Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Fuzzy, Fascinating Tarantulas!
One exotic pet, the tarantula, isn't for everyone. People who own these hairy spiders know that it is best to watch their pets rather than interact with them.
Tarantulas are the largest spiders in the world. The Goliath birdeater tarantula is as big as a dinner plate. Tarantulas, like all invertebrates, have a tough skin called an exoskeleton. An exoskeleton is an external skeleton. Tarantulas are covered with "hair" called setae. They have special hairs on their legs and feet. They use them for sensing smells, vibrations, and sounds. They have two sharp fangs in their mouths and eight eyes. Tarantulas do look startling!
Some scientists think tarantulas have been around for more than 150 million years. They are tough creatures. Tarantulas also have a long life span. Most spiders live for a season or maybe two. These large spiders can live for thirty years. Some tarantulas live in deserts. Others live in rain forests. They live in burrows or other small places. This helps them feel secure.
