How Long Are Tarantula Fangs? (Facts & Example)

Tarantulas are one of the most common types of spiders. They’re big and hairy, and they’re often found in exotic places like Brazil or Australia. Despite being venomous, these species aren’t capable of killing humans. Their large size and intimidating appearance make them a popular choice for pets. Many people, however, are unaware of how long are tarantula fangs. In this article, we’ll discuss the length of tarantula fangs.

Key Takeaways:

• The length of tarantula fangs depends on the size of the species
• When they molt, their fangs are also removed, but they grow back after they’ve finished molting.
• Tarantulas aren’t deadly, and only a few species’ bites can cause hallucinations or muscle cramps.

How long are tarantula fangs?

The length of tarantula fangs varies according to the species, sex, and age. Some species have enormous fangs, while others have tiny fangs. The Goliath birdeater, the world’s largest tarantula, has fangs that are about 1.5 inches long. In general, the length of a tarantula’s fangs are proportional to their body size.

Purpose of tarantula fangs

With the help of their fangs, tarantulas can inject venom into their prey, allowing them to consume it without risk to themselves. The venom can paralyze small insects, making them easier to consume. Tarantulas use their front legs to hold their prey down while injecting it with venom through their fangs.

The fang is found on the bottom side of the spider’s jaw, known as the chelicerae. These hollow tubes contain venom sacs released through the fangs when the species is threatened or about to paralyze its prey.

Can tarantulas’ fangs pierce human skin?

The fangs of most tarantulas are too weak to pierce human skin. Only a few tarantulas have fangs strong enough to pierce thick layers of the skin surface. Despite being venomous, they’re not fatal to humans.

Do tarantulas get their fangs removed?

Tarantulas have fangs that are naturally removed when they molt. They’re arachnids with an exoskeleton that they must shed in order to grow. This is known as ecdysis, which means they shed their old skin and form a new exoskeleton beneath it.

The spider’s new fangs are extremely delicate and easily damaged or broken off during this time. Since the tarantula will be unable to eat until these parts grow completely back and harden, it must protect itself by avoiding predators and other disturbances that could cause harm during ecdysis.

Effects of tarantula bites on human

The effect of venom on human-punctured skin varies depending on the species. Some bites, such as those of the African tarantula king baboon, can cause hallucinations, while others, such as those of the genus Poecilotheria, can cause muscle cramps. However, most tarantula species’ bites aren’t as painful as a wasp sting.

Do tarantulas like being held?

Tarantulas are among the most common exotic pets. These arachnids are easy to care for and can live in captivity for up to 20 years, making them an excellent choice for someone looking for a long-term commitment. Tarantulas, unlike other pets, aren’t cuddly or affectionate, but they’re known to respond to their owners and crawl freely when placed on their arms.

Picking up a tarantula in the wild isn’t recommended because they’ll perceive it as a threat. These species defend themselves by flicking urticating hairs at their predators, which may become itchy or cause allergies when in contact with human skin.

Five most common tarantula pets

1. Mexican Red Knee

Scientific Name: Brachypelma smithi

Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are one of the most popular pet tarantulas. They have a small body size (the largest species is about 5 inches), but their bright red legs and body make them stand out as one of the most charismatic arachnid species.

They’re indigenous to Mexico and live in the desert. Since they eat insects and other spiders, they’re generally not aggressive toward humans unless threatened.

2. Arizona Blonde Tarantula

Scientific Name: Aphonopelma chalcodes

The Arizona blonde tarantula is one of the most common tarantulas kept as pets and is a native of the desert southwest of the United States. The name derives from the coloration of the animal, which is usually blonde. Tarantula males have black legs and reddish abdomen.

These spiders are native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. They can be found in desert scrublands and saguaro-dominated areas. Arizona blonde tarantulas are solitary, docile creatures that make excellent pets for beginners.

3. Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula

Scientific Name: Caribena versicolor

The Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula, also known as the Martinique pinktoe or Martinique red tree spider, is found in the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. These tarantulas are among the most popular species for keeping as pets because they’re simple to care for and have an interesting coloration.

The Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula is a medium-sized spider with legs that measure 3 to 4 inches in length. They have blue hairs on their bodies as juveniles, but their colors change as they grow into adults. Their abdomens turn red, their carapaces turn metallic green, and their legs turn black with pink, brown, and red layers.

4. Brazilian Black

Scientific Name: Grammostola pulchra 

The Brazilian Black Tarantula is another large and impressive species of tarantula that’s known to be friendly to humans. They’re distinguished by their dark color and calm demeanor, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

Adults of these medium-sized tarantulas have leg spans of up to 6 inches. They have a nice velvet-black color with grayish highlights in certain lighting. Females can live in captivity for up to 20 years, but males can only live for up to 8 years.

5. Chilean Rose

Scientific Name: Grammostola rosea

For various reasons, the Chilean Rose Tarantula is a popular pet. They’re not aggressive and move very slowly. They’re also relatively simple to care for and have a lifespan of up to 20 years.

The Chilean Rose Tarantula gets its name from its color. Their bodies are black to brown in color, with reddish-orange or pink hair that resembles rose flowers. Their legs can grow up to 5 inches long, with males being slightly smaller than females.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tarantulas have fangs that can grow in proportion to their body length, depending on their size. These fangs are critical to their survival because they’re used to inject venom into prey, paralyzing them so they can feed on them later. Removing their fangs isn’t advised because they’ll only grow back after the tarantulas have molted again.