Tarantulas do not produce sounds like many other animals, as they lack vocal cords. Despite this, these arachnids create distinct noises using mechanical means. These sounds are generally subtle and serve specific purposes within their environment.
What Sounds Tarantulas Make
Tarantulas can produce a range of sounds, including hissing, whistling, barking, rasping, buzzing, or clicking. These sounds are typically quiet and may only be noticeable in close proximity or very still environments. Not all tarantulas make sounds; many New World species often do not stridulate, unlike certain Old World species. Notable examples include the Goliath Bird Eater, King Baboon Spider, and various “barking” or “whistling” spiders from Australia.
How Tarantulas Create Sounds
The primary method tarantulas use to generate sound is called stridulation. This process involves rubbing specialized body parts together, similar to how crickets chirp. Different species employ various body structures for stridulation. Many tarantulas rub bristly hairs on their pedipalps, which are arm-like appendages near their mouth, against their front legs. Others have a hardened, file-like structure on their chelicerae, or fangs, which they rub against stiff hairs on their palps. These stridulatory organs, consisting of ridges or scraper-like structures, can also be found on other legs or even the abdomen, varying by species.
Beyond stridulation, some tarantulas exhibit other sound-producing behaviors. Certain species may rapidly tap or drum their legs on the ground, which can occur during courtship rituals to communicate with potential mates. Additionally, some tarantulas produce a hissing sound from their mouthparts, often accompanied by threat displays where they rear up on their hind legs.
Why Tarantulas Make Sounds
Tarantula sounds are predominantly for defensive purposes. When a tarantula perceives a threat, it may stridulate as a warning to potential predators. The sudden, harsh sound can startle or deter an attacker, providing an opportunity to escape. This auditory warning is often combined with a defensive posture, such as raising their front legs and standing on their hind legs, which makes them appear larger and more intimidating.
In captive environments, a tarantula might stridulate if it feels disturbed or agitated. While defense is the primary reason, some tarantula species also use stridulation as a form of communication during courtship, attracting mates or conveying intentions. These sounds can also play a role in territorial defense, helping to establish dominance or ward off other tarantulas.