Damon Mcknight
Tarantulas are fascinating creatures that have sparked curiosity and fear in humans for centuries. In Australia, these large spiders are widespread in the wild and are commonly known as Whistling Spiders, Bird-Eating Spiders, or Barking Spiders due to the hissing or whistling sounds they produce when threatened. With a potential leg span of up to 22 cm and body lengths ranging from 2 to 11 cm, these spiders are an impressive sight. In this article, we will delve into the world of Australian tarantulas, exploring their habitats, behaviour, and the potential impacts of the pet trade on their populations. We will also provide insights into the process of buying and caring for tarantulas as pets, including the necessary permits and regulations. So, whether you're intrigued by these eight-legged creatures or simply want to know where to find them, read on to discover more about Australia's native tarantulas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Whistling Spiders, Bird-Eating Spiders, Barking Spiders, Huntsman Spiders |
| Scientific name | Selenocosmia crassipes |
| Synonym | Phlogius crassipes |
| Leg span | Up to 22 cm |
| Body length | 6-9 cm |
| Colour | Dark chocolate-brown to reddish brown or pale fawn, often with a silvery sheen |
| Habitat | Web-lined burrows in the ground; also found under rocks and logs |
| Diet | Invertebrates, insects, other spiders, small vertebrates such as geckos, skinks and frogs |
| Venom | Can be fatal to dogs and cats |
| Life span | Females up to 30 years, males up to 8 years |
| Distribution | North Queensland, Australia |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
In the wild, tarantulas live in burrows
The burrow size correlates with the size of the spider, and the depth can vary from 40 to 100 cm without relation to the size of the occupant. The temperature of the burrow remains fairly constant, with the minimum temperature for activity being 20 degrees Celsius, which is only exceeded during the months of September to May—the feeding and growth season for these spiders. Burrows are sometimes plugged during the colder months and the hottest parts of summer.
Tarantulas in the wild are opportunistic and will use spaces under logs and rocks to make their homes. They are ground-dwelling and are likely to be found in the drier inland regions of Australia. They are also known to be found in north-eastern Queensland, north-western Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
Frying Pan Sizing: Australia's Standard Measurements Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They can also be found under logs and rocks
Tarantulas are fascinating creatures, and in Australia, they can be found in a variety of habitats, including under logs and rocks. While they are often associated with tropical rainforests and burrows in the ground, their ability to adapt to different environments makes them versatile survivors.
The Australian tarantula, known for its large and heavy body, can be found in various locations across the country. One of their distinctive features is their ability to produce a whistling or hissing sound when threatened, earning them names like Whistling Spiders, Bird-Eating Spiders, and Barking Spiders. These arachnids are widespread in the wild and can be found in different regions of Australia, including Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Younger tarantulas, especially those in their younger stages, often seek refuge under rocks and logs. These natural shelters provide protection from predators and the elements. The rocks and logs offer a sense of security, allowing them to rest, moult, and grow without disturbance. This behaviour is common among male tarantulas, which are known to be active wanderers in search of mates.
In addition to seeking shelter under rocks and logs, tarantulas are also opportunistic in their habitat choices. They will happily utilise spaces under logs and rocks in the wild to make their homes. This adaptability allows them to expand their range and take advantage of available resources. The spaces under logs and rocks can provide adequate shelter, especially in areas where burrowing is challenging or when they are forced out of their burrows during heavy rain.
The process of finding tarantulas under logs and rocks can be a careful endeavour. Shining a torch at the ground can help locate them by picking up the reflection from their eyes. Additionally, tarantulas are sit-and-wait predators, so they may be found lurking under cover, waiting for prey to wander by. Their reclusive nature makes them less likely to be spotted, but their presence can be inferred through signs such as silk retreats or traces of their prey.
While finding tarantulas under logs and rocks is possible, it is important to remember that unlicensed collection from the wild is illegal in Australia. The conservation of these spiders is a priority, and collecting them for the pet trade can negatively impact their populations. Therefore, it is essential to follow local regulations and guidelines when interacting with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Logan's Rating in Australia: Is It Suitable for Kids?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are native to Queensland, Australia
Tarantulas are native to Queensland, Australia. They are fascinating creatures, but they are mostly inactive and reclusive. They are sit-and-wait predators, using venom to immobilise their prey. They are also known as whistling or barking spiders due to the hissing noise they make when provoked. This noise is produced by the spider stridulating a patch of setae associated with its chelicerae.
The Queensland Whistling Tarantula, or Selenocosmia crassipes, is the largest tarantula species in Australia. It has thicker front legs than back legs and can be easily identified due to its size. Its body length is between 6 and 9 centimetres, with a leg span of up to 22 centimetres. It is a burrowing spider, living in web-lined burrows in the ground that can be up to 1 metre deep. Young spiders find natural burrows under rocks or roots, while adults expand their burrows up to 2 metres.
Selenocosmia crassipes is found throughout North Queensland, particularly in rainforests and gullies, or other sheltered spots in open forests along the Queensland Central Coast. They are also found in gardens and around other plant life. They are quite shy and do not usually wander far from their burrows.
There are concerns about the impact of the pet trade on tarantula populations in Queensland. Collectors may be endangering species that have not been well-studied by removing large adults from small local populations. A few traders are developing captive breeding programs to supply the pet market, which should be encouraged for conservation purposes.
Australia's Wool Country: Where to Find the Best Fleece
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are also found in the Northern Territory
Tarantulas are native to Australia, with some species found in the Northern Territory. These spiders are known for their ability to produce a hissing or whistling sound when they feel threatened. They are also quite large, with thick front legs and a leg span of up to 22 cm. While they are not considered dangerous to humans, their bite can cause several hours of vomiting.
The species found in the Northern Territory is Coremiocnemis, which belongs to the subfamily Selenocosmiinae. They are known as "bird-eating spiders" or "bird spiders", although they are not likely to encounter or feed on birds in the wild. These spiders mostly feed on invertebrates, insects, and other spiders, but they also eat small vertebrates like geckos, skinks, and frogs.
Coremiocnemis tarantulas are burrowing spiders, creating web-lined burrows in the ground that can be quite deep, ranging from 40 cm to over 1 metre. The temperature in the burrow remains fairly constant, providing protection from extreme temperatures. These spiders are quite shy and typically stay near their burrows, only leaving when they sense food or another spider nearby.
In Australia, it is illegal to collect tarantulas from the wild without a harvesting licence. Unlicensed collection can have a negative impact on local populations and endanger species that have not yet been fully studied. Tarantulas can be kept as pets in the Northern Territory, but it is important to obtain them from authorised sellers who have acquired the spiders legally.
Exploring the Vastness: Alaska vs Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are expensive to buy as pets
In Australia, it is illegal to import or keep non-native tarantula species. This law is in place to prevent invasive species from taking hold, as well as to prevent the introduction of significant parasites or pests. While exotic tarantulas have been smuggled into the country and are sometimes offered for sale, these transactions are illegal and may even be scams.
Due to these restrictions, Australian tarantulas can be expensive to buy as pets. The species that is most often kept as a pet is the Queensland Whistling Tarantula, or Selenocosmia crassipes, which is sold in pet shops. However, many of the large spiders sold in pet shops are likely to be undescribed species of the Asian genus Phlogiellus, which are incorrectly identified as Queensland Whistling Tarantulas. These spiders are likely to be cheaper than the correctly identified species, but they may be illegally imported.
The cost of buying a tarantula in Australia will also depend on the state or territory in which you live. In Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the ACT, you do not require a permit to keep a pet tarantula or to move one across state/territory borders. However, in Queensland, as of August 2020, you will need a 'Standard Licence' to keep tarantulas. In Western Australia, you don’t need a license to keep tarantulas, but you do need a permit to import them across the border. In the Northern Territory, you need a license and proof of purchase from a licensed supplier to keep tarantulas native to the NT, or a permit to move them across the border. In Tasmania, it is currently not possible to obtain a permit to import Australian tarantulas for private keepers, so it is illegal to keep tarantulas as pets in this state.
The cost of buying a tarantula in Australia will also depend on the species you choose. Selenotypus and Phlogius are the most commonly kept species. The Selenotypus are fairly slow-growing, smaller arid species, while the Phlogius are a tropical species that grow much faster and larger. The Phlogius species are therefore likely to be more expensive.
Australia's Venomous Wildlife: An Intriguing Mystery
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Tarantulas are generally found in the wild in burrows, under logs and rocks, or in captivity as pets. They are widespread in Australia, but some species are found in specific regions.
Some Australian tarantula species include Selenocosmia (four species), Selenotholus, Selenotypus, and Coremiocnemis (one species each). The Queensland Whistling Tarantula, also known as Selenocosmia crassipes, is native to the east coast of Queensland.
Yes, you need a valid license from the Queensland Government to keep tarantulas in Queensland. It is illegal to collect them from the wild, and they must be purchased from an authorized seller or bred in captivity.
