Tarantula is the common name for a group of hairy, sometimes very large spiders belonging to the family Theraphosidae, of which 800 species have been identified. Tarantulas hunt prey on the ground and do not spin webs. They mainly eat insects and other arthropods, caught by speed or ambush.

Tarantulas are nocturnal predators, killing their prey by injecting venom through their fangs. The hungry tarantula typically waits partially hidden at the entrance to its retreat to ambush passing prey. It has sensitive hairs that enable it to detect the size and location of potential victims from the vibrations caused by their movements.

Like many other spiders, it cannot see much more than light, darkness, and movement, and uses its sense of touch to perceive the world around it.

Harmless to humans, Texas Brown Tarantulas are often kept as pets.

Media:

Video of a pet tarantula catching a cricket