The reason tarantulas prefer not to bite is that, first, they are shy and would rather run away. Second, they do not want to use their venom except for something they can eat and humans are too big for them to use as food. As such, they will run away or use the hairs rather than bite.
Tarantulas Just Aren't That Into You
Spiders do have feelings, but unlike a dog or a cat, they won't bond with you. In fact, they likely won't even recognize you. They simply aren't hardwired to be companions to humans and should never be bought at pet stores, online, or anywhere else.
If a tarantula bites you, you may have pain at the site of the bite similar to a bee sting. The area of the bite may become warm and red. When one of these spiders is threatened, it rubs its hind legs across its own body surface and flicks thousands of tiny hairs toward the threat.
Tarantulas are quite docile and rarely bite people
1 However, tarantula bites can be lethal to birds and some mammals.
tarantula is a large species found in southern Europe, especially in the Apulia region of Italy and near the city of Taranto, from which it gets its name.
They are not interested in attacking people (despite the way they look). Although their venom won't kill humans, their bite is still painful (like the sting of a bee) and their hair is extremely irritating (especially in the eyes, nose, and mouth). Depending on the species, the pain may last several days.
Size relative to a teacup: Tarantulas give some people the creeps because of their large, hairy bodies and legs. But these spiders are harmless to humans (except for a painful bite), and their mild venom is weaker than a typical bee's.
False: With more than 800 species across the world,3 tarantulas vary in aggression, but they're normally slow-moving, docile creatures.
Tarantulas require very little maintenance and cost, can live long, take up minimal space, and are incredibly docile – making them perfect pets!
The Mexican red-knee is often the first pet for spider enthusiasts. The females can live around 20 to 30 years while the males only live for about 10 years. A 5- to 10-gallon tank is suitable for these tarantulas. And as they're quite docile, they typically are easy to handle.
Tarantulas do not like being held, touched, or handled. Some may tolerate it better than others due to more docile attitudes, but as far as we know, tarantulas don't have the emotional capacity to have benefits of this like a dog or cat. Tarantulas do not seek out affection and actually prefer to be left alone.
Another interesting thing is each tarantula has its own personality. Despite what species it is, they can be very varied in their temperaments. Some are feisty and impossible to hold, others gentle and would never bite. Some are skittish and fast, others completely chilled out and very slow moving.
Docile nature
Though their large, furry bodies may suggest otherwise, tarantulas are considered to be calm and quiet pets. Most species of tarantulas are considered to be docile, especially the Chilean rose-hair, the Mexican red-knee, and the Brazilian black tarantula.
A Tarantula Never Remembers
Though some may develop unique behavior patterns that approach the definition of “personalities," they do not learn to recognize their keepers or alter their behavior based on who is holding them.
While tarantulas are fascinating animals with more centralized brains than most other arthropods, scientists suspect that tarantulas are not particularly intelligent.
The best beginner spider would be a tarantula such as the Chilean rose, Mexican Redleg, or Costa Rican Zebra. These species aren't terribly venomous and are pretty docile when compared with some other tarantulas (their venom is comparable to bee venom).
While not usually considered paragons of tender, familial love, some spiders do have a touchy-feely side. Scientists have discovered two arachnids that caress their young and snuggle together. While not usually considered paragons of tender, familial love, some spiders do have a touchy-feely side.
In general, tarantulas are solitary animals. And handling is not recommended except when necessary, such as moving the spider out of its enclosure for cleaning. In that case, it's best to coax the spider into a small container for transport, rather than moving it in your hands.
Venom: Tarantulas sold in pet stores are not poisonous to humans. Pet store cost: From $15 to $700. Diet: Anything alive, usually crickets; prefers “pinkies” or “fuzzies”.
Tarantula venom causes pain at the bitten area. It can also cause oral pain if your dog bites down on the spider. In addition, ingesting the tarantula's stiff hairs can cause dogs to drool or vomit. Despite bringing pain and illness, tarantula bites typically don't cause lasting damage.
Prospective tarantula owners should be ready to make a long-term commitment to their pet. Males may live as long as 10 years, and females may live past 30! Owners also need to understand general spider husbandry to keep their arachnid family member happy and healthy.
While the theory is unproven, it is likely that spiders can detect human fear. However, there are only few studies about this topic and it is not yet known for certain. Different animals have sensory organs that are able to identify different stimuli.