Tarantulas (A group of related spiders under the family name Theraphosidae) can be found on every continent save Antarctica. While their large and frightening appearance can be startling, Tarantulas are mostly not a significant danger to people.

• Tarantulas found in the New world (those indigenous to the Americas) have bites that pose very little threat to humans other than causing some pain in the area of the bite.

• Tarantulas found in the Old world (particularly those indigenous to Asia), bite as both a defense mechanism and a method for catching prey. They are more likely to bite when provoked and are significantly less docile than new-world tarantulas. The venom old-world tarantulas is less well understood, and some early observations suggest that they are more potent than those of their new-world cousins.

There are reports of significant bites from Poecilotheria species of Tarantula, sometimes resulting in hospitalization of the patient. Indicators include both pain and swelling in the affected area, physical exhaustion, muscle cramping, difficulty breathing, and fever. In such situations, emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately.

Featured Photo by jcantroot

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