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LKP79 -> RE: I wonder what it'd feel like to have a tarantula walking across nude body (4/9/2006 11:22:30 AM)
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This thread is right up my alley. :) I've got around 80 tarantulas, down from around 120. The venom is harmless, though the mechanical reaction of the bite can be painful. As to an allergic reaction to the venom, it hasn't been medically documented. It's always warned of as a possibility, but it just hasn't happened (yet). Tarantula venom is chemically different than the venom from bees, in that it's composed of peptides rather than proteins which is what most people have a reaction to. There are some people who are allergic to the urticating setae (hairs) of new world tarantulas. These hairs are kicked off in defense, and can cause itching. The severity depends on the species. Those in the genus Theraphosa causes the worst reaction. This genus is comprised of two species, T. blondi (the Goliath birdeater), and T. apophysis. The setae were also the original "itching powder" sold many years ago. Most of the new world tarantulas are a lot less defensive than their old world counterparts. Old world tarantulas don't have the urticating setae as a first defense, so their only option is to bite. Their venom is also a bit more potent, but not deadly. The only new world species without the urticating setae are all arboreals. Tapinauchenius, Psalmopoeus, and Iridopelma lack these hairs. Other arboreals in the Avicularia (the Pinktoes) genus do have the setae, but rather than kick them off with their legs, they have to press their abdomen (opithosoma) into the offending party to have any effect. Avicularia are considered to be amongst the best starter species, along with Grammostola and Brachypelma because they are generally pretty docile and hardy.
Of course, these are very very fragile creatures, and a fall as small as double their body length can cause great injury or death from a ruptured abdomen. I personally don't handle any of my tarantulas unless i have one make a break for it during cage maintenance, and then it's just to get them back into their enclosure. They have tiny hooks on the ends of their feet that you can feel pressing into your skin, it's pretty neat to feel. I just have too much invested in my collection to risk having anything happen to them. If i want an animal to hold i have my ferret or any of my 8 snakes.
Oh yes, i also have 13 scorpions. :)
Guess none of ya'll will want to take a trip to my house, eh?
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