scientific name

lycosa phoneutria

size/weight/height

Body Length: up to 2.5"; leg span up to 4"

adaptations/coloration

Legs: contain two bright red segments

behavior

Humidity: requires high humidity
Personality: can be extremely aggressive; will flick off hairs on rear and hind legs when aggravated

reproduction/lifespan

Lifespan: males 7 - 8 years; females 20 - 25 years

diet

Wild: insects, other small animals
Zoo: crickets

habitat/range

deserts; Central America and southern North America

oregon zoo exhibit

Insect zoo

FAQ

Can the venom kill you?
For most venomous arthropods, the answer is no, unless the person had an allergic reaction. Children, the elderly and those with high blood pressure are more susceptible to the venom.

Can you defang tarantulas?
No. If its fangs were removed, the spider could no longer eat and would starve to death.

Are all tarantulas poisonous?
All spiders have venom. Most tarantulas are relatively harmless, with venom equivalent to a bee sting. There are a few that are more serious, but none are deadly unless you are allergic.

Why does it bite you?
It will only bite if provoked. They are ordinarily docile and will display warning signs of aggression first (flicking hairs; raising abdomen; rearing up on hind legs).

How can you tell a male from a female?
The males are generally thinner in the body and have longer legs. also, mature males have pulpal bulgs and tibial spurs on their pedipalps.