A Smithsonian entomologist demonstrates how tarantulas feed by placing live crickets inches from their jaws. Explore Subscribe Newsletters Content Licensing Our ...

In the rare instances when the ants did attack, the tarantulas' stiff hairs offered adequate protection. "The dense hair ...

The spiders use these hairs quite effectively and lethally against mice that sometimes attack them. When the tarantula vigorously rubs its back legs on its abdomen, the hairs form a cloud.