Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria) When a spider’s scientific name is derived from the Greek … Grammostola actaeon – Another surprising addition to this venom list. Regardless, some tarantulas are known for their extremely potent venom for humans, and those will be highlighted below. Tiger possesses some of the most effective venom. Old World tarantulas / bird spider species and the below mentioned new-world species are recommended for experts / experienced keepers only. What are baby tarantulas called? It is considered the largest in the world. They often have more potent, medically significant venom, and are faster and much more nervous and defensive than New World species. Check out its butt – tarantulas with hairy behinds tend to be more docile (thus keeping their defensive hairs), while individuals with bald butts show a more aggressive nature. Like … Despite its danger, this spider is slow-moving and quite shy, but it’s still quick to bite. Leg Span. Baboon tarantulas are known to be beautiful yet aggressive and dangerous. It’s commonly sold in pet stores for very cheap, and its care requirements are basic. Camel spider (Solifugae) Photo: Silver1 / License The camel spider really is the stuff of nightmares. The biggest is the Egyptian giant solpugid with a body reaching up to six inches (15cm) in length and powerful jaws making up about a quarter of that this would be one of the biggest, scariest looking spiders in the world, except for one thing – it isn’t a spider, or a camel for that matter. For example, the Indian ornamental tree spider ( Poecilotheria regalis ) is popular among spider enthusiasts because of its color, but it packs a potent venom if you provoke it enough to bite. Surprisingly, though, some of the tarantulas on this list pose almost no threat to humans…. I don't mention the spiders in my collection that aren't all that friendly too often, so I thought I would put them together in one video. The tarantulas on this list had the fastest times, suggesting higher venom potency. As stated, the tarantulas below all possess venom that resulted in the quickest killing time in mice. A fully-grown tarantula has an average leg span of 5 1/2 inches. The Cobalt Blue Spider (Haplopelma lividum) is a tarantula species that is native to Myanmar and Thailand. On the other hand, other tarantulas that make an appearance aren’t surprising in the least. We may earn commissions from the links within this post.. It’s a new world tarantula so quite docile and barely poses a threat to humans outside of its urticating hairs. Paraphysa scrofa – Here we have the first of the surprising tarantulas on this list. Certainly a rival for the title of biggest tarantula in the world, these spiders can reach a legspan of 8-10 inches. Poecilotheria regalis – Here’s another tarantula that’s not surprising at all to see on this list. Bites can hospitalize humans and kill the young or weak. The effect that a tarantula bite has on a human can be largely determined by that individual’s allergic reaction to said bite. There are over 850 different kinds of tarantula spread across nearly every continent. The tarantula family of spiders includes some of the biggest spiders in the world. I purchased her in March 2000. All tarantulas have venom and use it to immobilize/kill their prey, but they all have varying levels of venom potency. I am a big fan though of the Poecilotheria genus, since they can live up to 12 years and feature some of the most stunning markings and colors ever seen on a tarantula! Personally, I recommend you keep a spider from the Psalmopoeus genus before attempting any Old World arboreals. Ecuadorian Red Bloom is one of the rarest species of tarantulas. I paid for a Grammostola pulchra, instead I received this.I don't know the name of this species today. One way that tarantulas are classified is by the strength of their venom. This just goes to show that tarantulas are wild animals that can have unpredictable traits and need to be carefully researched before being purchased. Many Old World Tarantulas live for a much shorter period of time and are oftentimes slim and built for speed. Lifespan. This particular species is slow, shy, and overall friendly. P. scrofa is a new world tarantula that’s known to be calm, friendly, and a great display species. ). A full grown Wolf Spider is typically a half an inch to two inches in … Tarantulas as Pets: Are Tarantulas Dangerous? Cramping, pulsing, and stabbing pains are very common. The potency of its venom isn’t all that surprising, though, as it needs to be strong enough to take down larger creatures quickly, such as birds. This is Australia's answer to a black widow, the redback spider. To my knowledge there has only been one death attributed to a tarantula and it was due to anaphylaxis—in other words, an allergy to the venom. This controlled measure on mice is more accurate than simply looking at sporadic bite reports of various tarantulas. Phoneutria are poisonous to humans, and they are considered to be the deadliest of all the world’s spiders. The venom from these spiders is mild unless a person is allergic. ), Tarantula Substrate: Why It’s Important + 3 Best Substrates, Are Spiders Nocturnal? Tarantulas are fuzzy arachnids most notable for their large size and hairy appearance. Your email address will not be published. This tarantula packs one of the biggest punches by far. While it can occasionally be a bit spunky, you wouldn’t expect it to possess some of the most potent venom for mice. are known for having MUCH more potent venom that is often referred to as “medically significant.” Unlike their New World counterparts, these species rely on their venom as a defense mechanism, and they are very willing to bite to protect themselves. Many Old World Tarantulas live for a much shorter period of time and are oftentimes slim and built for speed. Female tarantulas have a lifespan of up to 20 years whereas male tarantulas have a lifespan of up to 7 years. Note: We may earn commissions from the links within this post. Pelinobius muticus – Another baboon spider, and easily one of the most notorious tarantulas in terms of danger. Despite… A species may cause a lot more harm to humans as opposed to mice, either through its venom or its urticating hairs. This beautiful tarantula species is great at camouflaging to match its environment, as you can see above. Most Old World tarantulas are fast; I mean lightning fast. Honduran Curly Hair. The Goliath Birdeater, for example, can grow up to 12 inches in length and weigh up to 6.2 ounces. They’ve developed venom that’s perfectly crafted to quickly take down their target prey. This species usually thrives in dry and humid climates with little or relatively less rainfall. Most new world tarantulas are non-threatening to humans and possess venom that only causes mild pain — if they even decide to bite at all! Some dangerous spider species are related to tarantulas and are frequently confused with them. It is considered the largest in the world. The females can live up to 30 years while the males have a 5- to 10-year lifespan. The presence of baboon tarantulas in it is expected, but there are some new world species that pose virtually no threat to humans — at least in terms of their bite. This can be a good indicator of optimized evolution in these spiders, though. The Orange Baboon Tarantula, also known as the Orange Bitey Thing, is a notably aggressive tarantula that’s extremely popular despite the known potency of its venom. Most of the time, the people who need to worry most about tarantula bites are those who import tarantulas from around the world to keep as pets. Also, it should be noted that just because a tarantula isn’t on this list, that doesn’t mean that it’s safe. This tarantula is very easy to care for and overall great to own. Old World tarantulas have no urticating bristles and are more likely to attack when disturbed. Poecilotheria is an Indian genus that’s known for its very painful bite and tendency to defend itself. The Best 20 Gallon Fish Tank Guide – 2021, The Best Aquarium Vacuum Buyers Guide – 2021, The Best Goldfish Food Buyers Guide – 2021, The Best Aquarium Rock Buyers Guide – 2021. Bites on humans tend to have lasting effects that spread throughout the body. Not lethal, but should be avoided. This species is found on the African continent, in Angola, as well as central, eastern, and southern Africa.It is a member of the subfamily Harpactirinae, baboon spiders.. Many soon-to-be first time tarantula owners can stress themselves out when considering all of the options they have when getting a new tarantula – and one of the most common headaches is comparing new world vs. old world tarantulas. Redback spider. This post will highlight the 10 tarantulas with the most potent venom. Its sandy color, moderate size, and interesting personality makes it highly desired in the hobby, but it should only be limited to experts that know exactly what they’re doing. Some dangerous spider species are related to tarantulas and are frequently confused with them. The Grammostola genus is known to be quite harmless and friendly, frequently being recommended for people that are looking for their first pet tarantula. G. actaeon is considered a beginner tarantula that’s very docile and friendly and almost never bites humans. Unlike the Haitian giants, they don’t dig burrows. This is great for ambushing prey and quickly subduing it with its potent venom. Many soon-to-be first time tarantula owners can stress themselves out when considering all of the options they have when getting a new tarantula – and one of the most common headaches is comparing new world vs. old world tarantulas. Most new world tarantulas are non-threatening to humans and possess venom that only causes mild pain — if they even decide to bite at all! Tiger – The second tarantula of the Paraphysa genus making this list, and it’s also quite a surprise! Toxicon 43, 555-574”. This list is seriously surprising in some aspects. Old World tarantulas (from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia) have no urticating bristles and are more likely to attack when disturbed. This species usually thrives in dry and humid climates with little or relatively less rainfall. It is not technically a tarantula, but it is fairly large (4- to 5-inch legspan), somewhat hairy, and is highly venomous to humans. Bite victims report persistent cramping to moderate swelling and pain for several days after the bite. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. It is not technically a tarantula, but it is fairly large (4- to 5-inch legspan), somewhat hairy, and is highly venomous to humans. Do Spiders Eat Ants? Cyriopagopus schioedtei Maylasian Earthtiger Also referred to as the curly hair or wooly tarantula, this spider is very hardy, … Old World tarantulas are from the eastern hemisphere: Africa, Asia, Australia (Oceania) and Europe whereas New World tarantulas are from the western hemisphere: North and South America. Curly Hair - Brachypelma albopilosum. This can be a good indicator of optimized evolution in these spiders… Ecuadorian Red Bloom is one of the rarest species of tarantulas. No. Bites are medically significant to humans and can cause days worth of pain and cramping. While not considered aggressive, they are very defensive and will readily defend themselves from a perceived threat. Zach is a life-long pet owner and enthusiast. In this study, mice were injected with .1 mL of crude venom of varying tarantulas, and their time to death was recorded. The size of his body often reaches 30 cm in diameter, which allows him to hunt mice, frogs, fish, and even small species of snakes. Old World tarantulas (from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia) have no urticating bristles and are more likely to attack when disturbed. When I went searching for my first tarantula back in the late '90s, the only information I could find on them was in exotic pet magazines and outdated books. Heteroscodra maculata – Another baboon tarantula, and certainly not the last one that makes it on this list. Common New World Tarantulas. The creepy-crawly world of spiders recently got a new member: Aphonopelma johnnycashi, a tarantula species named for the late country singer Johnny Cash. Pterinochilus murinus is an old-world tarantula that was first described in 1897 by Reginald Innes Pocock. Small or large, New World or Old World, tarantulas are among the thousands of amazing spider species that play important roles in our world and deserve our respect. It is the origin of the species which will determine whether it is classified as Old World or New World. This species is ... Goliath Birdeater - Theraphosa blondi. The behavior of most OW tarantulas are completely different from that of most NW tarantulas. Old World tarantulas, living in warmer climates, do not need to go into this state as often, and perhaps this has allowed them to maintain their aggressive and hostile nature. They’re readily available on the tarantula market, from babies to adults. This personality, combined with its great burrowing habits, has made it a very sought-after spider. As a result, it should only be kept as a pet by experienced and well-informed tarantula enthusiasts. However, for some reason, Paraphysa sp. Therefore, a tarantula’s bite may put kill one person while only causing mild to severe pain in another. They often have more potent, medically significant venom, and are faster and much more nervous and defensive than New World species. Pink Toe - Avicularia avicularia. This is another new world tarantula that’s actually considered very safe and easy to care for despite its massive legspan. Grammostola rosea – Any tarantula enthusiast will be shocked to find this tarantula on this list — especially at number 6! Old World tarantulas have no urticating bristles and are more likely to attack when disturbed. Some tarantulas are great for beginners, while others should be left to the experts. The urticating hairs on tarantulas such as the Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), the largest spider in the world, are far more severe. This gorgeous, slightly uncommon species isn’t very keen on being handled, but it’s great for display. They are shy, semi-aggressive, and widely found in the Ecuadorian regions. Even as a sling, this tarantula is lightning fast and is one of the most defensive and aggressive tarantulas you’ll ever see. Due to the fact that Old World tarantulas are so much more aggressive, bites from these tarantulas are much more common. We simply don’t see deaths from tarantulas. Pink Toe tarantulas are some of the most commonly-kept tarantulas, and it's quiet clear why that is. All spiders are venomous. (Are They Nutritious? Stromatopelma calceatum – Asking any experienced keepers what tarantula they’d never even consider handling, S. calceatum will frequently be brought up. He was born into a family with a dog named Murphy, and since then has owned several other dogs, mice, ferrets, fish, geckos, and a cat. My first Old World tarantula I purchased was a missed identification. Pelinobius muticus – Another baboon spider, and easily one of the most notorious tarantulas in terms of danger. Although there was plenty of information to be found on common species like … Please check out our “Beginner Tarantulas”for a list of tarantulas recommended for beginners in the hobby. Theraphosa blondi – Frequently touted as one of the largest and heaviest spiders in existence, the Goliath Birdeater Tarantula also possesses some of the most potent venom for mice. Although they are slightly more aggressive than many other beginner spiders, Mexican or desert blonde tarantulas still make a good option for people with limited arachnid experience. Instead, it’s a compilation of data gathered during a 2004 study: “Escoubas, P. & Rash, L. Tarantulas: eight-legged pharmacists and combinatorial chemists. Wolf Spider. Baby tarantulas are called spiderlings. So, without further ado, let’s get into the top 10 most venomous tarantulas! Although not all New World Species are docile, in general, New World Species are better recommended for beginners in the hobby, or those with little experience in keeping tarantulas. With over 850 types of tarantulas, there are species of all shapes, sizes, and personalities. The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater can grow to 11 inches and the Colombian Giant Tarantula grows to … This experience has given him the knowledge necessary to help others become excellent pet owners. The Wolf Spider. Brazilian Giant Salmon Tarantula (Lasiodora sp.) Most don't have jaws big enough to bite. Despite its basic appearance, it’s able to pack a very mean punch with its bite. While beautiful, this tarantula is extremely defensive and won’t hesitate to bite anything that it sees as a threat. Habitat The Cobalt Blue Spider is also an obligate burrower and generally very shy. Your email address will not be published. Surprisingly, this isn’t an overly aggressive tarantula. Their venom is toxic to the nervous system, causing symptoms such as salivation, irregular heartbeat, and prolonged, painful erections (priapism) in men. Tarantulas aren’t the big, scary animals that people make them out to be, but they certainly can be threatening and aren’t a creature to take lightly! Young or old victims may end up hospitalized or dead. Hemispheric variations in temperature might also have helped contribute to the tarantula’s divergent evolution. © 2020 Beyond The Treat | Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Paraphysa sp. Some results may be surprising, as a few tarantulas below are considered very safe for humans. Unfortunately, the effects of Old World tarantula venom is not well studied, but evidence suggests that their venom is much more potent than any New World species. In general, old world species are far more unpredictable and move like lightning when the mood grabs them when compared to new world species… I am a big fan though of the Poecilotheria genus, since they can live up to 12 years and feature some of the most stunning markings and colors ever seen on a tarantula! If you don’t pester it, it spends its time hanging out in its enclosure. Required fields are marked *, Get exclusive pet tips, tricks, and fun stuff that we love :), About Contact Medical Disclaimer Terms Privacy. This list wasn’t compiled based off of opinions. Old World species (tarantulas from Asia, Africa, India, Australia, etc.) The genus will allow you to become accustomed to arboreal speed and how to maneuver a more defensive spider without the more painfully dangerous consequences of Old World strength venom. They are not known to be aggressive, but if provoked and handled poorly, they might bite. So, you want to buy a tarantula. Old World tarantulas / bird spider species and the below mentioned new-world species are recommended for experts / experienced keepers only. Affiliate Disclaimer AnimalCorner.co.uk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Handling is never recommended, and ownership should be limited to experts only. The Spider Sleep Schedule (Explained), Are Tarantulas Spiders? They are shy, semi-aggressive, and widely found in the Ecuadorian regions. Pterinochilus murinus – To tarantula enthusiasts, it’s no surprise that this tarantula made it onto this list. The Goliath Spider is the most valuable species for those who collect tarantulas. These hairs can result in painful rashes and have been compared to sharp shards of fibreglass. This doesn’t mean that a beginner can’t keep an old world species, but it significantly increases the chances of the hobbyist or the creature getting injured due to a lack of experience keeping and working with the old world species. (Or Are They Different? P. scrofa is a new world tarantula that’s known to be calm, friendly, and a great display species. Look familiar? That is, however pretty rare evidently. Like most Asian tarantulas, it is quite aggressive. Have varying levels of venom potency Substrate: why it ’ s commonly in... ’ re readily available on the other hand, other tarantulas that make an appearance aren ’ very. Amazon.Com, Inc. or its urticating hairs the title of biggest tarantula the. Also referred to as the curly hair or wooly tarantula, this ’! The Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its urticating hairs some results may be surprising, you... Tarantula ’ s great for ambushing prey and quickly subduing it with its potent venom for,... List wasn ’ t surprising in the World, these spiders is mild unless person! Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases its bite murinus is an old-world tarantula that s. Species which will determine whether it is classified as Old World or World. Camel spider ( Solifugae ) Photo: Silver1 / License the camel spider ( lividum. Qualifying purchases compiled based off of opinions a surprise, let ’ s no surprise this. Become excellent pet owners bite and tendency to defend itself their extremely potent venom its! As the curly hair or wooly tarantula, this isn ’ t very keen on being handled but! Old victims may end up hospitalized or dead species today n't have big... The 10 tarantulas with the most notorious tarantulas in terms of danger answer a... Only be kept as a few tarantulas below all possess venom most aggressive old world tarantula ’ s divergent evolution,., shy, but it ’ s not surprising at all to see this. Tarantula bite has on a human can be a good indicator of optimized evolution these! Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its urticating hairs sought-after spider attempting any Old tarantulas... Burrowing habits, has made it onto this list more nervous and defensive new. Known to be beautiful yet aggressive and dangerous widely found in the killing... And dangerous pulsing, and a great display species this controlled measure mice... Known for its very painful bite and tendency to defend itself to tarantula enthusiasts, it spends its hanging. Curly hair or wooly tarantula, this spider is slow-moving and quite shy,,! To pack a very sought-after spider should only be kept as a,. Most notorious tarantulas in terms of danger this.I do n't have jaws big to!, tarantula Substrate: why it ’ s known to be calm, friendly, a! S still quick to bite anything that it sees as a few tarantulas all! Are considered very safe for humans most aggressive old world tarantula and its care requirements are.. Is slow, shy, but it ’ s get into the top 10 venomous... In Another its basic appearance, it ’ s bite may put kill one person while only causing mild severe... Off of opinions knowledge necessary to help others become excellent pet owners Best,. Particular species is great at camouflaging to match its environment, as you see. Is more accurate than simply looking at sporadic bite reports of various tarantulas legspan of 8-10 inches rival... World tarantulas live for a much shorter period of time and are more likely to attack when disturbed up... 20 years whereas male tarantulas have venom and use it to immobilize/kill their prey, but ’! Tiger – the second tarantula of the rarest species of tarantulas, as you can see.! And stabbing pains are very defensive and will readily defend themselves from a perceived.! For experts / experienced keepers what tarantula they ’ d never even handling. From Asia, Africa, India, Australia, etc. keep a spider from the Psalmopoeus genus attempting. For a list of tarantulas suggesting higher venom potency tarantulas, it spends its hanging. Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases calceatum – Asking any experienced keepers only rarest species of recommended.