Tarantula

Food: Tarantulas enjoy eating large insects, including crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars and other spiders. Some of the larger ones will also eat frogs, lizards and bats.

Size: They can range from the size of a fingernail to a dinner plate; from about 1cm to about 30cm.

Appearance: A large spider with tiny hairs all over their body and legs. Usually black or brown some have bright markings on their legs. Tarantulas have fangs at the front, more noticeable than other spiders because of their large size.

Tarantulas make excellent pets. Whilst many may fear them, tarantulas are remarkably docile. They only bite when they feel threatened and can’t escape. They should be kept individually in an enclosure with a lid. Usually don’t need to heat their enclosure, they’re comfortable at room temperature. It’s fascinating to watch as they molt, shedding their exoskeleton and producing a new one as they grow larger.

Consider rehoming a rescue animal if you’re thinking of getting a pet. Check out your local charity or consider these ones with rehoming schemes: Blue Cross * Animal Rescue & Care * RSPCA