Tarantulas are indeed spiders, despite their distinctive appearance that often leads to confusion. While they might seem different from the typical web-spinning spiders many people envision, tarantulas share fundamental biological characteristics with all other members of the spider order.
Defining Characteristics of Spiders
Spiders belong to the order Araneae, which is part of the class Arachnida, a group that also includes scorpions, mites, and ticks. All spiders possess two main body segments: the cephalothorax (prosoma) at the front and the abdomen (opisthosoma) at the rear. These two segments are joined by a narrow, flexible stalk called the pedicel.
Spiders typically have eight legs, all attached to the cephalothorax, and lack antennae or wings. They also feature chelicerae, which are mouthparts equipped with fangs capable of injecting venom into prey. Almost all spiders produce silk from spinnerets located at the end of their abdomen, using it for various purposes beyond just building webs, such as constructing nests, wrapping prey, or creating egg sacs.
Tarantulas: Members of the Spider Order
Tarantulas are spiders and are classified within the family Theraphosidae, which falls under the order Araneae. They exhibit all the defining traits of spiders, including the two primary body segments—a cephalothorax and an abdomen—and eight legs. Tarantulas also possess chelicerae with fangs, which they use to inject venom.
These spiders produce silk, utilizing it to line their burrows, create shelters, or wrap their prey, even though many do not spin large, intricate webs to catch food. While tarantulas are often recognized for their large size and hairy bodies, these are variations within the diverse spider family and do not disqualify them from being spiders. The venom of most tarantulas is generally considered mild to humans, often compared to a bee sting, though it can cause localized pain and irritation.
Common Misconceptions About Tarantulas
The impressive size of tarantulas, with some species having leg spans up to 12 inches, and their noticeably hairy bodies often lead to misunderstandings about their classification, making them appear distinct from smaller, less visibly hairy spiders.
Another source of confusion stems from their intimidating appearance, which often leads to an exaggerated perception of their aggression or danger to humans. Unlike many web-building spiders, many tarantulas are burrowing species that primarily reside in burrows or specific habitats, further contributing to the misconception that they are not typical spiders.