Tarantulas are the largest spider species on earth. You will find them across all kinds of environments, from the deserts of Africa to the tropical rain forests of the Amazon.
They belong to the Theraphosidae family, which comprises over 860 different species.
Often, you’ll hear people talking about the old world and new world species. The new world (North and South America) includes species like the Brachypelma hamorii, a species found in Mexico.
The old world refers to species found in Asia, Europe, Africa, etc. New world tarantula species tend to be less aggressive compared to their old-world species. They tend to be aggressive and have more potent venom.
Characteristics of Brachypelma Hamorii
- Females tend to be larger than their male counterparts.
- Their legs and palps are black to reddish in color, with three distinctly coloured rings.
- Adult males have light greyish-red carapace.
- The upper part of the abdomen is black.
- Females can live up to 30 years, while males live for roughly 5 years.
What feed your Brachypelma Hamorii
Like most tarantulas, this species’ diet tends to comprise mostly of insects, but some tarantulas may grow to be large enough to eat small rodents and birds. In the wild, they hunt by slowly sneaking up on their prey and jump on them.
Others prefer to tube web or burrow for food to come to them. Once they are within range, they then pull the prey into their hole where they consume them.
As large as they are, these beautiful creatures aren’t always the hunters. Sometimes, they become the prey. There are countless tarantula predators, including:
- Wasps,
- Birds,
- Snakes,
- Coyotes,
- Lizards,
- Scorpions
- Other spiders (spiders are cannibals)
By far, the most lethal tarantula predator is the Pepsis wasp, a.k.a, the tarantula hawk. They sting the tarantula, which paralyzes it. Then, the wasp will drag it back to its nest. She will then lay her eggs on the tarantula. Once they hatch, the larva consumes the tarantula.
Tarantulas as pets
In the invertebrate world, no species is more popular than tarantulas. They cost anything from $10 to $200 or more, depending on their popularity, rarity, and size. Some hobbyists collect different species just for fun, while others keep them as pets.
What makes these creatures popular is that they are inexpensive, beautiful, and easy to maintain – compared to other pets.
If you wish to keep a tarantula as a pet, there are a couple of things you need to think about first.
- Tarantulas tend to live for many years; they are not a pet you will get and only have to worry about for a year or two.
- You need to conduct in-depth research on the care of the various species you want to buy. Care doesn’t vary much, but if you want your pet to live long and happy, it’s vital you give your tarantula a healthy environment.
- Decide whether to get a species like the Brachypelma hamorii to hold and play with or the pink toe tarantula to look at; please note that there are multiple species to choose from. Pick the type that most fits what you are looking for.
Lastly, new pet owners tend to struggle with the question of how often they should feed their hairy friends. The answer depends on the age and size of your pet. Younger tarantulas tend to eat more often than adults. Always remove any food they haven’t consumed from their cage.
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