Do Tarantulas Make Webs?

Tarantulas have two pairs of spinnerets that are used to produce silk. This silk can be used for a variety of purposes. Tarantulas can and do use silk to make webs, however these look very different to the traditional spiders webs seen in your home or garden.  Do All Tarantulas Make Webs? While all tarantulas …

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What Do Tarantulas Do When They Are Scared?

Despite their fearsome reputation among the general public, tarantulas are actually quite shy and retiring creatures. Most would far prefer to run away and hide. Only when they are cornered and feel threatened will a tarantula potentially use a range of defensive mechanisms to protect itself.  Some examples of what tarantulas do when scared include: …

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Can Tarantulas Die During Moulting?

Tarantulas can and do die during moulting. The process of moulting is one of the most dangerous times for a tarantula for many reasons. As a result many tarantulas sadly pass during this period. It also represents one of the most common reasons for pet tarantulas to die.  What are the Dangers of Moulting? There …

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Do Tarantulas Legs Grow Back?

Tarantulas are able to grow back legs. This means that a tarantula that has lost a leg due to a difficult moult or having been attacked by a predator are able to make themselves whole once again in the future.  Tarantulas are also capable of regrowing their pedipalps, fangs and chelicerae if they can manage …

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Do Tarantulas Need a Water Dish?

While a tarantulas’ exoskeleton helps to reduce moisture loss, they still require some form of moisture to survive. There are a number of ways that this requirement can be accomplished in captivity. Adult tarantulas should have access to a water dish. The best water dishes for tarantulas are shallow bowls. The water should be replaced …

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Do Tarantulas Eat Vegetables?

Tarantulas are carnivorous and feed on other live animals. They do not eat vegetables in nature or as pets. They are probably therefore not the best pet for vegans and vegetarians, or those who are overly squeamish about feeding live prey to a tarantula.  What Do Tarantulas Eat? In the wild, tarantulas will eat almost …

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Do Tarantulas Need Light?

Tarantulas are primarily nocturnal, meaning that they are most active after dark. As a result, light is not considered to be a necessity for their successful care. That said, there are some reasons why you might want to consider providing some form of light to your tarantula.  Why Give Tarantulas Light? If tarantulas don’t need …

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Why Do Tarantulas Lose Their Legs?

Tarantulas are able to detach their legs if they feel in danger. For example, if a predator grabs them by the leg, they are able to lose this leg, and scuttle off to safety.  However it is not just attacks from predators that can make a tarantula lose their legs. Here is a list of …

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Why Does My Tarantula Keep Climbing?

There are two kinds of tarantulas; those that have evolved to live off the ground and those that have not.  Tarantulas that live off the ground are often known as arboreal species. They will climb up trees, living in holes or behind loose bark. They often spin silken retreats in which they hide. It is …

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Can Tarantulas Eat Fruit?

Tarantulas do not eat fruit. They are carnivorous predators that rely on catching and eating live prey. Most typically this consists of insects, but in some instances may expand to include small lizards, amphibians or even rodents.  There have a few very isolated cases of tarantula enthusiasts reporting that they have observed tarantulas “eating” fruit. …

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Do Tarantulas Shed Their Skin?

Tarantulas are arthropods – a group of animals characterised by their tough outer skeleton. While this exoskeleton provides support and protection, it also makes growth very difficult indeed. Tarantulas shed their skin regularly. The process of shedding their skin is necessary for the tarantula to grow. It is also an opportunity for the tarantula to …

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Do Tarantulas Bite?

Tarantulas are known for being big, hairy predators. Every time they appear in a movie or a newspaper they’re made out to be dangerous killers. But what is the reality? Do tarantulas bite? And are they dangerous to humans? All tarantulas have fangs that they use to subdue their prey. As a result, all tarantulas …

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