Just How Intelligent Are Tarantulas?

Have you ever wondered how spiders communicate with other spiders or humans? This YouTube Short by @NovemberSomber shows how a pet tarantula declines being held by its owner. This video raises questions about how spiders communicate in general. Read here to learn more about how tarantulas communicate!

Communication Methods

Tarantulas communicate in a number of different ways and for a variety of different reasons. Whether it’s for defense or offense, they communicate in several unique and interesting ways that highlight their biology. One of the common ways that they communicate is through their front legs and fangs. Because these are at the front of their bodies, they are most easily noticed. As seen in the video above, raising their fangs is a way for them to say “back off.” Additionally, they may lunge at whoever is approaching—not with the intent to bite, but simply to scare them away. They also use their legs to flick their body hairs as a defense mechanism to deter predators. When they want to avoid confrontation altogether, tarantulas may curl up and retreat—a more passive approach.

Some of their communication techniques are vibratory or auditory, helping to catch the attention of others. As a part of mating, a male tarantula may drum its legs close to a female’s burrow, sending vibrations down indicating that it is not a threat. Similarly, they may feel out for vibrations in the ground to find prey. They sometimes use audible communication as well. Some tarantula species can produce a rasping or hissing noise, known as stridulation, by rubbing specialized bristles (setae) on their legs or chelicerae together to scare away predators. Tarantulas also use pheromones, which are undetectable to humans. A female’s silk carries chemical pheromones that inform males of her reproductive status, making it a unique form of communication.

Communicating With Humans

Tarantulas are kept as pets, making it important that owners understand how they communicate. As mentioned above, there are several different ways to tell the status of a tarantula. When in a defensive posture, such as exposing its fangs, it is best to leave the tarantula alone. If the tarantula is calm and unbothered, it may be safe to hold it. When the tarantula is clearly putting distance or curling up, it is best to stay away, as it wants some personal space. Hopefully, after reading this article, you know more about how tarantulas communicate with other animals!