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. Today we discuss how tarantulas bite in this article.

 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.

What should you 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. Do you want to know about how big are tarantulas?

Description:

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 the 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 and the measurement varies up to the world’s largest and biggest spider that 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.

Physical view:

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 the center and these are surrounded by three more eyes on each side. Their bodies are divided into two sections:

• Prosoma
• The abdomen also referred to as opisthosoma

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

Peek boo places:

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 and are 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.

Is biting a thing for tarantulas?

The simplest answer to the question without any hanky panky is “yes”, they do bite and 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 the 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 cope up the situation with their natural capability to protect itself. They may stiff their hair up to warn you so that you should getaway. 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.

Tarantulas rarely bite

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, the situation may get worse when the hair comes in contact with the eyes. Tarantulas will also get a spot on their belly with no hair.

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

Dangers of tarantula bites and scorpion stings

Tarantula bites are mostly dry and do not cause much toxicity and they are much similar to that of a sting bite. But contact with their hairs may cause redness, rash, itching, and swelling. Their bites usually pose marks of their fangs on the body and many symptoms can appear like fever, nausea with frequent vomiting. In general, tarantula bite effects are not so serious. Their hairs are more dangerous and painful and the pain can continue for weeks. When hairs come into contact with the eye the pain is similar to that the pieces of glass stuck into the eye and pan is very strong causing redness and swelling.

However, scorpion bite is also not venomous as majorly scorpions are not venomous but their stings are painful. The bark scorpion is quite a dangerous one and can prove fatal. The effect of scorpion bite is immediate with a sensation like burning, itching or like the part has become numb. The bark scorpion is the most dangerous and the sting can cause several reactions like muscle twitching, difficulty to speak, irregular eye movements and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. However, death from a scorpion sting is very rare.

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 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.

The truth about how tarantulas bite

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.

Are they really worth the hype?

They are dangerous when they are provoked as biting and releasing venom is in their self-defense mechanisms and also involved in preying so you have to seek proper care while dealing with tarantulas. However, the bites or hairs cannot cause long term damage and the patient usually recovers within weeks.

Treatment of tarantula bites

If you happen to come in contact with a tarantula and mistakenly get bitten it will cause redness, swelling, itching, etc. You should do the following to prevent any damage:

• Wash the area immediately to avoid any kind of spread of infection.
• To cope up with swelling and pain use ice.
• Apply any bite treatment cream to reduce swelling and kill the bacteria.
• If you have any long term symptoms seek medical assistance.

Question and answers

How tarantulas bite?

Tarantulas bite through their fans and release venom to make their prey consumable.

How often do tarantulas bite?

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.

How come tarantulas don’t bite?

They won’t bite if they are not provoked. Plus you have to handle them with care so that they do not feel threatened and don’t think that your finger is their prey.