Bird eating spiders, also known as tarantulas, are large, hairy spiders that have a reputation for being dangerous. However, while their size and appearance can be intimidating, most tarantulas are not considered a threat to humans. Still, all spiders have the potential to bite if threatened or handled improperly, so caution should always be exercised around them. In this article, we’ll examine whether bird eating spiders are truly harmless or if certain precautions should be taken around them.
What are bird eating spiders?
Bird eating spiders belong to the tarantula family Theraphosidae. There are nearly 1,000 identified tarantula species found mostly in tropical and desert regions around the world. Some of the most common types of bird eating spiders include:
– Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) – Found in northern South America, this species has a legspan up to 12 inches, making it the largest spider in the world.
– Chilean Rose (Grammostola rosea) – A popular pet tarantula known for its docile temperament. It has a legspan up to 5 inches.
– Mexican Redknee (Brachypelma hamorii) – Has vibrant red-orange coloring on its joints. It grows to about 5 inches long.
– Pinktoe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Identified by the pink tips on its feet. It reaches 4-5 inches long.
All tarantulas are venomous and some species have more potent venom than others. However, most pets and species found outside tropical areas have mild venom that is not dangerous to humans.
Do they really eat birds?
The name “bird eating spider” can be somewhat misleading. While large species like the Goliath Birdeater do occasionally prey on small birds, birds are not a regular part of their diet. Most tarantulas feed primarily on insects, other arthropods, smaller reptiles, and amphibians. However, they will eat whatever small prey they are able to capture, including young mice, lizards, snakes, and the occasional bird.
The giant size and fast speed of tarantulas like the Birdeater allows them to take down bigger prey. Their powerful fangs can easily pierce the skin of animals. However, attacks on birds or other larger animals are rare and happen opportunistically rather than deliberately.
Are tarantulas dangerous to humans?
For the most part, tarantulas are not dangerously venomous to humans. Their size and quick movements can make them intimidating, but they are not an aggressive species and will usually flee from threats. Here is an overview of tarantula dangers:
Bites
– All tarantulas have fangs capable of biting and injecting venom. However, most pets and species found outside the tropics have mild venom similar to a bee sting in potency.
– Bites mainly occur when the spider is handled roughly, disturbed, or feels threatened. Defensive bites are more likely to happen from wild tarantulas versus pets that are acclimated to handling.
– Though painful, the venom is designed to take down small prey rather than large animals. So for humans, symptoms usually remain localized around the bite area and include pain, redness, and sweating.
– Serious reactions are very rare but medical care should be sought if bite symptoms seem severe or spread through the body.
Fangs and urticating hairs
– Tarantula fangs are large and incredibly sharp, meant for spearing into prey. They can easily pierce human skin so caution should be used when handling them.
– Many tarantulas also have urticating hairs covering their bodies that they use as a defense mechanism. These tiny, barbed hairs can cause skin and eye irritation, pain, rashes, and itching when released.
– Urticating hairs are especially present on New World species (from North/South America). Old World species (Asia, Africa) rely less on urticating hairs for defense.
Speed
– Though they seem slow and lumbering, tarantulas can move quite fast when they want to. Swift movements combined with their intimidating size can startle unaware humans.
– The fastest bird eating spiders like the Costa Rican tiger rump (Cyclosternum fasciatum) can sprint up to 22 mph for short bursts.
– If you encounter a tarantula in the wild, move cautiously and avoid panicking it with sudden movements.
Bite treatment
Though serious complications are rare, all spider bites should be cleaned and monitored carefully. Here are some first aid tips if you are bitten by a bird eating spider:
First aid
– Wash the bite area with soap and water to lower risk of infection.
– Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
– Apply a cold pack to relieve swelling and pain. Avoid applying ice directly on skin.
– Keep the bitten limb elevated to reduce swelling.
Seeking medical care
– Seek emergency care if you experience severe reactions like difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or spreading pain/swelling.
– For less severe symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to have the bite examined and monitored.
– Make note of any symptoms and their progression so you can describe them accurately. Bring the spider if you were able to safely contain it for identification.
– Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if infection occurs and antihistamines for itching. Pain medication and antivenom are rarely needed.
– Monitor the bite for several days for signs the venom is spreading or causing serious harm.
Are tarantulas beneficial?
Though intimidating in appearance, bird eating spiders are not harmful or malicious creatures. They actually play an important role in their ecosystems:
Pest control
– Tarantulas help control populations of insects and other arthropods that humans consider pests. By preying on bugs, they regulate balances in nature.
Scavenging
– They will eat carrion, helping break down decaying animals. Their venom even kills dangerous bacteria that can cause disease.
Pollination
– Though not major pollinators, tarantulas do incidentally pollinate plants while hunting for food. Their hairy bodies collect pollen that gets transferred.
Bolstering ecosystems
– As prey for larger predators, tarantulas fit into food chains that support entire ecosystems. Their burrows also aerate soil.
So while their appearance causes fear, tarantulas play a role in maintaining healthy environments. Their presence indicates stability in an ecosystem.
Tarantula care & handling
For those interested in keeping bird eating spiders as pets, proper care and handling is vital to avoiding bites or escapes. Here are some tips:
Choosing your tarantula
– Select a docile species like the Chilean Rose or Pinktoe tarantula for beginners.
– Avoid the more defensive or fast Old World species at first.
– Only buy from reputable breeders and pet stores, not unknown dealers.
Housing
– Use a secure terrarium at least 2-3 times the legspan of your tarantula.
– Add 4-6 inches of substrate for burrowing and hiding spots.
– Include furnishings like peat moss, sticks, plants, and hiding places.
Feeding
– Feed appropriate sized crickets, mealworms, roaches, etc. 1-2 times per week.
– Provide a shallow water bowl, refilled regularly.
– Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent bites.
Handling
– Let new tarantulas get acclimated before handling. Then handle gently and infrequently.
– Scoop beneath the body to support the weight. Avoid grabbing legs.
– Keep hands away from the fangs and never touch the abdomen.
– Remain calm and move slowly. Don’t drop the spider.
– Wash hands before and after to prevent urticating hair exposure.
With good care and gentle handling, bird eating spiders can make fascinating pets. But they require research and preparation for first-time owners.
Conclusion
Bird eating spiders have developed an exaggerated reputation for being dangerous that does not reflect reality in most cases. The majority of tarantulas have mild venom and docile temperaments making them no real threat to humans. Their intimidating size and speed can startle people unfamiliar with them but these spiders tend to be shy and non-aggressive if left alone. Bites and other defensive behaviors mainly occur when they are mishandled or feel threatened.
While a certain wariness around tarantulas is understandable, there is no need to fear or destroy these spiders if encountered in the wild. They play important roles in ecosystems and will leave humans alone if given adequate space. With proper care and handling precautions, bird eating spiders can even make unique and fascinating pets for owners willing to meet their particular needs. So overall, these hairy spiders may give some people the creeps but they should be considered harmless unless provoked.
Key points
Are bird eating spiders dangerous? | No, except in rare cases of severe allergic reactions, tarantula bites are not seriously harmful to humans |
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Do they really eat birds? | No, they eat mainly insects and small rodents/reptiles. “Bird eating” refers to only the largest species. |
Should you fear being bitten? | Only if you mishandle or threaten the spider. Bites are rare if you leave wild tarantulas alone. |
What should you do for a bite? | Clean wound, use first aid, and see a doctor to monitor symptoms. Antivenom is rarely needed. |
Are tarantulas beneficial? | Yes, they help control pests, pollinate plants, and fill roles in ecosystems. |