Terrific Tarantulas Trivia Quiz

Answer: 2

The palps are two leg-like protusions from the front of the tarantula. They are used to manipulate prey, so that the tarantula can eat it and not be injured.

Answer: To cool down

Molting is a stressful time for tarantulas, so they wouldn't do it just to cool down. In order to molt, a tarantula flips over onto its back onto a bed of web, and then pushes its old exoskeleton off with its feet. It is during this time that most pet tarantulas die because the owners think they are dead, and disturb them, which kills them.

The humidity also has to be high enough. These hairs are called urticating hairs and tarantulas will molt to replace them, along with regrowing part of a leg every time they molt. Molting is also how tarantulas grow.

Answer: Urticating hairs

These hairs are actually like little shards of glass, and that's why they are so irritating. If they get in your eyes, nose, or throat, they can cause serious medical issues. They are actually ground up and made into itching powder. The best way to remove them is by using tape and gently pressing it to the affected area.

Some tarantulas can kick these hairs into air, but some aren't as likely to do it. This goes for other tarantulas too, in that some flick hairs at the slightest flicker of movement.

Answer: No

Despite their bad reputation, nobody died from a tarantula bite. Some have a toxin that can cause major health issues, like the Sri Lankan Ornamental, but their venom is not toxic enough to kill a human. Some people have allergic reactions to the proteins released with the toxin, and that is what kills them, not the toxin.

Answer: Cobalt blue (Haplopelma lividum)

Cobalt blue tarantulas are very fast and aggressive, though they are sought after by the advanced tarantula keepers for their striking metallic blue coloring. Pinktoes are some of the sweetest tarantulas you will find, although they require a high humidity, around 80%, and a tall tank, since they are arboreal.

There are many variaties of pinktoes, such as the Ecuadorian purple pinktoe (Avicularia purpea). Rosehairs are the most well known of all tarantulas, along with the redknees which have made many appearances in movies such as Indiana Jones.

Answer: Terrestrial and arboreal

Arboreal tarantulas live in the trees and require tall habitats with a high humidity. Terrestrial tarantulas on the hand live on the ground and need more floor space. Tarantulas can also be classified as Old world and New world, but these refer to other characteristics.

Answer: No

While tarantulas can spin webs, they use force to take down their prey. The webs are used mainly for mating and molting.

Answer: Pinktoe (Avicularia avicularia)

Given enough space, hiding places, and food, pinktoes can be kept communally with great success, although cannibalism may occur. The other three types of tarantulas are big tarantulas, such as the Brazilian salmon pink which can get a legspan of a foot.

Answer: Vibrations

Tarantulas have very bad eyesight, and do not use their pedipalps to find their way around. They also do not have a keen sense of direction. Since they find their way around with vibrations, car trips can be stressful as the tarantula can get confused. This is also why handling can be stressful for them.

Answer: Run away

Since you are much bigger than a tarantula, it would rather run than fight you. In the wild it should have space to do this, so it shouldn't be a problem. As a pet, though, it may feel cornered and do one of the other things. So are tarantulas good or bad? According to stereotypes, yes, but in reality, no.