Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Arachnids

Tarantula

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders in the family Theraphosidae.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders in the family Theraphosidae, found in warm regions worldwide. Despite their intimidating look, most are harmless to humans.

What it is

Tarantulas belong to the spider family Theraphosidae within the order Araneae and class Arachnida. Over 1,000 species have been described, making them some of the largest spiders on Earth. They are carnivorous ambush predators that typically hunt at night.

Key details

Most tarantulas live in burrows, though some are arboreal. They inhabit warm regions on every continent except Antarctica. Their venom is generally not dangerous to humans, though bites can be painful. Females can live up to 30 years, far longer than males.

Why it matters

Tarantulas play a role in controlling insect populations and are sometimes kept as exotic pets. In Canada, they are not native but appear in zoos and educational programs. Understanding them helps reduce unnecessary fear.

In short

  • Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders in the family Theraphosidae.
  • Most are not dangerous to humans, despite their appearance.
  • They live in warm regions worldwide, often in burrows.
  • Females can live decades; males have shorter lifespans.
Canadian angle

Tarantulas are not native to most of Canada, but they are sometimes kept as exotic pets and may appear in Canadian zoological collections or education programs.

Quick questions

Are tarantulas dangerous to humans?
Most tarantulas are generally harmless to humans, though a bite can be painful and some species may cause irritation or stronger symptoms.
Where do tarantulas live?
They live in warm regions on most continents except Antarctica, in habitats such as burrows, forests, deserts, grasslands, and scrubland.
How long do tarantulas live?
Some tarantulas can live for decades, with females often reaching much older ages than males.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/tarantula
    Supports: Classification, general description, habitat, diet, and human impact
  2. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/tarantula
    Supports: Diet, behaviour, lifespan, habitat, and general biology
  3. BBC Earth — https://www.bbcearth.com/factfiles/animals/insects-arachnids/tarantula
    Supports: Species count, distribution, venom, and habitat variety
  4. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tarantula
    Supports: Taxonomy, species estimates, distribution, lifespan, and general facts
  5. National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Tarantulas
    Supports: General description and captive popularity
  6. Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/insects-invertebrates/tarantula-facts
    Supports: Name origin, distribution, and hunting behaviour