Uploaded December 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Tarantula spiders have different defense mechanisms in their repertoire. Of course, they have massive fangs combined with venom. But venom is expensive to produce, therefore a group of tarantulas has evolved another strategy.

Urticating hairs are unique within certain groups of New world tarantulas native to the Americas.

These teeny tiny hairs are ready to be flicked with their rear legs or pedipalps. You can even spot some remaining hairs on the legs!

These hairs are very effective against predators with sensitive noses, such as bigger mammals for example.

There are different types of urticating hairs and a lot of species have two or more different types on their body. Some for defense to be flicked, others to be woven into their egg sack for protection against small insects.

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