2007-02-01 07:19:46 · 2 answers · asked by country-gurl_20 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Tarantulas are not all large. Depending on the species, their body length may vary from 2.5 - 10 cm (1-4 inches), with 8-30 cm (3 to 12 inch) leg spans (their size when including their legs). Size is measured by measuring from the tip of the back leg to the tip of the front leg on the same side. The largest species of tarantulas can weigh over 90 grams (3 ounces). The Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) from Venezuela and Brazil is generally regarded to be the largest species, however some breeders and hobbyists believe otherwise. The Pinkfoot goliath tarantula (Theraphosa apophysis) was described 187 years after the goliath birdeater; therefore it is not as well-known. However legspans of up to 33 cm (13 inches) have been reported. In general the males of most species are slimmer and longer legged than the females.
2007-02-01 07:31:56 · answer #1 · answered by MSK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As MSK mentioned there are many different species of tarantulas and each of them has a different adult size. But, unlike insects most spiders continually grow throughout their lives, making a definite size estimate difficult. Also unlike insects, many spiders can continue to molt after reaching adult hood, thereby making a maximum size very case dependant.
2007-02-01 15:48:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋