Queensland whistling tarantula

Queensland whistling tarantula key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Females up to 30 years / males up to 8 years

Size

Body length 6-9 cm; leg span up to 22 cm

Diet

Carnivorous (insects and other invertebrates; in the wild also small lizards and frogs)

Enclosure

It lives in burrows, so provide deep substrate and a hide where it can start a burrow, plus a permanent water dish. Keep singly.

Temperature & Humidity

Primary data on keeping temperature and humidity are scarce. It comes from coastal Queensland, so avoid winter cold and keep the lower substrate moist.

Diet & Feeding

Offer live prey such as crickets and roaches sized to the spider. It is nocturnal, so feeding in the evening works best.

Temperament & Venom

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.

Notes

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.

About Queensland whistling tarantula

Queensland whistling tarantula: regarded as Australia's largest spider, a burrowing species 6–9 cm long with a leg span of up to 22 cm. Females live up to 30 years, males up to 8. For experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Queensland whistling tarantula

1. 1Built for Experienced Keepers

   This species is rated for experienced keepers. It is defensive when disturbed, so prior experience with large burrowing tarantulas helps. It is safer to build experience with other species first than to start here.

2. 2Lifespan Differs by Sex

   Females live up to 30 years and males up to 8, a wide gap. Keeping a female is a very long commitment, so plan well ahead. Ask the seller about the individual's sex before you decide.

3. 3A Large, Bulky Spider

   Adults measure 6–9 cm in body length with a leg span of up to 22 cm. Choose an enclosure that gives a bulky, thick-legged spider generous room, and plan to revisit its size as the spider grows.

4. 4Provide Deep Substrate

   As a burrowing species, it spends its time in a tunnel it digs itself. Provide substrate deep enough to dig into so it can build a retreat, which tends to help it settle. Avoid frequent digging up or rearranging of the enclosure.

5. 5Hissing Is a Warning

   When stimulated, it rubs hairs on its chelicerae together to produce a hissing sound. Treat it as a sign of alarm or stress; if you hear it, back off and leave the spider alone.

6. 6Prevent Escapes and Bites

   As a large, defensive species, it calls for careful lid handling during maintenance to prevent escapes. Avoid touching it with bare hands and use long tools such as tweezers. Because the effects of its venom cannot be stated with certainty, consult a medical professional if you are bitten.

7. 7Molting and Feeding

   Around a molt, a tarantula may become sluggish or stop eating. During this period, hold off on feeding, avoid disturbing it, and remove any uneaten prey. Size the prey to suit the spider's body.

Frequently asked questions about Queensland whistling tarantula

Q.Can beginners keep a Queensland whistling tarantula?

A.It is rated for experienced keepers and is hard to recommend as a first exotic pet. It is defensive and large, so handling it takes practice. Gaining experience with other species first is the safer route.

Q.How long does it live?

A.Females live up to 30 years and males up to 8, so the two sexes differ greatly. If you take in a female, be prepared for many years of care.

Q.What is the hissing sound?

A.It is made when the spider is disturbed and rubs hairs on its chelicerae together, and the species is known by a name inspired by this sound. It is thought to signal alarm or discomfort, so reduce the disturbance if you hear it.

Q.Can I handle it?

A.It is not suited to handling and is best enjoyed by observation. It is defensive and hisses when disturbed, and there is a risk of being bitten. Use tools during care and avoid direct contact.

Q.What kind of setup does it need?

A.As a burrowing species, it needs substrate deep enough to dig a tunnel and a secure retreat where it can settle. Adults reach 6–9 cm in body length with a leg span of up to 22 cm, so choose an enclosure with generous room.

Learn more about Queensland whistling tarantula in the encyclopedia

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