Hobbies And Interests
Origins
The tarantula got its name from a town in southern Italy called Taranto. In the 14th century, some citizens of the city were bitten by spiders and supposedly jumped and thrashed around from the effects of the venom. Some the locals claimed that the convulsions mimicked movements seen in a dance known as the tarantella.
Life Span
Tarantulas have a very long life span. On average, a tarantula kept as a household pet can live to be five to ten years old. In the wild, they can actually live to be 30 years old.
Risk to Humans
Contrary to popular belief, the tarantula is not a deadly spider. Their venom is very weak. In fact, although the bite can be painful the venom is actually weaker than a honeybee's. Some claim that the tarantula bite feels similar to that of a wasp sting.
Molting
Tarantulas will occasionally shed their external skeletons. During this molting process, they can regrow appendages that may have been lost while fighting off a predator. They can also replace their internal organs, including their genitalia.
Defense Mechanisms
Tarantulas have a very unusual way of defending themselves. Their abdomens are covered with hairs that have tiny barbs on them. When a predator comes near a tarantula, it will rub its legs together and shoot the hairs like tiny little daggers.
Hunted
Tarantulas are frightened of some common predators; such as hawks, owls, snakes and weasels. Their most frightening enemy is the spider-wasp. The wasp will sting the tarantula, instantly paralyzing it. The tarantula is then buried alive in a hole with a wasp egg, so the baby wasp can feed on the tarantula.
Delicacies
Tarantulas are not only enjoyed as pets, but also as a delicacy in some parts of the world. In parts of Asia and Africa, they are commonly deep fried. Locals claim they have a nutty taste, similar to peanut butter.