Tarantulas, recognized for their size and hairy appearance, are significant predators within their ecosystems. Despite their formidable nature, these arachnids are also a part of a larger food web, serving as prey for a diverse array of animals.
Common Animal Predators
Birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles, and owls, use their sharp eyesight to spot tarantulas moving across the ground, swooping down to capture them with talons and beaks. Ground-dwelling birds like roadrunners also actively hunt tarantulas.
Coyotes, foxes, skunks, badgers, and raccoons are known to consume these spiders. Smaller, more specialized predators like the grasshopper mouse actively stalk tarantulas, overwhelming them with fierce, coordinated attacks.
Large lizards, including monitor lizards, tegus, and Gila monsters, feed on tarantulas. Various snake species, such as rat snakes, king snakes, and racers, hunt tarantulas. Larger frogs and toads can also prey on tarantulas.
Specialized Insect Hunters
Tarantula hawk wasps are specialized predators. These large wasps, often with metallic blue-black bodies and bright orange wings, are known for their unique hunting method. A female tarantula hawk seeks out a tarantula’s burrow, sometimes luring the spider out by tapping on its web.
Once the tarantula emerges or is located, the wasp delivers a paralyzing sting. The wasp then drags the incapacitated tarantula back to a prepared burrow. A single egg is laid on the still-living spider’s abdomen, and the burrow entrance is sealed. Upon hatching, the wasp larva feeds on the tarantula before pupating.
Other invertebrates that may prey on tarantulas include large centipedes and scorpions. Some parasitic flies also lay eggs on tarantulas, with the hatching larvae consuming the spider.
How Predators Overcome Tarantula Defenses
Tarantulas possess several defense mechanisms against predators, including flicking irritating urticating hairs, biting with fangs, and retreating into burrows. They can rub their hind legs against their abdomen to launch a cloud of barbed urticating hairs toward an attacker. These hairs can cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes. Tarantulas also display threat postures, rearing up on their hind legs to appear larger and expose their fangs, and can deliver a venomous bite.
Predators employ various strategies to counter these defenses. Speed and agility allow some animals to avoid the urticating hairs and bites, while others, like certain lizards, have protective scales. Mammals such as skunks and raccoons use their digging abilities to unearth tarantulas from their burrows.
Specialized predators like the tarantula hawk wasp utilize venom to instantly paralyze tarantulas. Stealth and surprise are common tactics, particularly for nocturnal hunters like owls or grasshopper mice, catching tarantulas off guard when they are most active. Larger or stronger predators can simply overpower the tarantula. Additionally, some predators, including certain mammals and snakes, may also possess a degree of immunity to tarantula venom.