Arboreal tarantulas are similar to other tarantulas: They're covered with prickly hairs and bite into victims with large, venom-loaded fangs. But as their name indicates, these spiders dwell in trees (arboreal comes from the word "arbor," which means "tree"). Long legs and sticky pads help these creatures keep their grip as they run through the treetops; the spiders hardly ever touch the ground.
Long Legs: Arboreal tarantulas have longer legs and smaller bodies than other tarantulas. This keeps their weight down and helps them find good footing when climbing. The spiders can even wrap their legs completely around branches for a stronger hold.
Hair Darts: These spiders are covered with long, shaggy sensory hairs that help them find prey. The tarantulas also can rub their legs against their abdomens to "flick" these hairs at enemies; the hairs stick into an attacker's body and cause massive irritation.
Tree Hugger[]
Arboreal tarantulas have special adaptations to fit their lifestyle, the most important being the large pads on their feet. These pads are covered with thousands of tiny hairs that help the spiders grip surfaces from tree branches (shown left) to leaves. One of the few reasons these spiders leave the trees is if they're cornered by an enemy and have to jump to safety. Even then, they prefer to touch down not on land but on water-the wide pads on their feet allow them to walk on the water's surface without falling in!
Tube Terror: These spiders roam around the branches of trees to find prey, though they also spin webs. Arboreal tarantulas make hollow silk tubes in the corners of trees, in which they rest and sometimes ambush prey.
Robbing the Cradle: Arboreal tarantulas hunt mostly insects, such as moths and caterpillars, but are known to go after bigger prey. If one of these hairy beasts stumbles upon a nest of unattended baby birds, it will kill one or two and drag them back to its silken lair.
Beauty With a Bite[]
The shaggy hairs on an arboreal tarantula's body can range in color from dull grey to pitch black to bright red or metallic green. These colors help disguise the spiders from enemies, such as birds, while climbing on colorful tropical plants. If the spider is seen by a potential predator, the bright colors serve as a warning that the creature is toxic, and attacking it might end with a venomous bite.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The arboreal tarantula is featured on several Monster Mania cards:
- It is first featured in Desert Disorder on Monster Mania 57.
- It is then featured Jungle Jumble on Monster Mania 77.
- Arboreal tarantula shares the subheading "Tree Hugger" with the Dinofelis, Emerald Tree Boa, and Eyelash Viper.