Tarantulas are the biggest spiders. They have eight legs, are often hairy, and have two big fangs. Some are dull brown, while others can be brightly colored. The sizes range from as small as a fingernail to as big as a dinner plate. That’s a big spider!

Tarantulas can live in rain forests and deserts. They prey on insects, rodents, and small birds. They hunt by stalking and then slowly creeping up. Then they quickly leap onto their prey and stick their hollow, furry fangs into their prey. Venom is pumped in and liquefies the prey’s insides. Then the spider eats it like bug soup!

Surprisingly, tarantulas spend a lot of their time hiding when they’re not hunting. Lots of animals will try to eat them although some do not succeed, for the tarantula has a few good defenses. The hairs on the back legs and abdomen can break off with the slightest touch; borrowing into an enemy and making them itch. They are also pretty fast runners, with eight legs! And if all else fails, they can bite, but their venom is used mainly for eating prey.

For some reason, the tarantula’s reputation is not a good one. Maybe because they're big. Maybe because they're hairy. Maybe because they're poisonous. Well, yes, they are big and hairy. They do have poison, but it can’t kill a person unless you’re allergic to it. For most people, tarantula bites are no worse than a bee sting.