most potent of T venom that could put you in the hospital. The baboon line in general has a nasty temperament.

Also, those urticating hairs are no joke, especially if they get into your eyes or you breathe some in. When viewed through a microscope, they're pretty ghastly looking, with multiple razor-sharp barbs. It's almost like asbestos and probably just as bad, if not worse. If you're ever near one and it starts to kick hairs, get away immediately.

[forgenorman]

2:00 Fun fact, tarantula keepers refer to this stage as eggs with legs! They're so cute as babies.

[carleyjones]

Tarantulas are absolutely incredible! Such wonderful creatures!

[bankasai]

How did I miss the episode I asked for? Lol. I loved this episode btw, tarantulas are cool.

[JohnBender]

I have a rose that I've had for 15 years. And she's had to deal with a lot. I can't believe how resilient she is.

[jadenl]

Great video! Before I watched this video, I was pretty scared about tarantulas. But now that I know the facts I actually think that tarantulas are pretty cool! Thanks again for everything AFF!

[lanceangelobaynosa]

Tarantula related prehistoric spider

Not modern insect

[ludwigvanbeethoven]

I did not know the thing with the fine hair. because in many animal rescue stations in the rain-forest of South- and Middle American countries tourists are sometimes allowed to hold them onto their hands (if they are brave enough). But after that you should wash your hands and not rub your eyes.

[Usaball]

I have a fear of spiders but I might adopt a tarantula one day😊

[petertuckergoettler]

My Tarantula Is 23 Years Old Now, merci.

[colewilliams]

Although I LOVE T's, I would go casually calling them gentle giants, as MANY are quite defensive!

[postal_the_clown]

Not that I'm feeling cheated, but I lived in the deserts of Cali for around 10 years, stationed in AZ for a year. On my hikes and drives, I've seen every snake, the various colors of scorpions and more Black Widows than anyone should see, but I have never seen a tarantula in the wild.
The only ones I've ever seen have been pets.

[sarahburke]

Glad to know im not the only one to notice every creature is found on every continent except for one 🤫👍

[lanceangelobaynosa]

Tarantula are prehistoric insect

Bug don't have hair on the body
Prehistoric bug have hair on it's

78, 970% iq

[aublivion]

1:59 Like Facehuggers from movie "Alien" ;)

[m._rmarshal]

Unfortunately for me i fear all kinds of spiders even more the Ts.Its honestly so hard for me to believe they are gentle after so many years of them made to appear all dangerous

[keatonblackman]

I Have A Toy Tarantula Named Count Tarantula

[lanceangelobaynosa]

Tarantula are prehistoric bug

Bug have 2 eyes
Prehistoric insect have many eyes and

67, 550% iq

[olsen]

Old world Tarantulas don't have hairs proly because they have a way worse bite.. OBT can bite more than once, and cause serious pain and cramping..