Australia, a continent known for its unique wildlife, is home to various tarantula species. These large, hairy spiders, often subjects of both fascination and fear, are a natural part of the Australian ecosystem. This article explores the presence, types, habits, and distinctions of Australian tarantulas, offering insights into these often-misunderstood arachnids.
Confirming Their Presence
Tarantulas are native to Australia, widespread in warmer, arid, and tropical regions, but less common in cooler, wetter areas. They are also less common in urban settings, preferring remote and regional areas. These spiders are often called “whistling spiders,” “barking spiders,” and “bird-eating spiders,” reflecting some of their unique traits or perceived habits.
Types and Habitats
Australia has approximately seven described tarantula species, with over 150 believed to exist. These species belong to four main genera: Selenocosmia, Selenotholus, Selenotypus, and Coremiocnemis. The Queensland whistling tarantula (Selenocosmia crassipes or Phlogius crassipes) is one of the largest, reaching 6-9 cm body length and a 22 cm leg span, found along Queensland’s east coast.
Australian tarantulas vary from dark chocolate-brown to reddish-brown or pale fawn, often with a silvery sheen. They are ground-dwelling, constructing silk-lined burrows up to two meters deep. Burrows maintain a consistent temperature around 20 degrees Celsius and are sometimes plugged during extreme heat or cold. Some species prefer tropical rainforests, while others inhabit arid zones, using burrows, rocks, and logs for shelter across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and Victoria.
Understanding Their Bite
Despite their intimidating size and fangs up to 1 cm long, Australian tarantulas are not considered highly dangerous to humans. Their venom, while effective on prey (insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders), has low toxicity to humans and is not linked to fatalities. Bites can be painful due to their large fangs.
Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or sweating, usually resolving within six to eight hours. They are not aggressive and bite only when provoked or handled. Medical attention is recommended for symptom management.
Distinguishing Them From Other Spiders
Distinguishing Australian tarantulas from other large spiders, like Sydney funnel-web or trapdoor spiders, is important. Australian tarantulas have large, heavy, hairy bodies, with uniform brown to fawn coloration. They have thick, robust legs and create silk-lined burrows, sometimes with trip-lines. When threatened, many species hiss or whistle by rubbing body parts.
In contrast, Sydney funnel-web spiders (Atrax robustus) are glossy, dark (blue-black to black) with a hairless carapace and finger-like spinnerets. They build funnel-shaped web entrances, often in moist, sheltered locations. Funnel-web spiders have an aggressive defensive posture, displaying fangs, and their bite is medically significant, potentially causing serious illness or death if untreated. Large trapdoor spiders also burrow but lack the heavy, hairy appearance of tarantulas and do not produce defensive sounds.