Tarantula

Our newest "pet" is an Oklahoma tarantula. This tarantula was crossing the dirt road when I was able to catch him. From reading about them he was probably looking for a mate and more than likely male since the females don't usually leave their burrows. If he has reproduced then he will not last long (will die within 12 days of reproduction). If he has not he could like up to 10 years. Even though he is not poisonous and is a docile spider we will not be handling him. We got to see his fangs (when he was doing something that looked like grooming himself) they are shiny black and between 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. We saw them when he was grooming himself. He also has pinchers on his butt that I am not sure what he uses them for. This spider is really cool and we are really enjoying watching him. He seems to be adjusting well to his terrarium and has eaten 3 crickets. Mason likes watching him and counting his legs. When Avery is trying to talk about him she makes the sign for spider from the song itsy bitsy spider (it is adorable). Todd is not thrilled but he is entertaining me.