There is a lot of variety in the tarantula world; almost there are over 900 different species. They have different sizes ranging from your thumbnail to the size of a Frisbee. Other types of tarantulas have beautiful colors, which makes them attractive. But generally, tarantulas can be divided into two different sets:
Table of Contents
Toggle- Old world tarantula
- New world tarantula
Old World tarantulas are residents of the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe, and Australia. They are speedy and have fewer hairs on their bodies than their new world family. If someone irritates them, they can also give an excruciating bite. These Old World spiders are far less passive and more likely to try and bite. They have more potent venom than their New World companions; however, the consequence of Old World species venoms is not defined.
Localized pain and swelling, tiredness, moderate to severe muscular cramps, labored breathing, and fever is the symptoms, which might appear days after the bite.
Handling of Old World Tarantula
This species of old-world tarantulas are suitable for experts or experienced keepers only because they are very skittish. A beginner can also keep an old world species, but it considerably raises the chances of the hobbyist or cause getting injured due to a lack of experience with the ancient world species.
Generally, old-world spiders are unpredictable and move like lightning. These tarantulas are very speedy and give a quick bite. So that, stay safe and only keep species that you can handle easily.
Temperament of Old World Spiders
These old-world species are nervous, skittish, defensive, and aggressive. Some spiders can grow up to be passive even when they are known as being devils. They are generally impulsive in comparison to New World tarantulas. Some tarantulas may teleport across the room at breakneck speed, while others will hunker down and wait for the threat to pass. Others will bite and then ask questions, so always be cautious when dealing with old-world creatures.
Wind
These types of tarantulas have truly poor eyesight, and most of them can communicate via the various “hairs” and bristles on their bodies. So, if you blow on a tarantula, it surprises the old-world creatures. According to observations, when an animal comes scratching for food, it inhales, huffs, and puffs for the food around them. Any sudden wind like this will alarm a tarantula to run and hide from danger.
Defense Strategies
Old world species must rely on their speed, attitude, or, as a final resort, a nasty bite. They do not hold urticating hairs as a means of defense or to protect themselves from danger. Generally, many tarantulas do not have good eyesight and can only see differences in black and white. These spiders use their sensory organs to feel other senses, so sudden shadows or light might surprise them.
Some Old World Tarantula species will run away when they feel threatened or sometimes hide in caves. If the threat continues, they may decide to secure before showing any strategy of defense.
Other tarantula species display a threat pose and show that they don’t want you in their area. This usually means they mean defending themselves and will not be uncertain about giving a painful bite to a careless keeper.
The Pelinobus muticus (The King Baboon) bird-eating tarantula is the best Example. They are swift and immediately display the threat pose and naked their huge chelicerae (fangs). In some cases, these tarantulas also possess extra bristles on the insides of their fangs to stridulate and produce sounds like hissing.
Venom of Old World Tarantula
There is no basic scientific information about the tarantula’s venom as to how potent venom is or how the poison might affect humans. But usually, their venom is considered more robust than New World tarantula, with some being considered medically necessary to humans. Some bites of tarantulas reported worldwide often describe bites as more painful and irritating, with added different worst side effects.
For Example, when the initial bites from Pterinochilus Murinus / Baboon Spiders are noted to burn like crazy but then slowly come down.
But after some days, the victims of a bite feel sudden and cruel cramps in different parts of the body. The pain is too severe that the victim groans in pain on the floor and cannot walk or move quickly. The bites from Poecilotheria species like Poecilotheria regalis have been considered to burn. it feels the pain like you dipped your arm in boiling oil. Some edges may irritate skin and eyes. There are still many rumors that if someone gets bitten on the neck, what will happen?
Hospitalization
Many people have reported going to the hospital after a bite of old-world spiders, but in many cases, the hospital staff don’t know what to do and treat the taste like they would for a wasp or bee sting. It is genuinely observed that they can do anything except give you medication to deal with the indications. Some common effects of biting are pain and cramping in the body.
Species of Old World Tarantulas
The Old World Tarantulas are including:
Species | Species |
Cyriopagopus | Sri Lanka Ornamental |
Cobalt Blue | Pelinobius |
Thailand Zebra Leg | King Baboon |
Chinese Bird Spider | Hercules Baboon |
Chinese Earth Tiger | Cameroon Red Baboon |
Malaysian Earth Tiger | Heteroscodra |
Gooty Sapphire Ornamental | Pterinochilus |
Indian Ornamental | Kilimanjaro Mustard Baboon |
Slate-Red Ornamental Tree Spider | Dodoma Fort Hall Baboon |
Pederson’s Ornamental Tarantula | Orange Baboon |
Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental | Zimbabwe Grey Baboon |
Goliath Birdeater | Namibian Sandy Horned Baboon |
African Rear-Horned Baboon | African Red Baboon |
Baboon Tarantula
The Baboon spider also known as Pterinochilus murinus is an old-world tarantula, is a resident of the African continent regions. This Spider is known as ‘OBT,’ which means ‘Orange Baboon Tarantula.’ This name is the common name of the baboon spider.
These all names are due to a particular orange color which increases its beauty and aggressive personality. Its other name is the ‘Mombasa golden starburst tarantula. This species of tarantula is very defensive and aggressive. That’s why you cannot handle it easily. The growth of the body is from 4 to 6 inches in body length.
The Spider’s abdomen has basic orange coloration, though the legs usually have brightly colored rings that look beautiful. The skin has a star-shaped pattern present on the belly of the Spider. The eyes are bunched together on a raised part of the covering. The body is covered with hairs present on the legs. To know more about Orange Baboon Tarantula visit here.
Chinese Bird Spider
Chinese Bird Spider, also known as Haplopelma schmidti, is an English name given to several old-world species. These species are residents of the Peoples Republic of China and Vietnam regions.
This Spider’s other name is the ‘earth tiger,’ which is currently classified in the species’ Haplopelma.’ The Chinese bird spider has a typical leg span of up to 8 inches, making them the enormous Spider in the world.
The Chinese Bird Spider can be originated in the tropical rain forests of southern China and Vietnam regions. In these regions, it builds and lives in caves; it hides and emerges to capture food. The tiny insects and other creatures, such as cockroaches, crickets, and mice, are the best food of the Chinese Bird Spider.
These spiders are also very aggressive species. If they feel threatened, they will not hesitate to bite humans. According to research, the venom of these spiders is very toxic, but the effects of these spiders biting humans are not well-explained. So it is generally referred to as a highly venomous species of tarantulas. Discover a detailed Care sheet about Chinese Bird Spider.
Cobalt Blue Tarantula
The other name of Cobalt Blue Spider is Haplopelma lividum. It is a tarantula species that are resident in Myanmar and Thailand regions.
The temperament of cobalt blue Spider is quite aggressive and defensive. So that, only experts and well-informed tarantula enthusiasts should keep these species as pets.
This Spider is also timid and remains in burrows. Like all Old World spiders, they do not have urticating hairs, so if they feel threatened, they bite for defense.
The gorgeous blue coloring of this tarantula makes them eye-catching. That’s why people love to keep them as pets. But it is suggested that these tarantulas must be treated as living art. Cobalt Blue Spiders are extraordinarily violent and give severe bites. It is not recommended for beginners to keep these spiders as pets. Read a detailed Care sheet about Cobalt Blue Tarantula.
Chinese Earth Tiger Tarantula
The Chinese Earth Tiger Tarantula is a kind of spider from China. It’s big and furry, and it’s called a “tarantula.” It lives on the ground and hides in holes. Some people like to keep them as pets because they look interesting, but they need to be careful because they can bite. It’s important to be gentle with them and keep them in a safe place. Read more information about Chinese Earth Tiger Tarantula.
Sri Lanka Ornamental Tarantula
The Sri Lanka Ornamental Tarantula is a kind of spider that lives in Sri Lanka, which is an island country in Asia. It looks very pretty with its black body and orange or yellow stripes on its legs. Even though it might look scary, it’s not very dangerous to people unless someone is allergic to its bite. These tarantulas like to live in trees and they eat insects like crickets and grasshoppers. People who like to keep spiders as pets sometimes choose the Sri Lanka Ornamental Tarantula because of its striking appearance. If you want to read care sheet about Sri Lanka Ornamental Tarantula visit here.
Chinese Bird Spider
The Chinese Bird Spider is a type of spider that lives in China. It is quite big and has a lot of hair on its body. It is called a Bird Spider because it sometimes eats small birds. However, mostly it likes to eat insects and other small creatures. It makes a web to catch its food. People who study these spiders say that they are not usually dangerous to humans, but it’s still a good idea to be careful around them. Read complete article on Care Sheet of the Chinese Bird Spider.
Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantula
Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantula is a kind of spider that looks very pretty with its yellow and black stripes on its body. It’s not like the regular spiders you see at home, it’s much bigger and lives in warm places like forests. Even though it might seem scary, it’s not dangerous for people if you don’t bother it. It likes to eat insects and small creatures, so it’s kind of like a helpful pest control friend in the wild. Many people like to keep them as pets, but you need to know how to take care of them properly because they need a special home and food. Discover more facts about Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantula.
African Rear-Horned Baboon Tarantula
The African Rear-Horned Baboon Tarantula is a type of spider that lives in Africa. It has a special horn on its backside, which makes it look different from other spiders. This tarantula likes to live in warm places and often hides in holes or burrows in the ground. It eats insects like crickets and other small creatures. Even though it might look scary, it usually doesn’t hurt people unless it feels threatened. People who study animals, called scientists, find this spider interesting because of its unique features. Read more information and fun facts of African Rear-Horned Baboon Tarantula.
King Baboon Tarantula
The King Baboon Tarantula is a big, hairy spider that lives in Africa. It has a strong, tan body with dark stripes on its legs. This spider doesn’t make a web like other spiders do. It prefers to live in deep burrows it digs in the ground. The King Baboon Tarantula eats insects, small lizards, and even mice! It’s not very friendly and might bite if it feels scared or threatened. Some people keep them as pets, but they need to be careful because they can be quite scary-looking. Find all information about King Baboon Tarantula here.
Malaysian Earth Tiger Tarantula
The Malaysian Earth Tiger is a special kind of spider that lives in Malaysia. It’s quite big and has a unique pattern on its body that looks like stripes. These spiders usually prefer to live in places that are dark and damp, like forests or underground burrows. They are not harmful to people and mostly eat insects and small creatures. Sometimes, they might look a bit scary, but they are important for keeping the balance in nature by eating pests. Read more on Malaysian Earth Tiger tarantula.
Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula
The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula is a special kind of spider that looks very pretty because of its shiny blue color. It is a small creature that lives in trees and comes from a place called India. Even though it might look a little scary, it doesn’t often hurt people unless it gets scared. It likes to eat insects and small bugs. Some people like to keep it as a pet, but it’s important to be very careful around it because it can move quickly and has some special needs to stay healthy. Read more about this fascinating Gooty Sapphire Ornamental tarantula.
Indian Ornamental Tarantula
The Indian Ornamental Tarantula is a kind of spider that lives in India. It has very pretty colors, like black and orange. It’s not very big, but it can look a bit scary because of its hairy body. It likes to stay in its cozy web and doesn’t bother people unless they bother it. Some people keep it as a pet, but it’s important to be careful because its bite can hurt. Despite its name, it doesn’t really make a lot of decorations, but it’s still an interesting creature to learn about! Discover the fun facts about Indian Ornamental Tarantula.
Goliath Bird eater Tarantula
The Goliath Bird eater Tarantula is a big, hairy spider that lives in the rainforests of South America. It’s really huge, with long legs and a big body. Despite its scary appearance, it’s not as dangerous as it looks. It mostly eats insects, not birds, even though its name suggests otherwise. It’s not keen on bothering people either. It likes to hide in burrows and only comes out at night to look for food. Even though it might seem creepy, it’s an important part of its ecosystem, helping to control the insect population. Read more information and detailed care sheet about Goliath Bird eater Tarantula.
Slate-Red Ornamental Tree Spider
The Slate-Red Ornamental Spider is a small creature that lives in trees. It has a shiny body that looks like slate and red colors mixed together. This spider is not harmful to people and likes to eat tiny bugs. It makes a special web that shines in the sun. The Slate-Red Ornamental Tree Spider is an important part of nature’s balance because it helps keep the bug population under control. It’s a beautiful spider, and not recommended for beginners because of its speed, toxicity, and aggressiveness. Discover more interesting facts about Slate-Red Ornamental Tree Spider.
FAQs
- What are old world tarantulas?
Old world tarantulas are a group of spiders found in Asia, Africa, and Europe. - Are old world tarantulas dangerous?
Some old world tarantulas have venom that can be harmful to humans, so it’s best to stay away from them. - What do old world tarantulas eat?
They mostly eat insects, small lizards, and sometimes even small mammals. - Where do old world tarantulas live?
They live in various habitats such as forests, deserts, and grasslands. - How big can old world tarantulas get?
Some species can grow quite large, with a body length of up to 10 inches or more, including their legs. - Are old world tarantulas friendly to humans?
They are not particularly friendly, and it’s better not to handle them to avoid getting bitten. - Do old world tarantulas spin webs?
Yes, they create silk to make burrows or webs to catch their prey. - What is the lifespan of old world tarantulas?
Their lifespan can vary depending on the species, but some can live for several years. - Can old world tarantulas be kept as pets?
Some people keep them as pets, but it requires special care and knowledge of their specific needs. - How do old world tarantulas defend themselves?
They can use their venom or throw tiny barbed hairs from their abdomen, which can irritate the skin or eyes of their predators.
Here are some of the trendiest in the hobby:
- Violet Tree Spider
- Purple Tree Spider
- Mahogany Tree Spider
- Orange Tree Spider
- Trinidad Chevron
- Suntiger
- Panama Blonde
- Costa Rican Orange Mouth
- Mysore Ornamental Tarantula
- Mysore Ornamental