What Can Tarantulas Eat?
Tarantulas are carnivorous predators with a relatively broad diet for spiders, and their specific prey varies considerably, depending on their size, species, and environment. Here is a breakdown of what tarantulas can eat:
Insects and Arthropods (Primary Food Source)
This forms the majority of a tarantula’s diet, especially for pet tarantulas or those in the wild that hunt smaller prey.
Crickets – a staple for most pet tarantulas.
Roaches – such as dubia roaches, commonly used in captivity.
Mealworms & Superworms – good for larger juveniles and adults.
Grasshoppers & Locusts – available in certain regions or as feeder insects.
Centipedes & Millipedes – if they’re not too defensive or toxic.
Scorpions – some species will prey on them, though risk is involved.
Other Spiders – including smaller tarantulas or different spider species.
Larger Prey (For Large Tarantulas)
Some larger tarantula species (especially those from the Theraphosa or Lasiodora genera) are capable of subduing larger animals:
Small Lizards – such as anoles or geckos, occasionally taken in the wild.
Frogs – small frogs or toads that share the same habitat.
Small Snakes – only by very large species.
Birds – though extremely rare, the Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) has been documented eating small birds.
Rodents – like pinky mice, often offered to large tarantulas in captivity but not always recommended due to digestion and safety concerns.
Feeding Considerations in Captivity
Size Appropriateness: Never feed prey larger than the tarantula's abdomen.
Live vs. Pre-killed: Live prey encourages natural hunting, but pre-killed may be safer and is often recommended for freshly molted or vulnerable tarantulas.
Molting Sensitivity: Tarantulas should never be fed during or immediately after molting; their bodies are too fragile.
Feeding Frequency
Spiderlings eat every 2–3 days with small prey.
Juveniles eat every 4–7 days.
Adults eat every 7–14 days, depending on the species and size.
What Tarantulas Should Not Eat
Wild-caught insects: Risk of pesticide contamination or parasites.
High-fat vertebrates (e.g., regular rodents): Not suitable as a regular diet; hard to digest.
Processed human food: Never appropriate—no nutritional value and may be toxic.
Fish or aquatic animals: Not natural prey, even for terrestrial species.
Ecological Role and Hunting Behavior
Tarantulas are sit-and-wait ambush predators. They rely on stealth and vibration detection to identify prey. They typically bite to inject venom and then use digestive enzymes to liquefy the internal organs of their prey for consumption. This method allows them to feed on creatures much larger than themselves by volume.
What Do Tarantulas Eat?
Tarantulas, while opportunistic predators, do show certain preferences when it comes to their diet—especially in captivity where choices are more controlled. Their preferences are largely influenced by:
Species and natural habitat (arboreal vs. terrestrial)
Size and age (spiderling vs. adult)
Activity level and feeding response
Environmental conditions like temperature and humidity
Here's a breakdown of what tarantulas prefer to eat:
Soft-Bodied Insects (Top Preference)
Tarantulas consistently favor soft-bodied insects that are easy to catch, subdue, and digest.
Crickets: Probably the most universally accepted prey item. They’re active (stimulate a feeding response), nutritious, and easy to digest.
Dubia Roaches: Highly favored by many species due to their meaty bodies and calm movement. They are slower and less defensive than other roaches.
Mealworms and Superworms: Generally well-liked, especially by juveniles and larger adults. They are high in fat, so they’re best offered occasionally as treats rather than staple items.
Prey that Moves or Vibrates
Tarantulas are highly stimulated by movement. They prefer prey that moves enough to trigger their hunting instincts.
Jumping or skittering insects (like crickets or grasshoppers) tend to provoke faster feeding responses.
Roaches that burrow or remain motionless might be ignored, especially by arboreal species that rely more on vibration cues.
Size-Appropriate Prey
Tarantulas show a clear preference for prey that is just under or equal to the size of their abdomen. Oversized or overly defensive prey (like large beetles or aggressive feeders) are often avoided.
Do Tarantulas Have Taste Preferences?
While tarantulas do not "taste" food the way humans do, they do respond based on:
Prey texture: Soft-bodied prey is easier to digest and tends to be favored.
Nutritional content: Higher-protein insects (like roaches) may be consumed more readily over time.
Feeding success: If a tarantula fails to subdue a certain type of prey, it may ignore it in the future—this is observed in captivity.
Prey Commonly Refused
Dead insects: Unless freshly killed and warm, most tarantulas ignore lifeless prey.
Hard-shelled insects (e.g., beetles): Often avoided due to difficulty in subduing and digesting.
Aggressive feeders: Large grasshoppers, locusts, or mice may intimidate some tarantulas.