Tarantulas utilize various methods other than silk to construct structural support for their burrows, such as detecting prey to create lines and making a carpet or hammock. However, unlike true spiders, tarantulas do not use silk to build a web.
Astonishing was the discovery I made, yet I harbored some inkling. In order to flourish, they have devised numerous unforeseen methods to utilize their silk-producing capability, despite the fact that tarantulas do not construct conventional webs like typical spiders.
We can distinguish 7 ways in which lines can be sticky in their use. Tarantulas don’t use webs to catch prey; they don’t use webs at all. Don’t think that they lost their ability to make webs. Just think that they use it differently. These giant spiders have developed interesting ways to use silk.
Structural support
Tarantulas use webs to increase the strength and support of structures. When a tarantula digs a burrow, it covers the sides with a layer of silk. This layer supports the burrow and makes it more durable, preventing collapse.
When ascending, it ensures that objects do not topple. Enhancing their strength, arboreal tarantula species weave a web to link various objects together. This method is not solely employed by terrestrial tarantulas.
Carpeting
Tarantulas believe that the carpet on the floor is soft to rest and walk on. The reason they do not find it entirely sure is because the carpet is self-made.
Climbing support and security measures
The survival of a tarantula can be threatened by damage to its exoskeleton or body when it falls. They can’t permit falling when climbing. Tarantulas are delicate but quite heavy as well. They also use silk to support their climbing.
It is another feature that gives it the ability to climb better and have a stronger grip. We have already discussed the structural support and carpeting. Therefore, tarantulas have safety measures.
Recently, another discovered feature is that tarantulas can produce silk with impressive bodyweight, including terrestrial species, such as those that can climb glass walls. These silk-shooting legs are used to get a better grip when climbing slack walls. Additionally, it was found that tarantulas can produce silk from all eight feet.
Moulting mat
Some tarantulas create a shedding mat. A what? They construct a rug somewhere in their enclosure where they will molt.
I can imagine the benefits of this process shedding on a soft carpet. It costs a lot of energy. Moulting is an intense and stressful process for a tarantula.
During the nighttime, a significant number of them choose to undergo molting. While it is quite captivating to witness the live molting process of a tarantula, it is advisable to closely observe your tarantula. It serves as an indication that it will soon molt when you notice a tarantula constructing a mat within its enclosure.
Interestingly, they do not reuse a moulting mat twice. Typically, they will create a new moulting mat during the next moult.
Detect prey
Reliant on capturing prey through the detection of vibrations, tarantulas have very limited and poor eyesight. However, they possess eight legs, unlike other true spiders, and use silk threads to sense and locate their prey, instead of constructing a traditional web for trapping.
When a tarantula strikes, it can quickly pinpoint the will and location of its prey, causing a vibration. The tarantula is close to its surroundings, and it transfers small vibrations from its surrounding to create webs and silk lines.
When tidying up the enclosure, make sure not to harm the spider’s web. Leave it undisturbed as much as you can.
Sperm web
The complete process of a tarantula creating a sperm web is showcased in the video below. It is a fascinating spectacle to witness the male tarantula constructing a web specifically for storing sperm cells. Once the web is completed, he proceeds to fill it with sperm cells. Prior to seeking a female, male tarantulas diligently construct a unique type of web known as a ‘sperm web’.
The male will only produce sperm webs after his final molt, indicating that he is nearing the end of his life. Although it is a sight to behold, it also carries a touch of sadness. The male often consumes his own sperm web after he has charged it with emboli. You can’t always find the sperm web.
Egg sac
Many female tarantulas will guard and protect their eggs. The females will seal off the bowl, making a closed sac to lay their eggs in. They also use silk to create a bowl.
It is not beneficial for the eggs due to the force of gravity, which is why they have a protective mechanism to prevent them from remaining on one side for too long. This can be likened to a hen regularly rotating her eggs throughout the day, just as the female will rotate the egg sac multiple times daily.
4 reasons why your tarantula may not make a web
It is important to understand that tarantulas, unlike true spiders, do not make webs or create any webs when they are nervous, so you can’t see any web if you have a tarantula. Additionally, some tarantulas don’t make as much web as other spiders do.
Your tarantula has no need to web
It is not necessary to build a web for a tarantula as silk production costs a lot of energy, and it is not necessary to build a web for that reason.
Additionally, it is connected to various elements (such as the level of nourishment your tarantula receives), and it may even vary among individuals. That is completely acceptable, however, there are numerous species that do not require the construction of a web. Conversely, certain species extensively produce webs.
If you want to investigate further, you may benefit from knowing that there is something ongoing. However, it is not obvious if you should do it or not, especially if you are not familiar with creating spider webs and your tarantula is involved.
Your tarantula is stressed
Dealing with the situation requires the necessary energy. At this moment, creating a web is not a top priority and it will only cause additional stress due to the cost of energy. When a tarantula is feeling stressed, it won’t have the energy and time to construct a web. However, it is well-known that tarantulas have the ability to make webs.
You will often see your tarantula stressed, as it frequently wanders and explores around its enclosure. Most of the time, your tarantula will be hidden in its burrow. It is common to see your tarantula stressed. Your tarantula often exhibits overactive behavior, constantly wandering and exploring its enclosure. It is common to see your tarantula stressed. One indication of stress in your tarantula is the absence of webbing.
The top priority is to eliminate it and identify the stressor. The stressor can include factors such as inadequate shelters, insufficient substrate, and unfavorable temperature and humidity levels, among other possibilities.
Your tarantula doesn’t like its enclosure
The reason it is related to your previous stress is that webs can cause stress in your tarantula enclosure when it doesn’t like it.
When constructing a habitat for your specific tarantula, it is crucial to ensure an adequate amount of high-quality substrate. Additionally, it is important to provide sufficient ventilation, establish the appropriate light cycle, maintain optimal humidity levels, and create the suitable temperature conditions. The construction of an enclosure entails numerous factors that need to be taken into consideration.
In general, spider webs (at least some of them) contribute to keeping the tarantula healthy and well-nourished. It is essential for the tarantula to live in a proper enclosure that provides the right habitat and environment. It may be difficult to determine the optimal improvements that can be made, as it depends on the tarantula’s behavior, which can be observed closely. It would be advisable to closely monitor its behavior for the best results.
Your tarantula is sick
The manufacturing of silk (which also requires a significant amount of energy) is impeded when a tarantula is unwell or harmed, resulting in the cessation of web production. The tarantula necessitates all the energy available at that time to facilitate its recovery.
Often, tarantulas will lose weight and be seen with lethargy and a swollen abdomen when they are sick. They will frequently refuse food and hide in their burrow, feeling protected and safe. Signs of illness, such as not making any webs, are often seen sooner rather than later.
Can you stimulate your tarantula to make webs
To construct spider webs and enhance their activity, there are various factors to take into account that have a positive impact on your tarantula. While the desire and inclination to spin a web greatly vary among species and individuals, a common inquiry I receive is whether tarantulas can be encouraged.
Your tarantula must be in a robust and well-maintained state. Ensure it receives an ample supply of nourishing sustenance to ensure it possesses the necessary vitality for constructing webs. It is important not to excessively feed your tarantula, as this may result in it becoming excessively corpulent and obese. Please avoid going overboard in this regard, as it can have a detrimental impact on your tarantula’s health and produce contrary outcomes. As we have previously mentioned, the production of silk requires energy expenditure.
Ensure the well-being and proper care of your tarantula, ensuring its happiness and good health. Furnish your tarantula with a high-quality substrate and maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels. Construct a suitable enclosure that meets all the necessary requirements for its habitat. In addition to providing adequate food, offer your tarantula the finest housing and habitat available.
Some species make webs more extensive than others. It also depends on the species, although you can stimulate caring and keeping your tarantula in the best possible way.
Tarantula species that make a lot of webbing
There is always variation in characteristics and behavior within a single species. This does not mean that every individual will behave the same way; there are other species of tarantulas that are known for making more webs than the species that is well-known.
In the video below are some tarantula species that are well-known for their extensive web creations, which is often beautiful to see.
Species that are included in the list of creating extensive webbing are:
With that said, don’t pick your tarantula solely on its web-building ability. There is much more to it when choosing a tarantula. Not all tarantulas are good beginner species, and some need more experience to care for. The rear horned baboon tarantula (Ceratogyrus darlingi) and The Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, also known as the Greenbottle blue tarantula, is a fascinating species., however, are great beginners species.