Tarantula – These spiders have hairy,brown to black bodies, and a leg span that can exceed 4 inches. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are generally non-aggressive and will avoid confrontation if possible. north American desert tarantulas do have venom, but the effect on a human is generally equivalent to a bee sting.
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For most of the year tarantulas are solitary creatures that seldom move far from their burrows to hunt lizards, insects and other arthropods. They are most likely to be seen on summer nights when males are out and about searching for mates. The mortality rate for mature males is high. Those who manage to survive the search for a female will most likely be eaten by her soon after mating. Females, who tend to stick close to the home burrow, may live for 20 years or more.
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