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Tarantulas - Land Invertebrates Rose-haired TarantulaPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Paddy CampbellTarantulas are the foundation of the invertebrate hobby. They make wonderful pets for thousands of keepers.Tarantulas Contents You are not alone if you enjoy keeping tarantulas. More and more people are coming to enjoy the novelty and intrigue offered by these unique pets. See more on Tarantulas below: |
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| Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula | Goliath Bird-eating Spider |
|---|---|
Avicularia versicolor |
Theraphosa blondi |
| King Baboon Spider | Metalic Blue Ornamental Tree Spider |
Citharischius crawshayi |
Poecilotheria metallica |
| Mexican Red-kneed Tarantula | Mombasa Baboon Spider |
Brachypelma smithi |
Pterinochilus murinus |
| Oklahoma Brown Tarantula | Ornamental Tree Spider |
Aphonopelma hentzi |
Poecilotheria regalis |
| Pink-toed Tarantula | Rose-haired Tarantula |
Avicularia avicularia |
Grammostola gala |
Tarantulas in the Pet World: From the early B movies to the nature films of today, tarantulas have captured the imagination of both seasoned invert hobbyists and the general public alike. Their slow, methodical walk, furry legs, and mysterious nature have produced for the tarantula an important place in the exotic pet trade.
Tarantulas are known by various names across the planet and sometimes these names cause confusion in beginning keepers. Tarantulas are called tree spiders, baboon spiders, and other common names.
The first species kept in United States collections were mostly those found in the United States or Mexico as they were easiest to access. The Red-kneed Tarantula, Brachypelma smithi, has been a standard in the pet trade for many many years.
African species arrived first from European collectors and then as part of shipments of reptiles beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A great number of species have entered the hobby (and are still arriving) and private collections are reaching incredible populations
Availablility: Many varieties of these fascinating creatures are available in pet stores and from breeders. This is not surprising as there are approximately 800 species of tarantulas.
As with reptiles, probably the most difficult species to obtain have been those from areas difficult for collectors to access such as parts of Africa and the Middle East. Also, species from countries that are typically unwilling to export any wildlife such as India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Australia, and many others.
Most tarantulas available as pets are not dangerous, though you need to handle them with care and respect. There are actually no known tarantulas that are capable of killing people outright.
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