Australian Whistling Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton with setae (hairs)

This large spider has a heavy, robust body covered in fine hairs, with noticeably thicker front legs than back legs. The colour ranges from dark chocolate-brown to reddish brown or pale fawn, often with a silvery sheen. Its powerful fangs can grow up to 1 cm long.12

Personality what they are like

This spider is generally shy and prefers to stay near its burrow. It is not usually aggressive, but if provoked it will rear up and may bite. The bite is painful and can cause severe illness, so it is not suitable for beginners and should never be handled.125

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity; it is a nocturnal ground-dwelling burrower that spends most of its time in its burrow. It does not need exercise and should be disturbed as little as possible.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming is needed. Keep the enclosure clean, provide a water dish, and avoid handling. Be very careful when cleaning the container, as the spider can climb smooth surfaces and escape.25

Home where they are happiest

A fossorial setup with deep substrate (15-20 cm or more) for burrowing, a hide such as cork bark or a half-log, a water dish, and a secure lid with ventilation. Recommended temperature is 24-26°C in summer and 20-24°C in winter. In Queensland, a licence is required to keep protected native animals.452

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild it eats insects, other spiders, and small vertebrates such as geckos, skinks and frogs. In captivity, feed appropriately sized invertebrate prey like crickets or roaches, and remove uneaten prey, especially during moulting.15

Company who they like around

Solitary animal; it should be kept alone. It is not a companion animal and should be treated as a display animal. Do not handle it, as even calm individuals can react suddenly and a fall can injure or kill it. Its venom is potent, and bites can cause severe illness, so it is not recommended for beginners.25

The story where it all began

The Australian Whistling Tarantula is native to Queensland, Australia. It has been known to science since 1874, when it was first described by L. Koch. Its common names come from the hissing or whistling sound it makes when disturbed, produced by rubbing specialised spines on its mouthparts. It has also been called a bird-eating spider, but it rarely eats birds. This species has become popular in the pet trade, and it is often harvested from the wild, sometimes illegally, which raises conservation concerns. Many spiders sold under this name may actually be undescribed species, as the true Selenocosmia crassipes is mainly found in mid-east Queensland.123

Recognised by the official bits

World Spider Catalog

Accepted species, distribution Australia (Queensland)6

Popularity Widely sought after as a pet, but often harvested illegally from the wild.12