The young spiders remain in the burrow for some time after hatching and then disperse by crawling in all directions. Tarantulas do not occur in colonies since they do eat each other. Tarantulas may live for many years. Most species require 10 years to mature to adults. Females continue to molt after reaching maturity and therefore are able to regenerate lost legs.
Males live for only one year or less after maturity.
A tarantula can be kept as a house pet. Tarantulas can be fed live crickets or other insects.