Tarantulas

Anatomy

Tarantulas are arachnids related to scorpions, ticks, and mites. They have four pairs of legs, two pedipalps, two to four spinnerets, and fangs. The pedipalps are used for crushing and tearing prey. Spinnerets are used for producing silk. All tarantulas possess venom, which they inject through their fangs in order to subdue their prey. Their body is divided into two sections the cephalothorax, and the abdomen. A tarantula’s body is covered in hairs. These hairs aid the tarantula is sensing vibrations. Some tarantulas also have specialized hairs called urticating hairs that they can flick with their legs into other potentially threatening animals.

Distribution

Tarantulas inhabit six out of seven of the continents. These continents include: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. However, the majority of species are found in South America. They also live in a variety of habitats, such as, grasslands, savannahs, and rainforest.

Diet

In the wild, tarantulas eat mainly insects and small vertebrates, such as, mice and lizards.

Reproduction

There are three elementary parts contained in the mating process; however there are also many smaller acts and functions intertwined within these parts. To begin the reproduction process, the male makes a sperm-web. After making a sperm-web, the male will locate a female and mate with it. Once the mating process is complete the male quickly departs to avoid becoming a meal.