
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Selenocosmia crassipes
A burrowing tarantula from the east coast of Queensland, said to be Australia's largest spider. It has thick front legs and hisses when provoked by rubbing setae on its chelicerae.
Selenocosmia crassipes (L. Koch, 1874) is a tarantula of the family Theraphosidae native to the east coast of Queensland, Australia. Besides 'Queensland whistling tarantula' it is called the barking spider or eastern tarantula, names that come from the hissing sound it makes when provoked by stridulating a patch of setae on its chelicerae. The species name is Latin for 'fat leg', and the front legs are thicker than the hind legs. It was described in 1874 as Phrictus crassipes and its genus has changed several times; it is sometimes placed in Phlogius. It is a nocturnal burrower that seldom strays far from its burrow, eating insects, other spiders and other invertebrates as well as small vertebrates such as geckos, skinks and frogs. Females are said to live up to 30 years and males up to 8. The fangs reach 1 cm, a bite has been reported to cause up to six hours of vomiting, and a 2010 case described intense swelling and pain in the finger lasting until about 26 hours after the bite.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Queensland whistling tarantula lives Females up to 30 years / males up to 8 years.
The Queensland whistling tarantula grows to Body length 6-9 cm; leg span up to 22 cm.
It reaches a leg span of up to 22 cm and a body length of 6-9 cm, and is regarded as Australia's largest spider. In Japan animals of around 4 cm body length are occasionally offered by specialist shops.
Origin
Australia (east coast of Queensland)
Lifespan
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
It is not a designated invasive species, an uncategorised alien species or a taxon needing an identification certificate in Japan, and it is not listed by CITES (September 2026). It is a non-native tarantula, so keep it in escape-proof housing and never release captive animals.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment: List of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate (JA) / Species+ CITES query (not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Females up to 30 years / males up to 8 years
Size
Body length 6-9 cm; leg span up to 22 cm
Carnivorous (insects and other invertebrates; in the wild also small lizards and frogs)
It lives in burrows, so provide deep substrate and a hide where it can start a burrow, plus a permanent water dish. Keep singly.
Primary data on keeping temperature and humidity are scarce. It comes from coastal Queensland, so avoid winter cold and keep the lower substrate moist.
Offer live prey such as crickets and roaches sized to the spider. It is nocturnal, so feeding in the evening works best.
Shy and burrow-bound, but it hisses in threat when provoked. The fangs reach 1 cm, and bites have been reported to cause up to six hours of vomiting and intense swelling and pain in the finger lasting more than a day. Never handle it.
It is strong and grows large, so use a sturdy container with a lockable lid. Its genus has changed over time and it is also sold as Phlogius crassipes, so check the name. Never release captive animals.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Queensland whistling tarantula is Females up to 30 years / males up to 8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Queensland whistling tarantula typically reaches Body length 6-9 cm; leg span up to 22 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Queensland whistling tarantula feeds on: Carnivorous (insects and other invertebrates; in the wild also small lizards and frogs). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Queensland whistling tarantula varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026