Most tarantulas are not aggressive but defensive. They don’t want to attack you. They just want to be left alone. A tarantula will only show defensive behavior when it feels scared or in danger.
It’s like when my neighbor’s cat puffs up when the mail carrier comes by – not because it’s planning an attack, but because it’s saying “please keep your distance!”
Contrary to popular belief, tarantulas rarely bite and are more likely to use non-aggressive defensive behaviors, reinforcing tarantulas as suitable pets.
Key Points:
- Tarantulas defend themselves rather than attack
- New World and Old World tarantulas behave differently
- Some species are much calmer than others
- Proper handling makes tarantulas less likely to bite
Understanding Tarantula Defensive Behavior
Tarantulas don’t chase or hunt humans. Their defense mechanisms only kick in when they feel threatened. When scared, a tarantula might:
- Raise its front legs in a threat display
- Kick tiny, itchy urticating hairs (New World species)
- Show its fangs
- Run away and hide
- Bite (usually as a last resort)
Tom Moran, founder of Tom’s Big Spiders, explains: “What most people call aggression in tarantulas is actually just the spider trying to protect itself. They have no interest in attacking humans and would much rather retreat.”
I learned this lesson the hard way when I first got my Chilean Rose Hair. I moved too quickly while cleaning her enclosure, and she kicked hairs all over my hand. It was itchy for days! But she was just saying, “Slow down, buddy!” in the only way she knew how.
New World vs. Old World Tarantulas: Temperament Differences
The tarantula family (Theraphosidae) is split into two main groups with different temperaments:
| Type | Where They’re From | Main Defense | Bite Chance When Scared | Good for Beginners? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New World | North and South America | Hair kicking | Low (10-20%) | Yes |
| Old World | Africa, Asia, Europe | Threat pose and bite | High (40-70%) | No |
New World tarantulas like the Mexican Red Knee have itchy hairs they can kick at threats. Old World tarantulas like the Orange Baboon Tarantula don’t have these hairs, so they’re more likely to bite when scared.
It’s like the difference between someone who gives you a stern warning (New World) versus someone who immediately throws a punch (Old World). My first tarantula was a New World species, which was definitely the right choice for a nervous beginner like me!
Top 5 Most Docile Tarantula Species
If you want a calm tarantula with mild temperament, these species are your best bet:
- Brazilian Black (Grammostola pulchra) – Rating: 1-2/10
- Arizona Blonde (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Rating: 2/10
- Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma hamorii) – Rating: 2-3/10
- Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola rosea) – Rating: 2-3/10
- Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Rating: 2/10
Dr. Sam Marshall, tarantula researcher, says: “The Brazilian Black is probably the most docile tarantula I’ve worked with. They rarely show any defensive behavior even when handled.”
My Brazilian Black, whom I’ve named Velvet, is so chill she could teach meditation classes. She’s like the golden retriever of the spider world – gentle, patient, and completely unbothered when I need to move her for cage cleaning.
Top 5 Most Defensive Tarantula Species
These tarantulas have stronger defensive behaviors and are not for beginners:
- Orange Baboon Tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus) – Rating: 8-9/10
- Featherleg Baboon (Stromatopelma calceatum) – Rating: 9/10
- Togo Starburst (Heteroscodra maculata) – Rating: 8/10
- Indian Ornamental (Poecilotheria regalis) – Rating: 7-8/10
- Cobalt Blue (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Rating: 7/10
I’ve seen videos of the Orange Baboon Tarantula (hilariously nicknamed “OBT” or “Orange Bitey Thing” in the hobby). These spiders have the temperament of a caffeinated New Yorker running late for a meeting – they do NOT have time for your nonsense!
Factors That Influence Tarantula Temperament
Many things can affect how defensive a tarantula acts:
- Species – The biggest factor (genetic behavior)
- Individual personality – Each spider is different
- Molt cycle – Tarantulas are very vulnerable during molting
- Gender differences – Males can be more jumpy than females
- Environmental stress – Bad care makes tarantulas more defensive
A study by the American Tarantula Society found that proper habitat enrichment reduces defensive behavior by up to 40%.
Think of it like this: we’re all grumpier when we’re hungry, tired, or uncomfortable. The same goes for tarantulas! My Pink Toe used to be quite skittish until I upgraded her enclosure with more climbing spaces. Now she’s as cool as a cucumber.
Are Tarantula Bites Dangerous?
Despite their scary looks, tarantula bites are rarely serious for humans.
- New World species: Feels like a bee sting
- Old World species: More painful, may cause cramping and sweating
- No human deaths from tarantula bites have been recorded
A Clinical Toxicology Review of 58 documented bites found no fatalities, and most symptoms went away within 24 hours.
In fact, after the recent TikTok challenges with the “One Chip Challenge” sending people to the hospital, I have to laugh – those chips are actually more dangerous than most tarantula bites! Talk about misplaced fears.
How to Safely Handle a Tarantula
If you want to handle your tarantula, follow these handling precautions:
- Let the tarantula walk onto your flat hand (never grab it)
- Stay close to the ground to prevent falls
- Watch for stress indicators like hair kicking or a raised abdomen
- Never handle a tarantula that’s in a threat posture
- Don’t handle right after feeding or during molting
- Wash hands before and after
The first time I held my tarantula, my hand was shaking like I was trying to defuse a bomb. Meanwhile, my spider was just casually strolling across my palm like she was window shopping at the mall. Who was really scared of whom?
Common Situations That Trigger Defensive Behavior
Tarantulas show fear response in these situations:
- Sudden movements near them
- Vibrations or loud noises
- Being blown on
- During or after molting (when their new exoskeleton is soft)
- When a female has an egg sac
According to a 2019 Arachnid Behavior Study, tarantulas chose to retreat in 78% of confrontational scenarios before showing any defensive postures.
Last month, I was cleaning near my tarantula’s enclosure while playing some bass-heavy music. My poor spider went into a full threat display! It was a good reminder that their world is experienced primarily through vibrations. To them, my music probably felt like an earthquake!
Myths About Tarantula Aggression Debunked
Let’s clear up some common tarantula misconceptions:
- MYTH: Tarantulas hunt people
TRUTH: They have poor eyesight and see humans as giant predators to avoid - MYTH: All tarantulas have deadly venom
TRUTH: Most have venom weaker than a bee sting - MYTH: Tarantulas can jump at your face
TRUTH: Most species can only jump very short distances - MYTH: All tarantulas are aggressive
TRUTH: Many species are quite docile when properly cared for
The Tarantula Keeper’s Guide, the leading book on tarantula care, states: “The vast majority of tarantulas would rather retreat than fight, contrary to their portrayal in movies and media.”
With Halloween 2024 right around the corner, it drives me nuts seeing how tarantulas are portrayed as vicious killers. The truth is, they’re about as aggressive as your average couch potato – they’d rather just chill at home than cause trouble!
