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Tarantulas

Tarantulas
Fun Facts

Fun Facts

  • Many tarantulas live in underground burrows. They are very sensitive to vibrations on the ground, which helps detect prey or predators. To defend, some species would flick the barbed hairs on their belly at the enemy.

  • Tarantulas do not use webs to trap prey. Instead, these nocturnal hunters hide and attack suddenly, sinking their fangs in to inject venom. The venom not only kills but also liquefies their prey as spiders are often toothless.

Threats & Conservation

IUCN Red List: 4 species are Critically Endangered, 7 are Endangered, 5 are Vulnerable, 5 are Near Threatened, 11 are Least Concern and 7 are Data Deficient.
IUCN Red List: 4 species are Critically Endangered, 7 are Endangered, 5 are Vulnerable, 5 are Near Threatened, 11 are Least Concern and 7 are Data Deficient.
CITES: 22 species are listed in Appendix II
CITES: 22 species are listed in Appendix II

Tarantulas are mainly threatened by habitat loss. Those in forests and woodlands lose their homes to deforestation caused by logging, development and fires, while those near the shore are affected by coastal development and sea level rise. Some people regard tarantulas as pets, for which international trade also poses a threat for wild populations.

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