Total length ca.
Microscope magnification x440. Detail of barbed distal end. Tarantulas are known for being large, hairy spiders with powerful fangs, a venomous bite and an appetite for birds and mice. A less obvious attribute against themselves being preyed upon is found amongst the hairs of their abdomen. When alarmed, Tarantulas rub their hind legs over their abdomen to dislodge a cloud of fine hairs into the path of an oncoming aggressor.