Tarantulas, not just creepy
Most people think of spiders as creepy crawly insects that should be stepped on, but not Louis Britz. Louis is a tarantula breeder in Rustenburg, and says that they are his ‘pets’. There are more to tarantulas than meets the eye and when you get use to the spiders, they simply crawl into your heart. “I have tarantulas as pets because they are extremely interesting” Louis said.
Approximately 900 tarantula species have been identified, so there are many options for those who want some of these pets. The species vary in size and color for example some are grey, brown, red and even blue. Some species, such as the scarlet bird eater can become as large as a food plate. Females can live as long as 17 to 19 years and males to 9 years. Not only do these spiders live long but they also take a long time to reach maturity. An average female takes as long as 9 years to reach maturity according to Louis.
You also get two types tarantula known as tree spiders and crawlers. Where the difference between the two can be easily assumed, owners who want a spider need to do a great deal of research because there is numerous factors that one need to take into consideration. For example tree spiders need a higher glass container, where crawlers not necessarily need a high container but a container with a bigger surface. Tarantulas generally feed on smaller insects once a week and Louis gives them crickets. The crickets vary from size depending on the size of the spider. “Don’t feed your tarantula more than once a week, because then you risk shortening its lifespan”
These spiders prices can vary from as little as R15 up to as much as R4500 and of course the older the spider, the more valuable. “A bite will not kill you, but it can give you a headache and joint pains.” Louis said. “it feels like a bee sting” he added. Other interesting facts Louis gave us is that when a tarantula moults, it is possible that it could lose a leg, but when it moults again that leg will actually grow back.
It is safe to say that there is an entire web of interesting facts about tarantulas. Owning one is not just as simple as feeding it and keeping it in a cage; you have to do research and know your spider, because if you don’t, it might just crawl out and visit you, in your bed.