Tarantula fangs are amongst the most striking aspects of the spider species.A tarantula, or otherwise known as a spider of the Theraphosidae family, is an eight-legged arachnid that can be found in a range of habitats.The biggest tarantulas can be up to 12 in (30.5 cm)! However, most will only grow 2-4 in (5.1-10.2 cm) long. Let us take you on a ride across some interesting facts about the tarantula’s fangs. Afterward, also read about if tarantulas make webs and if tarantulas bite.How big do tarantula fangs grow?The size of most tarantulas’ fangs is around 1.5 in (3.8 cm) in length, though the size may vary across species slightly.It may surprise you that there is virtually no blood flow in a tarantula fang, and these fangs remain extended by hydraulic pressure alone!Are tarantulas venomous?All known tarantula species are venomous. They deliver their venom through fangs called pedipalps that are located just below the mouth.Adult female tarantulas boast of having larger fangs than males or juveniles which makes them more dangerous because they’re capable of delivering a more potent dose of venom. A tarantula’s bite is known to be very painful and dangerous to humans.While some spider bites can cause severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, in most cases, the pain of a tarantula bite clears up within a few days with no lasting effects.South America is known to have the most poisonous tarantulas, while North American tarantulas are relatively harmless to humans.The goliath bird eater is considered to be one of the most venomous spiders in the world. Its venom glands situated in the bottom of its large fangs are enough to produce a medically significant bite. One bite from this spider can kill a dog or other small animals.Why does a tarantula rub its fangs?All tarantulas have what are called urticating or defensive hairs (technically known as setae) covering their body and appendages or legs.These hairs serve the purpose of irritating potential predators like mice, rats, squirrels, and rabbits, who then leave the area after sniffing or brushing against them. When threatened by other predatory species like birds or reptiles such as snakes, tarantulas will emit tiny barbed bristles located on their feet which can also cause irritation if they come into contact with human skin!These micro-barbs are designed to break off when the tarantula makes its escape. A tarantula does not make use of its fangs to remove the irritant but instead uses its legs and front claws to brush these barbs away.Do tarantulas shed their fangs?A spider sheds its entire exoskeleton in a process called molting, which occurs several times throughout its life. Juveniles may molt as often as once a month after hatching from an egg sac, while adults may shed only once a year or two.Tarantulas will typically replace their fangs just before the molting process begins because they’re soft and pliable at that time. This results in broken fangs during the shedding process which takes place over several hours. When the new exoskeleton hardens after molting, the new fangs are just as sharp and effective as before.While tarantulas are considered to be shy creatures who try to avoid contact with humans whenever possible, their bite can potentially cause serious health issues in some cases. Sensory hairs on the body and legs of a tarantula are designed to irritate potential predators, while its fangs are used for subduing prey which is then killed by using digestive enzymes in the spider’s stomach before being sucked up into its mouth.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for tarantula fangs then take a look at how long do tarantulas live or what do tarantulas eat.
Tarantula fangs are amongst the most striking aspects of the spider species.
