Tarantula Venom...

[Boanerges]

A question about tarantula venom was brought up in another thread and I did not want to keep hijacking the other persons thread so I started this one
This was the conversation:

this is a ignorant question but are tarantulas you can own as pets venomous and if so how strong is the venom?

It is not an ignorant question at all. Yes, all tarantulas are venomous. Some tarantula's have a more potent venom then other's. Old world tarantula's have a more potent venom then new world tarantula's. Poecilotheria tarantula's for example have REALLY potent venom.

but i guess the venom isn't strong enough to do much? like if it bit you while you were handling it?

Some are no worse then a bee sting unless you are allergic to it. Some tarantula's can put you in the hospital and in serious trouble. Here are some bite reports: http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/forumdisplay.php?f=16

Here is a video of Rob after he got bit by his Poecilotheria ornata:


Please feel free to add anything anyone wants to this thread or ask any questions at all you might have