Tarantula Spider Toxicity

Tarantulas are well known to be the largest spiders in the world. Contrary to popular belief, tarantulas are not one species of arachnid. There are over 900 different species that comprise the family Theraphosidae within the Mygolamorphae suborder, which itself includes over 2500 species of arachnid. Tarantulas can be found endemically in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and are popular as pets. While all tarantulas have venom, new world tarantulas additionally have urticating hairs located on their abdomen. Exposure to these hairs can cause intense inflammatory reactions.