What do tarantulas eat?
Short answer
Tarantulas are primarily carnivorous predators that consume a variety of insects, arachnids, and occasionally small vertebrates. In the wild, they hunt crickets, beetles, roaches, and small lizards. When kept as pets, they thrive on a diet of commercially raised feeder insects, such as crickets or dubia roaches, provided in appropriate sizes.
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What do tarantulas eat in the wild?
Tarantulas are opportunistic ambush predators that consume almost anything they can overpower. Their diet consists mostly of insects like crickets, grasshoppers, moths, and beetles. Because they are nocturnal hunters, they often wait at the entrance of their burrows for unsuspecting prey to wander within striking distance.
Beyond insects, larger tarantula species occasionally prey on small vertebrates. This includes frogs, lizards, mice, and small birds. While these instances are less common than insect consumption, they provide essential nutrients and hydration. Their venom serves a dual purpose: it paralyzes the prey and injects digestive enzymes that liquefy the internal tissues, allowing the spider to consume the meal as a nutrient-rich liquid.
What are the best feeder insects for pets?
When keeping a tarantula in captivity, you must provide a consistent source of gut-loaded feeder insects. Gut-loading involves feeding the prey insects nutritious vegetables or commercial feed before offering them to the spider. This ensures the tarantula receives the vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy molting and growth.
The following insects are widely considered the safest and most nutritious options for pet tarantulas:
- Crickets: The standard staple for most species due to their high protein content and availability.
- Dubia roaches: Highly recommended because they are easy to keep, do not climb smooth surfaces, and are rich in nutrients.
- Mealworms and superworms: Excellent supplemental food sources that are easy to store for long periods.
- Hornworms: A great source of hydration, though they should be fed sparingly due to their high water content.
How often should you feed a tarantula?
Feeding frequency depends heavily on the age and size of the spider. Spiderlings, or baby tarantulas, require much more frequent feeding to support their rapid growth phases. As they mature, their metabolic rate slows significantly, and they require fewer meals. Overfeeding is a common concern that can lead to obesity or risky falls.
Follow these general guidelines for a healthy feeding schedule:
- Feed spiderlings every 3 to 5 days to ensure they have enough energy to grow.
- Feed juvenile tarantulas once a week to maintain steady development.
- Feed adult tarantulas every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on their body condition and species.
- Always remove any uneaten prey from the enclosure within 24 hours to prevent stress or injury to the spider.
Common mistakes when feeding tarantulas
One of the most frequent errors owners make is leaving live prey in the enclosure during a molt. When a tarantula is preparing to shed its exoskeleton, it is extremely vulnerable and cannot defend itself. An active cricket left in the cage can bite or harass the spider, potentially causing fatal injuries during this delicate process.
Another mistake is providing prey that is too large for the spider. If the prey is larger than the tarantula's abdomen, the spider may become intimidated or struggle to subdue it. Additionally, owners should avoid feeding their tarantulas insects caught in the wild. Wild insects often carry parasites, pesticides, or chemical residues that can be toxic to captive spiders. Always purchase feeder insects from reputable pet stores or specialized breeders to ensure they are clean and safe for consumption.
Why do tarantulas stop eating?
It is not uncommon for a tarantula to go on a "hunger strike," which can be alarming for new owners. The most common reason for this behavior is a pre-molt phase. Before shedding their skin, tarantulas lose their appetite and may become lethargic. Once the molting process is complete, they will typically resume eating after their new exoskeleton has hardened.
Environmental factors also play a significant role in a tarantula's appetite. If the temperature in the enclosure is too low, the spider's metabolism will slow down, causing it to refuse food. Conversely, if the enclosure is too dry or lacks proper ventilation, the spider may become stressed and stop eating entirely. If your tarantula refuses food, check the enclosure parameters first. Ensure the humidity and temperature levels match the specific requirements for your species. If the spider appears healthy and active otherwise, simply wait a week and try offering a smaller, more enticing prey item like a freshly molted cricket.
Key facts
- Tarantulas are primarily nocturnal ambush predators that rely on vibration to detect prey.
- Their diet consists mostly of live insects like crickets, roaches, mealworms, and locusts.
- Large tarantula species can occasionally consume small vertebrates, including pinky mice, lizards, or small frogs.
- Adult tarantulas generally only require feeding once every one to two weeks depending on their size and species.
- Always remove uneaten prey from the enclosure within 24 hours to prevent stress or injury to the spider.
- Never feed tarantulas wild-caught insects, as these may carry dangerous pesticides, parasites, or bacteria.
The bottom line
Tarantulas are efficient predators that thrive on a consistent diet of live insects. By providing appropriately sized crickets or roaches and maintaining a clean environment, owners can ensure their pet remains healthy. Always prioritize safety by avoiding wild-caught prey and monitoring the spider’s abdomen for signs of overfeeding. Understanding these basic dietary needs is the most important step in providing long-term care for your tarantula.
People also ask
How often should I feed a juvenile tarantula?
Juvenile tarantulas are in a rapid growth phase and typically require feeding two to three times per week. You should monitor their abdomen size; if it becomes significantly larger than the carapace, reduce the feeding frequency to avoid overfeeding.
Can tarantulas eat fruit or vegetables?
No, tarantulas are obligate carnivores and cannot digest plant matter. Providing fruits or vegetables will not provide nutritional value and may lead to mold growth in the enclosure.
Do tarantulas need a water dish?
Yes, all tarantulas require a shallow dish of clean, fresh water to stay hydrated. Ensure the dish is shallow enough that the spider can easily climb out if it accidentally falls in.
Why has my tarantula stopped eating?
The most common reason for a hunger strike is the approach of a molt. During this time, the spider prepares to shed its exoskeleton and will refuse food for several days or even weeks.
Is it safe to feed my tarantula store-bought meat?
You should avoid feeding tarantulas raw or cooked meat from a grocery store. These items lack the necessary chitinous shells of insects and often spoil quickly, which attracts mites and bacteria.
How do I know if my tarantula is overweight?
An overweight tarantula will have a noticeably bloated, shiny abdomen that appears tight or stretched. If the abdomen looks disproportionately large compared to the rest of the body, skip the next few scheduled feedings.
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