Australian Tarantula Pet Fact

are australian tarantulas poisonous？
Do Australia have tarantulas?
Are Australian tarantulas aggressive?
What is Australia’s largest tarantula?
Are Australian tarantulas good pets?

　　1：are australian tarantulas poisonous?

　　VENOM TOXICITY – Australian tarantulas are non-aggressive, but if provoked it can inflict a painful bite. An adult’s fangs can be 1cm long. Severe illness may result with nausea and vomiting for 6 to 8 hours have been reported from bites. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Collect spider for a positive identification.

　　Australia’s ferocious tarantulas are not only big, they’re also poisonous. Their venom is no problem in killing a bird. Another witness said they once killed a dog.

　　Australian tarantulas are carnivores and eat insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders. These spiders are non-aggressive and although they have quite large fangs which can penetrate a human’s skin, their bite is not deadly. Although not linked to human fatalities, reactions from a tarantula’s toxic venom can include nausea, severe pain at the site of puncture and profuse sweating. Despite being sometimes referred to as bird-eating spiders, it is rare for a tarantula to eat a bird, but small chicks may occasionally be taken from nests on the ground if the opportunity presents.

　　VENOMOUS?

　　Yes, Australian Tarantulas are venomous. They are classified as not dangerous to humans because their bites have been documented to mainly only cause minor symptoms such as severe pain. They have been documented as extremely toxic to canines. Of the seven reported cases of dogs bitten by Australian Tarantulas, all were fatal. This is not to say that for every person the venom will have no serious effects. There is always the exception to this rule. Every individual person has the potential to react differently to any toxin, potentially due to a secondary reaction in the body. As yet there have been no deaths or serious illness caused by the venom of Australian Tarantula. It is assumed that Australian Tarantulas contain potent neurotoxins that are active in several species of vertebrates. Obviously canines are one of such vertebrates and humans are simply not.

　　2：Do Australia have tarantulas?

　　There are seven species of Australian tarantula from four genera, Selenocosmia, Selenotholus, Selenotypus and Phlogiellus, within the country. The seven species are the Queensland whistling spider (Selenocosmia crassipes), barking spider (Selenocosmia stirlingi), brush tarantula (Coremiocnemis tropix), Selenocosmia Strenua, Selenocosmia Subvulpina, Selenotholus Foelschei, and Selenotypus Plumipes.

　　The spiders vary greatly in size and leg span, ranging from 5 to 16cm. With many still undescribed species, identification can be tricky, but broadly tarantulas have a large, heavy body, ranging in colour from dark brown to reddish brown or pale fawn, with a silvery sheen. Tarantulas have large fangs that measure in at around 1 cm in length.

　　3：Are Australian tarantulas aggressive?

　　Danger to humans. Although large, Australian tarantulas are not usually aggressive , but if provoked will ‘rear up’ and appear rather menacing. The bite is painful, as the fangs are large and as long as those of many snakes.

　　4:What is Australia’s largest tarantula?

　　QLD BIRD EATING SPIDER (Selenocosmia crassipes)

　　The Queensland bird eating spider is also commonly referred to as the Australian Tarantula. This is one of several species of large, aggressive spiders, which are found in the warmer and more arid regions of Australia. The largest species may attain a body length of 60mm and a leg span of 160mm, with powerful fangs 10mm long. This is the largest species of spider in Australia, and is part of the tarantula family, which comprises of the largest spiders in the world.

　　HOUSING

　　There are many different types of enclosures that can be used for this species but terrarium style enclosures work best as they have a mesh lid to allow for good ventilation and are escape proof. Between 30-60cm long is recommended and as they are a burrowing spider your tank will not need to be too high. Kritter Crumble is recommended for substrate use as this spider is a tropical species and likes moisture in its cage. Kritter Crumble is a coco type substrate that allows for good water retention. About 10cm depth is sufficient and will allow them to build their burrows. Regular misting of enclosure will need needed to keep the substrate moist.

　　HEATING

　　As AustralianTarantulas come from Far North Queensland some form of heating will be required. A heat mat covering no more than 1/3 of the base of the tank is ideal. This will allow them to move in and out of the warm area as they require. Temperatures should ideally be kept around 20-25 Celsius. Make sure you check your temperatures as over heating will kill your spider.

　　FEEDING

　　Your Tarantula should be fed 1-2 times per week and live crickets are their main food source. Mealworms, Silkworms and even small pinkie mice can be offered to your spider as an additional food source.

　　5:Are Australian tarantulas good pets?

　　SPECIES BACKGROUND

　　Lifespan – 5 to 30 years depending on sex and species

　　Tarantulas have been kept as pets all over the world (including other states of Australia) for many years. In Western Australia the keeping of invertebrates as a whole is a brand new and exciting concept! Currently there are no license requirements to keep these critters if purchased in the state of WA.

　　Whether you are arachnophobic or have a fascination with spiders an Australian tarantula could very well be a perfect pet, be it ornamental or somewhat interactive is dependent on the individual person. Tarantulas have been a tool in the treatment and cure of arachnophobia. This is based simply on the highly regarded opinion that people are afraid of what they don’t know. Once you have a large spider at your home (secured in an enclosure), that relies on you for feeding and its necessities and once you have observed its natural instinctive fear of you (whether you like it or not, you are a massive predator to a spider smaller than your foot), you will not only see, but begin to believe what you see. That in fact far from the scary beast you assume, is a shy and reclusive critter that would rather hide from you than risk you ‘finding’ it in its well-hidden den. After all it has no idea that its den resides in your lounge room.

　　Tarantulas are primitive and instinctive. Your spider will never love you, which ultimately shows how tolerant they really are. They will avoid biting and contact where possible, with preference of flight than fight. Don’t get me wrong, they are very capable of inflicting a painful, venom filled bite but they would prefer not to.

　　Handle-able australian tarantulas for beginner?

　　So you’ve made the decision to get your first tarantula – but which one? At this point, you’ll find out very quickly that Australian tarantula “species” are a swamp of bizarre names and numbers, of which no official or complete list exists (we’ll get to why). To break it down, there are probably around eight* different groups (genera) of tarantulas in Australia, with four most commonly kept as pets. There’s no “best” tarantula to keep, but they do all have differences in appearance, behaviour and growth rate which you will need to be aware of before purchasing.

　　Handling tarantulas is generally frowned upon – particularly Old World species, with their more potent venoms. The spider does not benefit from being held, but every time you hold it, you risk accidentally dropping it, exposing it to a potentially fatal injury like a ruptured abdomen. Nobody ever thinks it will happen if they are careful, but spiders – like all wild animals – are unpredictable. The spider might bolt or jump or fall off your hand. It might run up your arm and slip and fall. It might move unexpectedly or even bite, startling you and causing you to reflexively jerk your hand back – thereby flinging the spider across the room to splat against the wall.

　　I also would not recommend handling a huntsman spider. While their venom is not dangerous, they are insanely fast. I had one get away from me once during a rehouse, and I swear – that thing teleported across the room. It was safely recovered – but not without a lot of hunting, cursing, and desparately searching (and re-searching) every possible hiding place.

　　Australian Tarantula Care Guide

　　Housing

　　Australian tarantulas are found in a wide range of habitats from the Mallee of North West Victoria, through the deserts of central Australia and WA up into the Tropics of the North of Australia. Despite this all, tarantulas are often found in close proximity to a potential water source.

　　Being a burrowing animal a “false chamber” setup 1L enclosure is your bare minimum, 30x30x30cm is best. As a predominately burrow dwelling animal ventilation is not overly important, a small number of holes in the sides and roof will provide them with all the fresh air they’ll need, higher ventilation will likely stimulate them to burrow to seek higher humidity levels. At higher humidity and/or low light they will stay surface active.

　　Appropriate substrates for housing tarantulas include, cocofibre, pesticide/fertilizer free soil, loam, our burrower mix and our forest floor mix. The enclosure should be filled over halfway with this substrate (a fall of 15cm or more can cause abdomen rupturing or internal damage), which must be kept slightly damp, add water until a ball can be formed in your hand using the substrate. Many keepers prefer to make various additions to the substrate, most commonly sand, vermiculite and peatmoss.

　　Temperature for Tarantulas needs to be kept between 10-30 degrees Celsius. They are able to tolerate temperatures below this for short times, but activity, metabolism and growth with slow down and came to a stop. Temperatures exceeding 34-35C will cause catastrophic injuries to your tarantula resulting in irreparable damage, often presenting itself as a “death curl”, which will not come good with water consumption..

　　Feeding/Watering

　　In the wild Australian tarantulas are opportunistic ambush feeders, often feeding on whatever triggers the web around the surface of their burrow, where they sit in wait at night. Due to the likelihood of catching prey this way, Australian tarantulas have adapted with a very slow metabolism. Conveniently higher when there is more prey activity in the warmer months allowing more growth. And very slow during cold months when prey activity has slowed done.

　　In captivity Australian tarantulas can be fed large crickets, wood roaches and even pinky mice (keep these to less than 3 times a year). Feed them 3-4 appropriately sized insects every 1-2 weeks during summer months, it is not unusual for them to not eat at all for several months over winter. Remove any waste or uneaten insects within 24hrs of feeding, crickets can kill a moulting tarantula, half eaten prey may attract unwanted pests such as fungus gnats as well as allowing mould to flourish.

　　Australian tarantulas get majority of their water from their prey, but mist surface of the enclosure slightly weekly or as the substrate begins to dry out, Australian tarantulas will chew on the substrate drawing out moisture.

　　Sexing

　　Sexing Australian tarantulas can be done relatively accurately from 4cm leg span. Males of all species will begin exhibiting swelling around the base of the last segment of their pedipalps, eventually developing into palpal bulbs in mature specimens. Immature females will have this swelling in the centre of the last segment of the pedipalps

　　Lifespan

　　Common Concerns

　　Why is my tarantuls not eating? Tarantulas may not eat for various reasons, if it is winter they may not be metabolising their food as fast as they’re being fed, they may also just be full. Centipedes can go for over 18 months without food at times.

　　Why is my tarantula always hiding? Tarantulas burrow to seek higher humidity a burrowing tarantula is a happy tarantula, if it is wandering on the surface it is likely seeking an appropriate place to call home.

　　Why isn’t my tarantula burrowing? Burrowing invertebrates burrow to reach an area with higher humidity levels and to hide from predators. Try drying out the enclosure slightly or place in a better lit area of the house, the sunlight can stimulate them to burrow.

　　Why is my tarantula curled up? This could be due to a number of reasons, firstly is it on its stomach or back? Back it is likely moulting and best left alone for a day or 2 while it sheds its exoskeleton, do not feed until it has hardened back up this could take up to 2-3 weeks. If its on its stomach is its legs curling underneath it or up over its eyes? Curling up over its eyes is a normal resting position nothing to be concerned about. Curling underneath may be a “death curl” this often comes about due to dehydration. Try placing a waterdish in the enclosure with the tarantulas fangs in the water.

　　Australian Tarantula Spiders

　　Area of distribution – Found in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia and north-western Victoria – habitats ranging from rainforest to desert.

　　Spider Identification – Australian tarantulas have a large thick body of around 6 cm in length – leg span 16 cm – fangs 1 cm long. Several species varying in colour from dark chocolate-brown to pale fawn, often with a silvery sheen. Some species have long hairs on their rear legs. Australian tarantulas are also called Whistling spiders, Barking spiders and Bird-eating spiders.

　　Habitat – Adult female Australian tarantulas live in web-lined burrows in the ground of up to 100 cm deep. The male tarantulas often construct silk webbing retreats under rocks or logs. Their burrows may be plugged during cold winter months and hot summer days. Australian tarantulas sometimes eat but mainly eat other spiders, insects, frogs and lizards. Female tarantulas may live up to 12 years and spend most of her life in her burrow.

　　What do Australian tarantulas look like?

　　Identification

　　The described Australian tarantula fauna belongs to four genera, Selenocosmia (four species), Selenotholus, Selenotypus and Coremiocnemis (with one species each) in the subfamily Selenocosmiinae. There are many undescribed species, some of which may belong in other genera. Australian theraphosids have a large, heavy body, which varies in colour from dark chocolate-brown to reddish brown or pale fawn, often with a silvery sheen. Selenotypus plumipes is the only species that has long hairs on the rear legs, making it easily identifiable. However, it can be difficult to identify the other Australian tarantulas to species.

　　Where do Australian tarantulas live?

　　Habitat

　　Adult female Australian tarantulas live in web-lined burrows in the ground. Younger stages and males may use flimsy silk retreats under rocks and logs. The burrows may have a flange of grass or leftover soil from burrow excavation around the outer rim. Some burrows may even have a thin film of web around or across the entrance.

　　Burrow size usually correlates with the size of the spider, however the depth of the burrow can vary considerably (40 cm -100 cm deep), without relation to the size of the occupant. The temperature of the burrow remains fairly constant, with the minimum temperature for activity (20 degrees C) only being exceeded during the months of September to May, which is the feeding and growth season for these spiders. Burrows are sometimes plugged during the colder months and during the hottest part of summer.

　　Toggle CaptionQueensland Whistling Tarantula. Image: dhfischer

　　CC BY-NC 4.0Distribution

　　The genus Selenocosmia is known from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. Selenocosmia stirlingi is the most southerly (reaching into north-western Victoria) and widely distributed species. It spans the continent in habitats ranging from rainforest to desert but is not found in the northern tropics.

　　The species that is most often kept as a pet is often sold as Selenocosmia crassipes. However, many of the large petshop spiders come from the north Queensland areas around Cairns and are incorrectly identified. They are likely to be undescribed species of the Asian genus Phlogiellus. Selenocosmia crassipes has its main distribution further south in mid-east Queensland.

　　Coremiocnemis, Selenotholus and Selenotypus are found in north-eastern Queensland, north-western Queensland and the Northern Territory respectively.

　　Satellite View

　　Conservation status

　　There is growing concern that collecting these spiders for the pet trade may have a negative impact on populations of Australian tarantulas in northern Queensland. By removing the large adults from small local populations, collectors may be inadvertently endangering species that have not been properly studied or described yet and which may have limited distributions. A few traders are developing captive breeding programs to supply the pet market. This should be encouraged in the interests of conserving these fascinating spiders.

　　What do Australian tarantulas eat and how do they mate?

　　Feeding and diet

　　Australian tarantulas rarely eat birds, despite often being called ‘bird-eating spiders’. Occasionally, hatchlings may be taken from nests on the ground, however the spiders mainly eat insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders.

　　Other behaviours and adaptations

　　Theraphosids have thick hair pads on their legs and feet which give them excellent grip. They can easily climb smooth surfaces such as glass or plastic tank walls and thus escape from poorly secured containers.

　　Selenocosmia stirlingi, like other theraphosid spiders, sometimes constructs a cradle or hammock of webbing on which the spider lies when moulting. Moulting takes place with the spider lying on its back, and can take from under one hour in spiderlings up to several hours for large mature females. Growth depends on the availability of food and moisture, with tropical species generally reaching maturity more quickly and in fewer steps than species with less reliable food and water supplies. Females continue to moult after sexual maturity, while males will not moult again once mature. Males can be distinguished by their swollen palps (pair of front sensory/mating organs).

　　An undescribed species of tarantula discovered in the Northern Territory lives in dense populations on a flood plain. The spiders can swim, coat themselves in air bubbles and access their burrows during the wet season.

　　Toggle CaptionStirling’s Australian Tarantula. Image: Mike Letnic

　　CC BY-NC 4.0Communication

　　Australian tarantulas are often known as whistling or barking spiders because of the sounds most species can produce by rubbing rows of modified spines on the basal segments of their palps (front pair of limb-like sensory/mating organs) against opposing spines on their jaw bases (the stridulating organ). The whistling or humming noise is most readily produced when the spider is disturbed and takes up a threatening defensive pose – it may act as a deterrent against predators.

　　Life history cycle

　　The female Selenocosmia stirlingi lays about 50 eggs into a 30 mm diameter sac, which is stored in the burrow and protected by a tough cover of silk. The spiderlings moult once within the egg sac before leaving it via a single hole. They will moult again before leaving their mother’s nest as free-living individuals. Spiderlings have been observed feeding upon an insect provided by their mother, indicating some degree of maternal care in this species.

　　Females may live up to twelve years, but the males usually die after mating at around five years of age. Females therefore tend to be larger than males because they continue to grow.

　　Breeding behaviours

　　A female Australian tarantula spends most of her life in her burrow. During spring and early summer, males approach the females’ burrows, enticing them out to mate at the entrance. The male has to signal to the female that he is not potential prey, by drumming his palps (mating organs) on the ground and on the female’s carapace (hard outer body covering). She will rear up in an aggressive stance while the male advances upon her, pushing her further backwards. He then inserts his palps one by one into the female’s genital opening, before retreating.

　　Attacks on the males of S. stirlingi have not been observed, and the males of this, and other Australian species do not possess spurs to secure the female’s fangs while mating (as found in some other tarantula species and unrelated groups like Funnel-web Spiders). This may indicate that males are much less likely to be killed during the mating process than the males of many other spider species.

　　Are Australian tarantulas dangerous?

　　Danger to humans

　　Although large, Australian tarantulas are not usually aggressive, but if provoked will ‘rear up’ and appear rather menacing. The bite is painful, as the fangs are large and as long as those of many snakes. Severe illness sometimes results and nausea and vomiting for six to eight hours have been reported from bites. It is possible that the growing popularity of keeping these spiders as pets may be responsible for an increase in reported bites.

　　People who keep Australian tarantulas as pets must not attempt to handle them and should be very careful when cleaning their containers. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Collect spider for a positive identification.

　　References

　　Barbara York Main (1976) Spiders. The Australian Naturalist Library, Collins, Sydney.

　　Bert Simon-Brunet (1994) The Silken Web: a natural history of Australian spiders. Reed Books.

　　Queensland Museum Tarantula or Whistliing Spider factsheet.

　　Mandy Kotzman (1986) ‘Aspects of the biology of Selenocosmia stirlingi Hogg (Araneae, Theraphosidae)’. Phd Thesis, Monash University.