A tarantula is a large, hairy spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae, which includes roughly 1,000 described species found on every continent except Antarctica.

Eight, like all spiders. Tarantulas also have two shorter front appendages called pedipalps that help them sense their surroundings and manipulate food.

Yes, most species have eight small eyes clustered at the front of the head, though their eyesight is weak. They rely mainly on vibration and touch to sense the world.

No. Like all arthropods, tarantulas have an external skeleton called an exoskeleton instead of an internal one, and they shed it periodically as they grow.

Theraphosidae, part of a spider group called Mygalomorphae. This group is set apart from “true spiders” partly by fangs that point straight down rather than pinching inward.

Leg spans range from under an inch in the smallest species to nearly a foot across in the Goliath birdeater, one of the largest spiders in the world by mass.

No, they are arachnids, a class that also includes scorpions, mites, and ticks. Insects have six legs and three body segments, while arachnids have eight legs and two.

Mostly insects and other invertebrates, though larger species will occasionally take small lizards, frogs, or rodents when the opportunity arises.

Yes, but it's called hemolymph and often appears blue-tinted, since it relies on a copper-based protein rather than the iron-based hemoglobin found in human blood.

Through book lungs, layered respiratory organs on the underside of the abdomen that absorb oxygen in a way that resembles the pages of a book.

Chitin, a tough, flexible material that provides protection and structure but doesn't stretch, which is why tarantulas must periodically molt to grow.

Yes, a tarantula can regenerate a lost leg over successive molts, though the replacement is often noticeably smaller until later molts help it catch up in size.

Around 1,000 species have been formally described, and researchers continue to identify new ones on a regular basis.

They're native to tropical, subtropical, and arid regions across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia, occupying habitats from rainforests to deserts and grasslands.

Yes, several species are native to the American Southwest, including desert-dwelling tarantulas found across Arizona, Texas, and California.

New World species, native to the Americas, tend to be calmer and rely on urticating hairs for defense. Old World species from Africa and Asia generally lack these hairs, move faster, and are more likely to bite defensively.

The Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) of South America, which can weigh over six ounces and reach a leg span approaching eleven inches.

Several dwarf species, including some in the genus Cyriocosmus, reach adult leg spans of only an inch or two.

Many terrestrial species dig burrows or use existing ones for shelter, while arboreal species live in trees, and some simply shelter on the ground under rocks or logs.

Most tropical species can't tolerate real cold, but a few living at higher elevations or in more temperate regions can survive brief cold snaps by sheltering underground.

Some species with limited natural ranges are considered threatened due to habitat loss and pet trade pressure, and several are protected under international trade regulations such as CITES.

The vast majority are solitary and will attack or even eat one another if housed together. A small number of genuinely social species exist, but they're a rare exception.

No. “Poisonous” describes something harmful to touch or eat, while tarantulas are venomous, meaning they deliver their toxin through a bite rather than through contact.

Yes, virtually every tarantula species produces venom, which is used mainly to subdue prey rather than as a first line of defense against larger animals.

It's extremely rare. There's no well-documented human death attributed to tarantula venom alone, though people with allergies or other health complications face somewhat higher risk.

For most New World species, keepers commonly compare it to a bee or wasp sting. Some Old World species can cause more intense pain, cramping, or swelling.

Clean the wound, watch for signs of an allergic reaction or infection, and seek medical care if you notice unusual swelling, breathing trouble, or pain that doesn't settle.

Tiny barbed hairs found on the abdomens of most New World tarantulas. They can be kicked into the air or embedded in skin, causing itching and irritation as a defense mechanism.

Yes, they can cause significant irritation on contact with the eyes, so it's wise to avoid touching your face after handling a New World species or its enclosure.

No, this defense is mostly limited to New World species. Old World tarantulas lack urticating hairs and instead rely on speed, defensive posturing, and biting.

Generally not. Most would rather flee, hide, or flick hairs than bite, and a bite is typically a last resort when a tarantula feels cornered or seriously threatened.

Yes, researchers study certain venom compounds for potential uses in pain research and as templates for new insecticides, since some peptides interact with very specific ion channels.

Old World species such as Poecilotheria (“tiger spiders”) and some African species are considered to have more medically significant bites, causing intense pain and cramping, though serious danger to healthy adults remains rare.

Some people report flu-like symptoms, muscle cramping, or prolonged pain after bites from more potent species, though severe systemic illness is uncommon.

Most species are naturally more active at night or around dawn and dusk, though tarantulas kept as pets often show activity during the day too, especially near feeding time.

This is typically a defensive response, using urticating hairs to deter a perceived threat, and it's often paired with other stress signals.

This “threat posture” signals that it feels threatened and may be preparing to bite or flee, so the best response is to calmly back away.

This can mean it's searching for a new burrow site, reacting to changes in humidity or temperature, or occasionally gearing up to molt.

Refusing food is often completely normal, especially before a molt, after a stressful move, or during natural seasonal slowdowns, and it's rarely a reason to worry unless it goes on for many months alongside other symptoms.

Known as a “death curl,” this often signals severe dehydration, illness, or that the tarantula is dying, and it calls for prompt attention.

Yes, though not the classic spiral webs of orb-weavers. Tarantulas use silk to line burrows, lay trip-wires, signal readiness to molt, and sometimes snare prey near their retreat.

There's no strong evidence that tarantulas recognize individual people the way mammals do. Their responses are largely instinctive reactions to vibration, movement, and touch rather than personal recognition.

Burrowing is entirely normal behavior, offering security, stable humidity, and protection, and it's especially common in young tarantulas settling into a new enclosure.

They don't have ears in the usual sense, but they can detect vibrations and some airborne sound through sensory hairs covering their legs and body.

The process by which a tarantula sheds its old exoskeleton to grow, revealing a new, larger exoskeleton underneath that is soft at first and hardens over the following days.

It depends on age and species. Young tarantulas may molt every few weeks to months, while mature adults might molt only once a year or even less often.

Common signs include a bald or darkened abdomen, reduced appetite, sluggish movement, and web mats spun across the floor of the enclosure.

Yes, tarantulas typically fast for anywhere from days to several weeks before a molt as part of the natural cycle.

No. A molting tarantula is extremely vulnerable, and disturbing it can cause fatal injury, so the safest approach is to leave it completely alone.

The active shedding usually lasts anywhere from fifteen minutes to a few hours, though the full cycle, including recovery, can stretch over several days.

This is the normal position for molting rather than a sign of death, as the tarantula works its body free of the old exoskeleton from underneath.

Wait until its fangs have fully hardened again, typically a few days for younger tarantulas and one to two weeks for adults, to avoid injury from struggling prey.

It can be safely removed once the tarantula has moved away from it, though many keepers leave it briefly to confirm the molt was complete and successful.

Yes, molting complications, sometimes called a “bad molt,” can be fatal, particularly if humidity is too low or the tarantula is disturbed partway through the process.

Commonly crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms, with larger species occasionally offered a pre-killed rodent on rare occasions.

Juveniles typically eat two to three times a week, while adults may only need feeding every one to two weeks, depending on the species and its metabolism.

Yes, a tarantula that's consistently overfed can become overweight, which may complicate molting and potentially shorten its lifespan.

Yes, a shallow water dish should always be available, and some species from more humid environments also benefit from occasional misting.

Yes, many species can survive weeks or even months without eating, particularly adults and those in a natural pre-molt fast.

Yes, live prey left too long can stress or injure a tarantula, especially one in premolt, so uneaten feeders should be removed within about a day.

A general rule is to avoid prey larger than the tarantula's abdomen, since oversized prey can injure it or cause unnecessary stress.

Yes, many keepers offer pre-killed or stunned prey, which is especially useful right after a molt when the tarantula's fangs are still soft.

Yes, tarantulas dip their mouthparts into standing water, so a shallow dish that isn't deep enough to risk drowning should always be available.

Live prey like crickets can nip or stress a vulnerable tarantula, particularly one that's in premolt, which is why uneaten prey should always be removed promptly.

One that's escape-proof, properly ventilated, and sized to match the tarantula's lifestyle, generally more floor space for terrestrial species and more height for arboreal ones. Shop: Terrestrial Enclosure · Arboreal Enclosure

Coconut fiber (coco coir), peat-free potting soil, or a mix of the two are popular choices that hold humidity well and support burrowing.

Usually not. Most species do fine at normal room temperature, roughly 65–80°F, and keepers are generally advised to warm the room itself rather than heat the enclosure directly.

It varies widely by species, from arid desert dwellers that need very low humidity to tropical rainforest species that need consistently high humidity, so it's worth researching your specific species.

Yes, a secure and well-ventilated lid is essential, since tarantulas are surprisingly capable escape artists, especially arboreal species that can climb glass or mesh.

As a rough guideline, floor space of about two to three times the tarantula's leg span works well for ground-dwelling species, while arboreal species need more vertical room instead.

Yes, a hide such as cork bark, a half-log, or a flowerpot gives a tarantula somewhere to retreat and feel secure, which helps reduce stress.

Sand alone is generally discouraged since it doesn't hold burrows well and can be abrasive. A coco fiber or soil-based mix usually works better, even for desert species.

No, tarantulas don't need UVB or UVA lighting the way many reptiles do, and overly bright lighting can sometimes add unnecessary stress.

Spot-clean waste and leftover prey regularly, and refresh the substrate occasionally, being careful not to disturb burrows or a molting tarantula.

Sustained temperatures below the low 60s°F can significantly slow metabolism and appetite for most tropical species, and prolonged cold can become harmful.

Yes, juveniles, often called slings, are typically kept in smaller, simpler enclosures with more coverage to reduce stress and dehydration risk, then gradually upgraded as they grow. Shop: Sling Arboreal Kit

Many keepers recommend minimal to no handling, since it's mostly for human enjoyment rather than the tarantula's benefit, and it carries some risk of falls or defensive reactions.

Yes, even a short fall can rupture a tarantula's abdomen, which is often fatal, since its exoskeleton offers limited cushioning against impact.

“Friendly” isn't quite the right word, since tarantulas act on instinct rather than affection, but many species are simply docile and tolerate calm, gentle interaction.

Species like the Chilean rose hair (Grammostola rosea) and Mexican red knee (Brachypelma hamorii) are often cited as more tolerant of gentle interaction, though individual temperament still varies.

Guide it gently onto an open palm held low over a soft surface, moving slowly and avoiding sudden motions that could startle it.

Sudden movement or being startled often triggers a flight response, and even docile individuals can bolt unexpectedly, which is why handling should always happen close to the ground.

Individual temperament can shift somewhat with age and familiarity with a routine, but it's largely tied to species and genetics rather than genuine “taming.”

This depends heavily on the child's maturity, the tarantula's species and temperament, and close adult supervision, given the risk of drops or defensive bites.

Lifespan varies enormously by sex and species. Males often live only three to ten years, while females of many species can live fifteen to thirty years or more.

Males mature faster and typically die within a year or two of their final mature molt, often not long after mating, while females continue molting and living for decades.

Common methods include examining a shed exoskeleton for reproductive structures, or looking for enlarged pedipalp tips, sometimes called “boxing gloves,” on mature males.

Growth rate depends on species, feeding frequency, and temperature, but most tarantulas take two to five years to reach adulthood, with some large species taking even longer.

Yes, females produce an egg sac containing anywhere from dozens to over a thousand eggs depending on species, which she guards closely until the spiderlings emerge.

Males use specialized structures on their pedipalps to transfer sperm to the female, a risky process since females sometimes attack or even cannibalize the male afterward.

Generally no, since most species are solitary and cannibalistic. Pairing is typically done only briefly and carefully for breeding, under close supervision.

Hobbyist slang for a spiderling, referring to a young tarantula that has recently hatched or is just past its first few molts.

Not literally, but a fall can rupture the abdomen, causing fatal internal injury and fluid loss, which is exactly why falls are so dangerous for them.

Yes, indirectly. The name traces back to the Italian town of Taranto, where the bite of a local wolf spider was historically blamed for a hysterical condition supposedly cured by dancing the “tarantella.”

Not closely. The original “tarantula” was a European wolf spider, while the animals we call tarantulas today belong to an entirely different family, Theraphosidae.

Most species aren't strong jumpers, though some arboreal species can leap short distances when startled.

Yes, but it comes from repeatedly kicking off urticating hairs as a defense mechanism, not disease, and the hairs typically grow back at the next molt.

No, that iconic spiral shape is made by orb-weaver spiders. Tarantulas use silk differently, mainly for lining burrows and laying trip lines rather than catching flying prey.

Yes, many species make long-lived, low-maintenance pets, especially docile terrestrial species, as long as their specific care and safety needs are respected.

Several docile, hardy species are commonly recommended for first-time keepers, though the best fit depends on how much handling, visibility, and maintenance someone actually wants.

Persistent loss of appetite beyond normal fasting, lethargy that doesn't resolve, a shriveled or lopsided abdomen, discolored patches, or an inability to right itself can all signal a health problem worth monitoring closely.

A colloquial term for infections, often bacterial or fungal, that appear as dark, wet-looking, sometimes odorous patches on the exoskeleton, usually linked to overly damp or unsanitary substrate.

Yes, mites can appear in enclosures with excess moisture or organic debris. Most are harmless scavengers, but heavy infestations can stress a tarantula and may call for substrate changes and better ventilation. A cleanup crew helps prevent this — shop: Springtails · Isopods

Parasitic worms that can infect the mouthparts, causing reduced appetite and visible white material around the fangs. Treatment typically requires a veterinarian experienced with invertebrates.

Yes, particularly in enclosures that stay too damp with poor airflow, appearing as fuzzy growths on the substrate or, less commonly, affecting the tarantula itself.

A wrinkled or sunken abdomen, lethargy, and curled legs (the “death curl”) are classic signs, which is why a shallow water dish should always be available.

Exotic-animal or invertebrate-experienced veterinarians can help with injuries, parasites, and molting complications, though the specialty is still relatively rare compared to more common pet care.

Minor leg injuries or lost limbs are often outgrown or regenerated over subsequent molts, though significant abdominal injuries with fluid loss are much more serious and sometimes fatal.

The tarantula appears partially free of its old exoskeleton but unable to fully emerge, often around the legs or abdomen, and may need gentle humidity support or, in serious cases, careful intervention.

Chronic stress from poor husbandry, excessive handling, or an unsuitable enclosure can weaken a tarantula's overall condition and appetite, so a stable, appropriately sized setup matters for long-term health.

Brachypelma hamorii is a slow-moving, docile terrestrial species from Mexico, known for its striking red-orange leg markings and long lifespan, making it one of the most popular beginner species.

Grammostola rosea is a hardy, calm burrowing species from Chile and Argentina, often recommended for beginners, though individual temperament can vary more than its reputation suggests.

Tliltocatl albopilosum is a docile, terrestrial species from Central America named for its distinctive curled hairs, valued for its easygoing temperament and adaptability.

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is a fast-moving, vividly colored species from Venezuela known for heavy webbing and a more skittish, defensive temperament than classic beginner picks.

Avicularia species are arboreal New World tarantulas known for climbing behavior, pink-tinted feet, and relatively calm dispositions compared to other arboreal species.

Theraphosa blondi is a massive South American species best suited to experienced keepers, given its size, strength, and tendency to kick large amounts of urticating hair.

Cyriopagopus lividum is a fast, defensive, burrowing Old World species prized for its vivid blue coloring but generally recommended only for experienced keepers due to its temperament.

Grammostola pulchra is a slow, calm, all-black terrestrial species popular for its docile nature and impressively long lifespan in females.

Poecilotheria, or “tiger spiders,” are fast, arboreal Old World tarantulas from India and Sri Lanka known for striking patterns and a more medically significant bite, making them suited to experienced keepers. Shop: P. regalis · P. metallica · P. ornata

A common name for various African terrestrial tarantulas across several genera, known for speed, defensiveness, and burrowing habits, generally recommended for keepers with prior experience. Shop: Pterinochilus murinus (OBT)

Reputable breeders, specialty invertebrate dealers, or established online tarantula retailers are generally better sources than big-box pet stores, which more often carry wild-caught or poorly cared-for stock.

It means the tarantula was born and raised in captivity rather than collected from the wild, typically resulting in a healthier, less stressed, and more ethically sourced animal.

Wild-caught individuals are collected from their natural habitat and often arrive more stressed, dehydrated, or parasite-prone, while captive-bred tarantulas tend to be hardier and better adjusted to enclosure life.

Prices range widely, from around $20-40 for common beginner species to several hundred dollars for rarer or more colorful species, depending on age, sex, and availability.

Often yes, since females live much longer and are more desirable for long-term keeping, while males, with their shorter lifespans, are typically priced lower.

An alert but calm demeanor, all legs intact, a plump (not shriveled) abdomen, and no visible injuries or unusual discoloration are good signs of a healthy individual.

Yes, experienced sellers commonly ship tarantulas using insulated packaging and temperature-controlled shipping methods designed to keep them safe in transit.

Requirements vary by location. Some regions restrict certain species due to invasive risk or conservation status, so it's worth checking local and national regulations before buying.

Some species are protected under international trade agreements like CITES, meaning import, export, or sale may be restricted or require documentation.

At minimum, an appropriately sized escape-proof enclosure, substrate, a water dish, a hide, and appropriate feeder insects should be ready before the tarantula arrives.

Ongoing costs are relatively low compared to many pets, mainly covering feeder insects, occasional substrate changes, and rare vet visits, making tarantulas a budget-friendly exotic pet.

No, standard ambient room lighting is sufficient, and most keepers avoid strong direct lighting since tarantulas prefer dimmer conditions.

Yes, monitoring temperature and humidity helps ensure conditions stay within the safe range for your specific species, especially since needs vary considerably between species.

Occasional light misting, a water dish, and appropriately moisture-retentive substrate typically work better than saturating the entire enclosure, which can promote mold.

Automated misting systems exist for larger collections, though most home keepers handle feeding manually since tarantulas eat infrequently and portions need individual attention.

Substrate typically needs replacing every several months to a year, depending on cleanliness, mold growth, and whether waste or old prey has accumulated.

Feeder insects like crickets or roaches are inexpensive individually, and since adult tarantulas eat infrequently, food costs are usually a minor expense.

No, tarantulas maintain their claws and fangs naturally, and trimming isn't part of normal care the way it might be for some other pets.

Yes, since many species can go a week or more without food, a well-maintained enclosure with fresh water can typically handle short absences without daily care.

Many keepers rely on rehoming through hobbyist communities, breeders, or reptile and invertebrate rescue groups, since tarantulas' long lifespans mean planning for future care matters.

Yes, as both predators of insects and other small animals and as prey for birds, mammals, and parasitic wasps, tarantulas help regulate invertebrate populations in their habitats.

Yes, some species with limited native ranges, like certain Brachypelma species, are protected under CITES due to overcollection pressure from the pet trade.

Overcollection of wild individuals, particularly before captive breeding became widespread, contributed to population declines in some regions, which is part of why captive-bred sourcing matters.

Birds, snakes, small mammals, and especially parasitic wasps, which lay eggs on paralyzed tarantulas, are significant natural predators and parasites.

Large wasps that hunt tarantulas, paralyzing them with a sting before laying an egg on the spider. The wasp's larva then feeds on the still-living tarantula.

Yes, as generalist insect predators, tarantulas contribute to keeping populations of crickets, roaches, and other invertebrates in check within their native ecosystems.

Deforestation, urbanization, and shifting climate patterns can shrink or fragment native habitats, putting pressure on species with already limited geographic ranges.

Some narrow-range species face genuine conservation concern due to combined habitat loss and collection pressure, though comprehensive population data is limited for many species.

Most species are largely sedentary, staying near a burrow or territory, though males become more mobile as adults while searching for mates.

Field researchers use techniques like burrow surveys, mark-recapture studies, and genetic sampling to estimate population sizes and understand distribution patterns.

Their size, hairy appearance, and association with venom make them an easy visual shorthand for danger, even though most species pose little real threat to humans.

Yes, certain venom peptides have been studied for potential pain-relief applications and as templates for selective insecticides, based on how they interact with specific ion channels.

Their dramatic look and cultural association with spookiness make them a popular seasonal motif, despite most species being far less dangerous than their portrayal suggests.

Yes, researchers also study their silk properties, sensory biology, and even the biomechanics of their movement for insights applicable to robotics and materials science.

In some regions, certain tarantula species have historically been eaten as a food source or referenced in folklore, reflecting varied cultural relationships with the animal.

The word traces back to the Italian town of Taranto, where a wolf spider's bite was historically blamed for a manic condition supposedly cured by dancing the “tarantella.”

Yes, several newly described species have been named in tribute to musicians, actors, or other public figures, a fairly common practice in taxonomy.

Yes, they frequently appear as enemies or creatures in games set in jungles, caves, or horror settings, again leaning on their intimidating reputation.

Keeping tarantulas as pets became more mainstream from the mid-20th century onward, growing alongside increased captive breeding and hobbyist information sharing.

Many keepers are drawn to their low maintenance needs, long lifespans, fascinating behavior, and the challenge of overcoming a common phobia through direct, controlled exposure.

This depends on the species' temperament, the child's maturity level, and the level of adult supervision, since docile species with careful handling policies can work well for some families.

Not usually. Supervised, positive exposure to a calm species can sometimes help build comfort over time, though this varies by individual and shouldn't be forced.

Generally, it's safer for young children to observe rather than handle a tarantula directly, given the physical risks of drops and the tarantula's stress response to unfamiliar hands.

Keeping the enclosure secure and out of reach of very young children or curious pets, and educating household members about not tapping the glass or startling the animal, helps keep everyone safe.

Cats and dogs can pose a risk to tarantulas if they get too curious, so enclosures should be secure and placed somewhere pets can't easily disturb them.

Basic rules like not tapping on the enclosure, always asking an adult before handling, and washing hands afterward help keep both the tarantula and child safe.

As with adults, most bites from common pet species are comparably mild, though a child's smaller body size and potential allergic sensitivity warrant extra caution and prompt medical attention if bitten.

Many families do so successfully with a secure enclosure and clear house rules, though some prefer keeping exotic pets in shared or supervised spaces instead.

This varies by child, but many families introduce supervised feeding or observation responsibilities once a child demonstrates careful, gentle behavior around animals.

Gradual, low-pressure exposure, keeping the enclosure secure and out of frequently used spaces, and never forcing interaction tend to work better than rushing the process.

Rehousing means moving a tarantula to a new enclosure, typically done as it outgrows its current space or when upgrading husbandry setup, and it's usually done calmly using a container or gentle guiding tool.

Using a clear container to gently guide the tarantula, working slowly, and avoiding sudden movements or direct handling reduces stress and risk for both keeper and animal.

Isolating a newly acquired tarantula in a separate space for a period of weeks helps ensure it isn't carrying parasites or illness before introducing it near other tarantulas.

Yes, many hobbyists keep diverse collections spanning New World and Old World species, though each requires species-specific care given differing temperaments and climate needs.

Some tarantulas seal themselves into a burrow or hide with silk before molting, a natural protective behavior that shouldn't be disturbed even if it looks unusual.

By examining the underside of a shed exoskeleton near the book lungs for the presence of a spermatheca, a reproductive structure found only in females.

A small number of naturally social species can be housed together in supervised communal setups, though this remains an exception rather than standard practice for most tarantulas.

Systems like labeled enclosures, feeding schedules, and record-keeping for molts and feedings help keepers track the needs of many individuals at once.

It refers to a tarantula flicking urticating hairs as defense. Wearing gloves during enclosure maintenance and avoiding startling New World species helps reduce exposure.

Given their reliance on speed and biting rather than hair-kicking, keepers generally avoid direct handling altogether and use tools for any necessary enclosure maintenance.

Tarantulas belong to a distinct group called Mygalomorphae, characterized by downward-pointing fangs, generally larger size, and often longer lifespans than typical “true spiders.”

Not necessarily. Many house spiders, like widow species, can have more medically significant bites than common pet tarantula species, despite the tarantula's more intimidating appearance.

Both are popular low-maintenance exotic pets, though scorpions deliver venom through a stinger rather than a bite and generally require less specialized handling considerations.

Only distantly. Wolf spiders belong to a different, more diverse spider group, though the original “tarantula” name historically referred to a European wolf spider before being applied to today's Theraphosidae family.

Female tarantulas of some species can outlive cats and dogs, often reaching 20-30 years, making them one of the longer-lived common exotic pets available.

Tarantulas rely primarily on instinct and sensory input rather than complex learning, similar to most spiders, though their behavior can still appear sophisticated in context.

Tarantula venom is generally far less potent to humans than most venomous snakes, evolved primarily for subduing small invertebrate prey rather than larger animals.

No, jumping spiders have unusually sharp vision for their size, while tarantulas rely much more on vibration and touch than visual acuity.

Both are made of chitin and require molting to grow, though tarantulas molt many fewer times over a longer lifespan compared to most insects.

Neither. Tarantulas are arachnids, a separate class from both insects and crustaceans, though all three fall under the broader arthropod group sharing exoskeletons and jointed limbs.

Most species aren't natural swimmers and can drown in deep water, which is why enclosure water dishes should always be shallow.

Tarantulas don't sleep the way mammals do, but they do have periods of inactivity and reduced responsiveness that may serve a similar restorative function.

Their eyesight is generally poor and mostly used for detecting light, shadow, and movement rather than fine color discrimination.

They detect chemical cues primarily through specialized sensory hairs on their legs and pedipalps rather than a nose, allowing them to sense prey and environmental chemicals.

Terrestrial species generally can't, but many arboreal species have specialized foot structures that let them climb smooth surfaces like glass enclosure walls.

Speed varies by species; calmer terrestrial species move slowly and deliberately, while some Old World species can move remarkably fast when startled.

Some species can produce a hissing or stridulating sound by rubbing bristles together, typically as a defensive warning rather than true vocalization.

Yes, tarantulas can voluntarily drop a leg to escape a threat, a process called autotomy, and typically regenerate it gradually over subsequent molts.

A single egg sac can contain anywhere from dozens to over a thousand spiderlings, depending on the species and the size of the mother.

Some female tarantulas in captivity, particularly long-lived species, have been documented living past 30 years, among the longest lifespans known for any spider.