Australian Tarantula

Gentle giants of the bush

Australian tarantulas are among the largest and most impressive spiders on the continent. Often called whistling spiders or barking spiders, these slow‑moving arachnids are powerful hunters, expert burrowers, and an important part of Australia’s invertebrate wildlife. Despite their size and fearsome appearance, Australian tarantulas are generally shy and non‑aggressive.

Scientific Classification

Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Family: Theraphosidae

Australian tarantulas belong to the same family as tarantulas found in other parts of the world, but they are distinct species adapted to Australia’s unique environments.

What Is an Australian Tarantula?

Australian tarantulas are large, hairy spiders with thick legs and a solid body. Some species can reach a leg span of 15–20 centimetres, making them among the largest spiders in Australia.

They are best known for:

Their burrowing lifestyle
A defensive hissing or whistling sound
Their calm, deliberate movements

Unlike web‑building spiders, tarantulas are ambush predators that wait patiently for prey to pass close by.

Where Do They Live?

Australian tarantulas are found across much of the mainland, particularly in:

Open woodlands
Forest edges
Grasslands
Semi‑arid regions

They live in deep, silk‑lined burrows, often concealed beneath leaf litter or at the base of trees. These burrows protect them from heat, predators, and dehydration.

Diet and Hunting Behaviour

Australian tarantulas feed on a range of animals, including:

Insects
Other spiders
Small reptiles and frogs

Despite popular myths, they rarely eat birds. The name “bird‑eating spider” is misleading and based on rare, exceptional observations.

Tarantulas rely on:

Vibration sensing
Quick lunges
Strong fangs

to capture prey near their burrow entrance.

Defence and Venom

Australian tarantulas are not dangerous to humans.

Their defences include:

Retreating into their burrow
Rearing up to appear larger
Producing a whistling or hissing sound by rubbing body parts together
Biting only as a last resort

Their venom is not medically significant to humans, though a bite can be painful and should be cleaned to prevent infection.

Bites are rare and usually occur only when the spider is handled or threatened.

Growth and Lifespan

Australian tarantulas grow slowly and live surprisingly long lives:

Females may live for 20 years or more
Males usually live much shorter lives, often only a few years

They grow by shedding their exoskeleton in a process called ecdysis. During this time, they are vulnerable and remain hidden.

Role in the Ecosystem

As predators, tarantulas help control populations of insects and small animals. Their burrows also:

Improve soil structure
Provide shelter for other animals once abandoned

They are a quiet but important part of Australia’s ecosystems.

Conservation and Human Interaction

Australian tarantulas are not endangered, but they can be affected by:

Habitat loss
Land clearing
Road traffic
Illegal collection for the pet trade

These spiders are protected wildlife in many parts of Australia and should be observed, not disturbed.

Respecting Australian Tarantulas

If you encounter an Australian tarantula:

Observe from a distance
Do not attempt to handle it
Leave burrows undisturbed

Understanding these spiders helps replace fear with appreciation and supports their long‑term survival.

A Spider Worth Knowing

Australian tarantulas remind us that size and strength do not equal danger. They are ancient, patient, and perfectly adapted to life in the Australian landscape.

🕷️ By learning about them, we take another step toward protecting Australia’s remarkable invertebrate wildlife.