Lexi Webster
Tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) are one of the most diverse and widespread families of mygalomorph spiders, with over 1000 species recognised globally. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Australia is home to at least 12, and as many as 20, biological species of tarantula, with the highest species richness in northern Australia. Australian tarantulas are large, aggressive spiders found in a range of habitats, from arid regions to tropical forests, rainforests, and deserts. They are known for their unique ability to produce whistling or barking sounds by rubbing their palps (appendages between the front legs) along a set of spines at the base of their fangs, a mechanism used to deter predators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are tarantulas found in Australia? | Yes |
| Common names | Bird-eating spider, whistling spider, barking spider |
| Habitat | Rainforest, desert, grassland, caves, high-altitude mountains |
| Geographic range in Australia | Northern Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, Cape York, Top End, Kimberley |
| Excluded areas | Southern coastal areas, northern tropics |
| Diet | Insects, lizards, frogs, other spiders |
| Size | Leg span of up to 28 cm, body length of up to 60 mm, fangs of up to 10 mm |
| Colour | Grey-brown to reddish with a silvery sheen |
| Venom | Non-deadly but can cause severe pain, nausea, and profuse sweating |
| Lifespan | Up to 12 years for females |
| Behaviour | Construct silk-lined burrows, make whistling/barking sounds as a defensive mechanism |
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What You'll Learn
- Australian tarantulas are found in Queensland and the Northern Territory
- They live in silk-lined burrows, which are permanent homes
- They are carnivores, eating insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders
- They are also known as whistling or barking spiders due to the unique sounds they make
- They are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests and deserts
Australian tarantulas are found in Queensland and the Northern Territory
The Queensland Whistling Tarantula is a burrowing spider, creating silk-lined burrows that can be up to 2 metres deep. Young spiders find natural burrows under rocks or roots, while adults expand their burrows and create a tunnel off the main tunnel leading to a chamber with an air pocket. During spring and early summer, males approach the females' burrows and perform a mating ritual. The female tarantula spends most of her life in her burrow, where she lays her eggs.
In addition to Queensland, tarantulas are also found in the Northern Territory. An undescribed species of tarantula discovered in this region lives in dense populations on a floodplain. These spiders can swim and coat themselves in air bubbles to access their burrows during the wet season. Coremiocnemis, Selenotholus, and Selenotypus are some of the specific tarantula genera found in the Northern Territory.
Australian tarantulas inhabit a diverse range of habitats, including rainforests and desert areas, but they are typically absent from southern coastal areas and the northern tropics. They are carnivores and feed on insects, lizards, frogs, and even other spiders. These spiders are known for their imposing body size and fear-evoking nicknames, such as bird-eating spiders.
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They live in silk-lined burrows, which are permanent homes
Australian tarantulas, also known as whistling or barking spiders, live in permanent silk-lined burrows. These burrows, ranging from 40 to 100 cm deep, are constructed by adult female tarantulas and serve as a safe haven for them to hide their egg sacs. The silk-lined burrows maintain a constant temperature of approximately 20 degrees Celsius, providing an ideal environment for the eggs. During the coldest and hottest times of the year, the burrows may be plugged to regulate temperature further.
The female tarantulas of the species Selenocosmia stirlingi lay around 50 eggs into a 30 mm diameter sac, which is then stored in the burrow. The silk-lined burrow offers protection and a stable environment for the eggs to develop. The baby spiders, or spiderlings, undergo their first moult within the egg sac before emerging through a single hole. They then moult a second time before leaving their mother's nest to venture out on their own.
The construction of silk-lined burrows by female tarantulas showcases their dedication to creating a secure and suitable environment for their offspring. The consistent temperature and protection offered by the burrow contribute to the survival and development of the next generation of tarantulas. It is fascinating to observe how these arachnids prioritize the well-being of their young through the creation of permanent homes.
The silk-lined burrows of Australian tarantulas are not just temporary shelters but long-term residences, especially for female tarantulas, who spend a significant portion of their lives within the burrow. The depth of the burrow can vary, but the temperature remains stable, ensuring the comfort and safety of the tarantulas that call it home.
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They are carnivores, eating insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders
Tarantulas are large spiders that are native to Australia. They are commonly found in Queensland and the Northern Territory, inhabiting diverse environments, including rainforests, deserts, and other areas, while avoiding southern coastal regions and northern tropics. Australian tarantulas are known for their unique ability to produce whistling or barking sounds, typically as a defence mechanism to deter predators. These spiders live in permanent burrows lined with silk or webs, maintaining a consistent temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius.
As carnivores, Australian tarantulas feed on a variety of prey, including insects, lizards, frogs, and even other spiders. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will consume whatever they can catch. In the wild, this can include small animals such as mice, opossums, and other creatures. Captive tarantulas, on the other hand, are typically fed insects like cockroaches, crickets, locusts, and worms.
One of the fascinating aspects of tarantula feeding behaviour is their method of consuming prey. They use their maxilla, the plate-like mouthparts behind their fangs, to break through the prey's exoskeleton. They then vomit digestive enzymes onto or into the prey, allowing them to suck out the digested organs and soft tissues. However, they cannot digest the exoskeletons of hard-shelled insects, so they leave behind the gnawed-up husks.
Tarantula owners should be mindful of their spider's feeding habits and requirements. While adult tarantulas can be fed once a week, younger spiders need to eat more frequently, approximately every day or two. It's important to choose prey that is smaller than the spider itself. Additionally, tarantulas may stop eating a few days before molting, which they do to shed their exoskeleton and facilitate growth. During this vulnerable period, it's recommended to withhold food for at least a week, as prey can harm the spider's delicate new exoskeleton.
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They are also known as whistling or barking spiders due to the unique sounds they make
Tarantulas are found across most of mainland Australia, from arid regions to tropical forests. They are not found in southern coastal areas or the northern tropics. Australia is home to at least 12 distinct biological species of tarantula, with the highest species richness in northern Australia, particularly in Cape York and other areas of northern Queensland, the Top End, and the Kimberley.
Australian tarantulas are large, aggressive spiders with powerful fangs that can easily penetrate human skin. They are also known as whistling or barking spiders due to the unique sounds they make, usually as a defensive mechanism. They create these sounds by rubbing their palps (limb-like mating organs between the front legs) along a set of spines at the base of their fangs. Some species create a whistling sound, while others can mimic the bark of a dog.
These spiders construct long, permanent silk-lined burrows that act as a safe place for the female to hide her egg sac. The burrows maintain a consistent temperature of approximately 20 degrees Celsius and are sometimes plugged during the coldest and hottest times of the year. The female tarantula spends most of her life in her burrow, only leaving to hunt or during spring or early summer when she is enticed out by a male to mate at the entrance.
Australian tarantulas are carnivores and eat insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders. They are not deadly, but their bites can cause severe pain, nausea, and profuse sweating due to the toxicity of their venom.
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They are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests and deserts
Tarantulas are found in a diverse range of habitats across Australia, from arid regions to rainforests and even deserts. They are among the world's largest spiders, with a leg span of up to 28 cm, and are known for their unique ability to produce whistling or barking sounds as a defensive mechanism.
In Australia, tarantulas can be found in various environments, including the warmer and more arid regions of the country. They are particularly prevalent in Queensland and the Northern Territory, where they inhabit both rainforest and desert areas. The diversity of tarantula species is higher in northern Australia, with a greater variety of species found in Cape York, northern Queensland, the Top End, and the Kimberley.
These spiders construct long, silk-lined burrows that serve as permanent homes and provide protection from extreme temperatures. The burrows are typically 40 to 100 cm deep and maintain a consistent temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius. The female tarantulas spend a significant portion of their lives within these burrows, only leaving occasionally to hunt or mate.
The habitats of tarantulas can also include caves, high-altitude mountains, and grasslands. They are absent from the southern coastal areas and the northern tropics of Australia. The range of habitats occupied by tarantulas showcases their adaptability and ability to thrive in diverse ecological conditions.
Overall, tarantulas in Australia exhibit a preference for specific habitats that offer protection, stable temperatures, and an abundance of prey. Their presence in both rainforest and desert environments highlights their ecological flexibility and contributes to their widespread distribution across the continent.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, tarantulas are found in Australia.
Tarantulas are found in the warmer and more arid regions of Australia, including Queensland and the Northern Territory. They are found in a range of habitats, including rainforests and deserts.
Australian tarantulas are carnivores and eat insects, lizards, frogs, and other spiders.
The bite of an Australian tarantula is not deadly, but its venom is toxic and can cause severe pain, nausea, and profuse sweating.
