| type | Status | Habitat |
 |
 |
 |
|
ARTHROPODS |
SOME-ENDANGERED |
SOUTH AMERICA |
 tarantulas live in dry, well-drained soils in open areas throughout the desert and grassland areas |
 Tarantulas also eat other spiders, small lizards, snakes, and frogs. |
|
They're big and hairy, but are tarantulas scary? Not when you get to know them! Tarantulas live in warm areas around the world. While most tarantulas live in South America, they can be found on all continents except Antarctica.
Tarantulas are nocturnal hunters that wait for their prey to come close enough to grab. They kill their prey with a bite from their fangs. The fangs release venom that kills their victim. They can also crush their prey using their powerful mouthparts.
Although spiders are fearsome predators, other animals often eat them. Tarantulas have many natural enemies, including lizards, snakes, spider-eating birds, and even wasps. Though people are often afraid of tarantula bites, most species' venom is only as strong as a bee's. And remember, a tarantula would rather hide from you than bite you.