Like most arthropods, the body structure of the tarantula, covered with the finest tiny hairs, is divided into two main parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen.
At the top of the cephalothorax, the tarantula has 8 eyes, four of which form a straight line, while the others, larger in size, are arranged in a trapezoid. Thanks to this arrangement of the visual organs, venomous tarantula spiders can observe their surroundings in a 360-degree view. In search of food or a mate during the breeding season, these arthropods, in addition to their excellent vision, utilize their well-developed sense of smell. The internal organs of the spider are located in its abdominal section.
The size of the tarantula ranges from 2.5 to 10 cm, while the leg span can reach up to 30 centimeters. Notably, female tarantulas are much larger than males, with females weighing up to 90 grams.
Throughout their lives, tarantula spiders molt their chitinous "armor" several times.
The four pairs of long, powerful legs of the tarantula are covered with fine bristles that increase the surface area for support when moving across loose or watery surfaces.
The powerful chelicerae (jaws) of the tarantula, with venomous ducts opening at their serrated tips, serve not only as a mouthpart but also as a means of attack and defense for spiders of this family.
Typically, tarantulas are brown, gray, or black in color, although lighter individuals can also be found. Sexual dimorphism is well developed. Males differ from females in their smaller size and more developed front limbs.
Most of their lives, tarantulas remain sedentary in a burrow they dig in an open area devoid of dense vegetation and freely illuminated by the sun. In terms of micro-relief, they prefer small elevations, mounds, edges of depressions, pits, and ditches, etc.
The tarantula does not roam in search of food but waits for it in its burrow. Most often positioned at the entrance to the burrow, the tarantula is highly responsive to the slightest rustling. As soon as any beetle approaches the burrow's opening, the spider swiftly and nimbly darts out and grabs its prey.
The tarantula's prey can consist of a variety of arthropods. It refuses to eat and drives away from its burrow certain insects like rove beetles, ladybugs, and soldier bugs; it is reluctant to consume darkling beetles. This spider drinks water, primarily satisfying its need through food. The tarantula can survive without food for several months.
The mating season for tarantulas usually begins at the end of summer. The mature male finds a flat surface and spins a web on it. After completing his preparations, he begins to rub his abdomen against it. As a result of this stimulation, seminal fluid is ejected, after which the male tarantula dips his pedipalps into it, which absorb the fluid until the fertilization process is completed.
Upon finding a female, the male begins a courtship ritual consisting of a unique mating dance. If the female tarantula reciprocates, he inserts his pedipalps with a portion of sperm into her cloaca and fertilizes her. After this, the male must leave his partner as quickly as possible to avoid becoming her next meal.
The female tarantula, upon entering her burrow, weaves a cocoon from silk in which she lays fertilized eggs, the number of which ranges from 50 to 2000. For 40-50 days, the female carries the developing offspring on her silk bristles (special paired outgrowths located on her abdomen). The hatched spiderlings climb onto their mother's back and stay there until they learn to feed independently. After that, the young tarantulas leave their mother and begin their independent lives. They reach sexual maturity in their second to third year of life.
The bite of a tarantula is considered less dangerous than that of a black widow spider but significantly stronger than a scorpion sting. Tourists should set up camp during daylight after thoroughly inspecting the area and are advised not to stop in saline areas. The most reliable way to prevent venomous spiders from crawling into tents is to use a standard mosquito net with a sewn-in tarpaulin bottom and a side zipper.
It is widespread in the Western, Northern, and Inner Tien Shan, in the territory of the Issyk-Kul basin.
