Scientific Name
Theraphosidae spp.
Body Weight
Up to 175 g
Body Length
The largest tarantula, which is also the largest spider, is the Goliath Bird-eating Spider (Theraphosa blondi). It can reach 28 cm if the legs are stretched.
Habitat
Diet
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.
Distribution
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Climate Change
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.
IUCN Red List
4 species are Critically Endangered, 7 are Endangered, 6 are Vulnerable, 5 are Near Threatened, 11 are Least Concern and 7 are Data Deficient.
CITES
37 species are listed in Appendix II, 1 species is listed in Appendix III
Conservation
Many tarantula species are protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong
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