Tarantula Venom
The tarantula's venom is potent enough to paralyze insects, other arachnids and other prey, including grasshoppers, spiders and cockroaches. Larger specimens may be capable of immobilizing rodents, lizards, snakes and birds with their venom.
Humans bitten by tarantulas often experience stinging no worse than that associated with a bee sting. The venom of the tarantula is not lethal to humans and most tarantula bites result in slight inflammation, numbing, itching and redness. Bite wounds tend to swell. Unless an individual experiences a severe allergic reaction to the venom of the tarantula, these symptoms should disappear shortly.
Tarantula venom triggers a victim's sensitivity to heat and pain. Studies are also being conducted concerning the use of tarantula venom in the development of human drugs. Conditions that may benefit from such medications include incontinence and irregular heartbeats.
Scientific Name for Tarantulas
Life Expectancy of a Tarantula