18 Most Aggressive Tarantulas You Need to Know About

Tarantulas are often misunderstood creatures. While the large, hairy spiders may look intimidating, most species are actually quite docile and make great pets. However, there are some tarantula species that have more aggressive temperaments and should be handled with caution.

In this article, we’ll highlight 18 of the most aggressive tarantula species and what makes them more prone to defensiveness and biting.

1. Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Scientific Name: Haplopelma lividum, also called Cyriopagopus lividus

Native To Myanmar and Thailand

The cobalt blue tarantula is renowned for its stunning blue coloration on its legs and abdomen. However, its beauty belies its aggressive nature It has a reputation as one of the most defensive tarantula species in the world It often rears up in a threatening posture and is quick to bite if provoked.

2. Singapore Blue Tarantula

Scientific Name: Lampropelma violaceopes

Native To: Malaysia and Singapore

Another blue beauty, the Singapore blue tarantula is an impressive spider with iridescent blue legs and chelicerae. Growing up to 9 inches in legspan, they are a medium-sized species. Singapore blues tend to be skittish and prone to biting if threatened. They require experienced handling.

3. Orange Baboon Tarantula

Scientific Name: Pterinochilus murinus

Native To: Usambara Mountains in Tanzania and Kenya

The orange baboon tarantula is also known as the “OBT” in the tarantula community. It has a reputation for being defensive, nervous, and fast-moving. Its venom is medically significant if a human is bitten, causing intense pain and other symptoms. Not a tarantula to handle casually.

4. King Baboon Spider

Scientific Name: Pelinobius muticus

Native To: East Africa

Growing up to 8 inches in legspan, the king baboon spider is one of the largest tarantulas in the world. They are slow-growing but long-lived, with a lifespan up to 20-30 years for females. King baboons have strong venom and large fangs. They are generally very defensive.

5. Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater

Scientific Name: Lasiodora parahybana

Native To: Northeastern Brazil

Despite the intimidating name, the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater is docile as a young spiderling. However, it has a reputation for becoming very defensive and fast-striking as an adult. Since it can grow to a 10-inch legspan, caution is warranted when handling these giants.

6. Chilean Rose Tarantula

Scientific Name: Grammostola rosea

Native To: Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina

The Chilean rose tarantula is one of the most popular starter tarantulas due to its typically calm temperament. However, some individuals can be quite defensive and readily bite if feeling threatened. It’s important to read the spider’s signals and avoid handling if it’s in a foul mood.

7. Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula

Scientific Name: Acanthoscurria geniculata

Native To: Northern Brazil

With its striking black body and white-striped knees, this spider is a popular display species. Brazilian whiteknees have a reputation for being calm as spiderlings but growing more defensive and prone to hair-flicking and biting once mature.

8. Cobalt Blue Baboon

Scientific Name: Haplopelma lividum

Native To: Myanmar and Thailand

Not to be confused with the cobalt blue tarantula, the cobalt blue baboon has vibrant blue legs like its cousin. It also matches the cobalt blue tarantula’s aggressive reputation, being extremely fast-moving and quick to bite. Not ideal for beginners.

9. Usambara Orange Baboon

Scientific Name: Pterinochilus murinus

Native To: Tanzania and Kenya

Also called the Mombasa orange baboon tarantula, this species shares the same scientific name with the orange baboon tarantula. It also matches that species’ aggressive temperament, nervous speed, and potent venom. Caution is required.

10. Tiger Rump Tarantula

Scientific Name: Cyclosternum fasciatum

Native To: Costa Rica to Venezuela

The tiger rump is aptly named for its fierce temperament. It has a tendency to kick urticating hairs from its abdomen and will readily bite when threatened. Tiger rumps can move very quickly and have sizeable fangs.

11. Skeleton Tarantula

Scientific Name: Pterinopelma sazimai

Native To: Brazil

This Brazilian species has an otherworldly appearance with black and white banding on its legs. They can be quite nervous and defensive, prone to abrupt movements and biting from a young age. Not ideal for beginners.

12. Orange Bitey Thing

Scientific Name: Pterinochilus murinus

Native To: Usambara Mountains, Tanzania & Kenya

Tarantula enthusiasts give this species the tongue-in-cheek nickname Orange Bitey Thing due to its aggressive reputation. As discussed earlier, the OBT is known for biting readily and having medically significant venom.

13. Thailand Black

Scientific Name: Haplopelma schmidti

Native To: Thailand & Malaysia

With stealthy black coloring, the Thailand black blends into its natural habitat. It is known for being highly defensive, with a nervous disposition and hair-trigger bite reflex. Even experienced handlers must be cautious with this species.

14. Indian Violet

Scientific Name: Chilobrachys sp.

Native To: India

There are several species referred to as Indian violets. In general, they have a reputation for being pet holes that hide a lot. However, they will readily bite if unearthed or handled. These are independent spiders that prefer not to be disturbed.

15. Chinese Fawn

Scientific Name: Haplopelma schmidti

Native To: China

Like its cousin the Thailand black, the Chinese fawn is known for being defensive and high-strung. It flicks hairs readily and will bite if given the slightest provocation. Quick movements and sudden vibrations can trigger aggression.

16. Singapore Blue

Scientific Name: Lampropelma violaceopes

Native To: Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia

Another blue beauty, the Singapore blue displays vibrant blue and reddish-orange coloring on its legs and carapace. They tend to be shy spiders that hide quite a bit, but will bite and flick hairs with zero hesitation if uncovered and disturbed.

17. Usambara Baboon

Scientific Name: Pterinochilus sp.

Native To: Tanzania & Kenya

There are several Pterinochilus species referred to as Usambara baboons, including _P. murinus. _In general, Usambara baboons are notoriously defensive and venomous. They are aggressive spiders that bite easily.

18. Indian Ornamental

Scientific Name: Poecilotheria regalis

Native To: India

The Indian ornamental tarantula displays beautiful patterning reminiscent of a leopard. However, its bite is just as fierce as its wild cat namesake. These fast-moving spiders readily bite and have venom that can send humans to the hospital.

In conclusion, these 18 species are some of the most aggressive in the tarantula world. However, individuals can vary, and a “mellow” specimen of an aggressive species can still make a good pet for an experienced handler. Getting a young spiderling and frequently handling it can also help it become more tolerant of handling. Regardless of the species, being gentle and never handling a tarantula after it has just eaten or molted is key to avoiding a bite. With proper care, even species with bad attitudes can thrive in captivity.