Are tarantulas poisonous?

Tarantulas are not poisonous to humans. Their bite can cause pain comparable to that of a bee or wasp sting, but with no long-lasting effects. However, some may exhibit more serious effects, such as the swelling, hives and low blood pressure associated with anaphylactic shock, and require medical attention.

Tarantulas have barbed abdominal hairs that are mildly venomous. When threatened, the spider often uses its legs to cast off these hairs, which can result in eye irritation, runny nose and swollen lips in its victim. A tarantula often rears up on its back legs and bares its fangs to give fair warning to predators. In the wild, tarantula venom kills the spider's prey by liquefying its internal organs.