| Common name | Australian tarantula |
| Scientific name | Selenotypus spp., Phlogius spp., Coremiocnemis spp., Selenotholus spp., Selenocosmia spp. |
| Type | Arachnida (Spiders) |
| Diet | Carnivorous – mainly insects, but also small frogs, lizards, and even birds |
| Average lifespan | Up to 10–12 years (females), 5 years (males) |
| Size | 3-8 cm, up to 20cm leg span |
Conservation status: Australian tarantulas aren’t currently listed as threatened, but they face increasing pressure from habitat destruction, land clearing and the growing demand from the exotic pet trade. Wild populations are vulnerable because females are long-lived and slow to reproduce.
With fangs that can pierce fingernails and a nickname like ‘bird-eating spider,’ the Australian tarantula has no trouble standing out in the arachnid world.
But while its size and strength are impressive, this misunderstood spider – comprised of numerous species in the family Theraphosidae – is far more recluse than rogue.
Habitat
They live in deep burrows they dig themselves in warm, arid to tropical environments. These burrows, often lined with silk, protect them from predators and harsh weather.
They’re nocturnal ambush hunters, waiting at the mouth of the burrow for prey to pass by.
Distribution
Tarantulas are found primarily in northern and inland Australia, including Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales. Each region has its own distinct species, many of which are still being studied and named.
Selenocosmia stirlingi is the most widely distributed and can be found as far south as north-west Victoria. Selenocosmia crassipes, found throughout North Queensland, is the species that is most often kept as a pet, but has often been taken from the wild illegally.
Reproduction
After mating, females lay up to 50 eggs, which they guard inside the burrow. Spiderlings remain in the maternal burrow for weeks before dispersing. Males die shortly after mating (around 5 years), while females can live for over a decade.
Threats
Beyond habitat loss and collection for the pet trade, they’re also threatened by fire, invasive species, and increased chemical use in agriculture. As burrowers, they’re particularly affected when the soil is disturbed or compacted.
Fascinating fact
Despite the nickname, bird-eating is incredibly rare. But what really sets Australian tarantulas apart is their hissing sound – they can stridulate (rub their mouthparts together) to make a defensive warning noise that sounds like a tiny steam engine.
