Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts

Education & Explainer

About

A podcast devoted to the proper care and upkeep of tarantulas and other inverts. After keeping a G. porteri for over 16 years, I decided that I wanted to add another tarantula to my collection. Several years later, I now keep over 100 specimens and 90+ different species. It’s safe to say that I am now completely addicted to the hobby. I’m NOT an expert, and I’m currently still learning about keeping these fascinating creatures. In fact, there are so many species, that I suspect that I’ll still be learning years from now. A teacher by trade, I enjoy passing along what I’ve information and techniques I’ve discovered and helping others in their successful pursuit of this hobby. I enjoy hearing from folks, whether through comments on the blog or email. I have done and continue to do a lot of research, and I will only be discussing animals I personally keep, so the information I present should be current and accurate.

Episodes

  • The Most Important Quality for a Tarantula Keeper

    First, we take some listener comments and discuss a science fair project involving tarantula venom. Then, I've been asked what the most important quality a good tarantula keeper needs. In this episode, I break it down.

  • Tangerine Dreams! Selenobrachys philippinus Care and Notes

    First, we'll discuss an article about Poecilotheria metallica conservation efforts. Then, we'll hear from some listeners about the last episode. For our main topic, I will discuss care and observations on one of my favorite all-time tarant…

  • The "Confounding" Caribena versicolor Care and Tips

    First, we'll take some listener feedback and discuss an article about a 500-year-old fossil that rewrites chelicerate history. Then, they've been one of the most popular pet tarantulas for years, yet many still struggle with them. Why? In…

  • Some Harmful Practices, Myths, or Misconceptions in the Tarantula Hobby

    First, I have an update on the Phormictopus that went to the vet. Then, I share some frustrations that I've had with correspondence lately before discussing a recent catastrophic molt with my Grammostola iheringi . Finally, we move on to t…

  • Tarantula History: Which Species Have Been in the Hobby the Longest?

    First, we have an update for last week's episode where we discussed a tarantula going to a vet. Then...have you ever wondered which tarantula species were the first to be kept as pets in the hobby? In this episode, we'll break down when so…

  • Theraphosa apophysis "Pinkfoot Goliath" Care

    First, we'll read some listener comments. Then, we'll discuss an article about a veterinarian treating Kristen the tarantula. For our main topic this week, I will discuss the care for the amazing Theraphosa apophysis!

  • Death By Tarantula Bite! Fact or Myth?

    Welcome to season 9! In this episode, we start by discussing some listener comments from last week's episode about T. vagans . Then... "Can a tarantula bite kill you?" Despite being told that one can't die from a tarantula bite, many stori…

  • The Infamous "Mexican Redrump" Tliltocatl vagans Care and Notes

    Happy New Year! First, we'll discuss a listener question about whether or not tarantulas can "learn" to accept handling. Then, this species has been described as "aggressive", "nasty", and even "evil," which is laughable. In this episode,…

  • Tarantula Hoarding - A Discussion

    First off, we'll take listener comments about last week's episode on feeding. Then, we discuss the article, "Environmentalists Seek Protections for Malaysian Tarantula Targeted by Illegal Pet Trade" and how it applies to the tarantula hobb…

  • Tarantula Feeding Revisited

    First, we discuss an amazing genus of orbweaver that uses an incredible form of defensive mimicry. Then, over the years, I've made a lot of changes to my feeding schedules and what I feed my spiders. In this episode, I'll break down how my…

  • C. lividus "The Cobalt Blue Tarantula" Care

    First, we'll take some listener comments and talk a bit about shipping spiders in the winter. Then, I revisit care for the hobby staple (and the original blue tarantula!) Cyriopagopus lividus or the "Cobalt Blue Tarantula." Please check ou…

  • Are Tarantula Enclosures too Small and Cruel?

    I'm back! First off, we'll discuss why I haven't been as consistent with the podcast. Then, we'll take a look at an article about a shocking spider discovery in a cave on the Greece-Albanian border. Finally, in our main topic, we'll discus…

  • The H. maculata "Togo Starburst Baboon" Care Revisited

    First, we discuss a rather ridiculous care sheet that someone sent me, which was posted by a pet store. Then, we discuss a new trapdoor spider species identified in California. For our main topic, I'm going to share care and behavior notes…

  • The Best Non-Tarantula Spiders for the First Time Keeper

    First, we have an update on the Joro spider in the news. Then, are you currently keeping tarantulas and looking to branch out into "True Spiders" or Mygalomorphs? Or, have you never kept any spider before and are looking for a good one to…

  • 9 Controversial Tarantula Topics

    First, we'll discuss an article about a new species of spider discovered in Thailand that was also bilaterally gynandromorphic. Then, these are the topics that are sure to whip both sides of the argument into a frenzy. We'll discuss nine t…

  • Wild Caught Tarantulas in the Hobby

    First, we'll discuss a study on the brains of communal huntsman spiders. Then, we'll break down the issue with wild caught tarantulas in the hobby, and why this will always remain an ethical stain on the tarantula pet trade.

  • The Ten Least Visible Spiders I Keep

    First, we'll hear listener comments and discuss the article, "Mystery of dancing spiders' DNA could explain how they develop into new species". Then, I'll share the 10 spiders I keep that have proven to be the most shy and elusive.

  • Green Tarantulas!

    First, we'll discuss some listener comments on our last episode about using AI for researching tarantula care. Then, I've been asked many times to make a list of green tarantulas. The problem? There just aren't that many. In this episode,…

  • Using AI for Tarantula Care Research

    With AI growing by leaps and bounds, it was inevitable that some folks would start using it as a tool for tarantula research. However, how accurate is the information? Where does it come from? And how can it best be used by new keepers? In…

  • How to Prevent (or Come Back from) Tarantula Hobby Burnout

    It can happen to the best of us. Suddenly, your beloved tarantula collection has become a source of stress. How did you get to this point? In this episode, we'll discuss "hobby burnout," how to prevent it, and how to come back from it.

  • The Ultimate M. balfouri "Socotra Island Blue Baboon" Care Guide

    First, we'll discuss comments from last week's podcast. Then, we'll discuss the care of one of the most beloved species of tarantulas in the hobby, the Monocentropus balfouri or "Socrata Island Blue Baboon." I've been keeping this species…

  • Tarantulas Seized and the C. cayaneopubescens (GBB) Care

    First, we'll disuss the current seizure of smuggled tarantulas at an airport. Then, I'll discuss tips and care notes for one of the hobby's most popular species, the C. cyaneopubescens or GBB!

  • Best Tarantula Species to Keep to Gain Experience

    When making their wish lists, many hobbyists identify spiders like Old World tarantulas and giant tropicals that they'd like to keep one day, but don't currently feel ready to do so. Although some folks can just jump right into the deep en…

  • The Big Guns - Updates on My Largest Tarantulas

    In this episode, we'll discuss the growth rates and current legspans of the largest tarantulas in my collection.

  • Who Will Care for Your Tarantulas in an Emergency?

    After I injured my shoulder, I had to have my son, Roane, help me with basic feeding and maintenance. It got me thinking about how important it is for hobbyists to plan for an event that leaves them unable to care for their animals. In thi…

  • Tarantula Males Discussion

    NOTE: In the podcast, I refer to Pamphobeteus sp. Duran as Phormictopus sp. Duran. This was an error on my part! Also, it's lion CUBS, not kittens. This was supposed to be up for Father's Day, but I blew out my shoulder! First, we discuss…

  • If I Could Only Keep 5 Tarantulas

    I'm not going to lie; I've avoided this "challenge" for years because just the thought of it causes me stress. That said, in this episode, I'm going to try to choose the tarantulas I would keep if I could only have 5.

  • P. metallica "Gooty Sapphire Ornamental" Care

    First off, we'll share some listener comments. Then, we'll share some spider news. Our main topic for today (14:30) is the care of one of the most popular tarantulas in the hobby - the Poecilotheria metallica or "Gooty Sapphire Ornamental."

  • Tarantula Molting Guide

    Molting can be the most exciting yet simultaneously stressful part of keeping tarantulas. In this episode, we'll discuss the entire process -- from premolt to the first feeding -- and what to expect.

  • Amazing Spider Mothers!

    First, we'll discuss some listener comments. Then, how would you like a spider that produced fluorescent red silk? Scientists have made it happen! Finally, we'll discuss some amazing spider mothers and their incredible behaviors. The peat…

  • Some Tips for Setting Up Moisture Dependent Tarantulas

    In this episode, we'll discuss what it takes to create a good setup for a moisture dependent tarantula.

  • How To Explain Large Tarantula Collections

    To kick this one off, I discuss the final meeting of the Arachnid Appreciation Club, read some listener comments, and explore an article about the spider that makes the world's largest web. Then, for our main topic, I offer some tips on ho…

  • Anti Exotics Legislation - Why Are We Targeted?

    With all that's going on in the world, why do politicians keep trying to pass laws banning exotic pet keeping? In this episode, we'll talk about some recent laws proposed to curb the keeping of exotics and discuss how, as a hobby, we can d…

  • Aphonopelma Species Update 2025

    First, we'll discuss what to do if you think that you were sent the wrong tarantula species. Then, I have had a LOT of folks ask for me to do an update on my Aphonopelma species, so here goes! When last we checked in on these slow-growers,…

  • A Crash Course in Mygalomorphs vs. Araneomorphs - Different Spider Infraorders

    Often, when I post videos of spiders other than tarantulas, I get comments like, "They're pretty, but they don't live long" or "That's nice, but I don't keep true spiders." In some instances, the animal that I'm showing off is a) very long…

  • Worth a Second Look ft. H. gigas (Cameroon Red Baboon)

    First, we'll hear some listener feedback. Then, we held our second Arachnid Appreciation Club meeting at my school, and it went great. I'll talk a bit about what we did and my plans for the future. Finally, (28:00) in this new feature, I'l…

  • Updates on Some Recently Rehoused Tarantulas

    When making my rehousing videos, I often talk about what behaviors I expect from the spiders as they settle in. However, I often forget to follow up and update folks on how they are getting on. In this episode, we'll take a look at some re…

  • Arboreal Tarantula Genus Comparison

    It's season 8! And to kick it off, we'll discuss a new paper that examines the symptoms of a Poecilotheria species bite. Then, I'm often asked what the "best starter arboreal" spider is. Although the popular answer is usually an Avicularia…

  • My Favorite Spiders to Feed

    First off, we'll read an article that discusses the successful reintroduction of a previously endangered spider species in Europe. Next, we'll hear some listener feedback. Then...feeding is one of the most entertaining and rewarding aspect…

  • Confronting My Potential Bias When It Comes to Old World Behaviors

    So, I recently posted a video on YouTube discussing the tarantula species I've found to be the most defensive. Although I tried to think of an Old World species that gave me a difficult time, I didn't have a single one on the list. I knew…

  • So, You Want a Giant Tarantula: A Species Comparison

    First, we had our first Arachnid Appreciation Club at my school, and I'll share a bit about my preparation for it. Then, I have people message me to ask which "giant" tarantula species they should start with. In this episode, I'll compare…

  • Showcase Spiders! The Most Visibile Tarantulas I've Kept 2025

    First, we discuss some feedback from last week's episode (and the fact that I had JUST covered this topic in September!). Then, I get asked all the time which species are the most visible out of the ones that I keep. Now that it's been sev…

  • The 5 Most Defensive Tarantulas I Have Raised

    Crazy bolting. Hair kicking. Threat postures. Slapping at the ground. In this episode, I'll discuss the five most defensive (notice that I didnt' say "aggressive") tarantula species I have raised...plus a couple alternates. In each case, t…

  • The Importance of Experience in the Tarantula Hobby

    Happy New Year! First, we have a few species name changes to discuss. Then, we'll talk about four new tarantula species identified found in India's Western Ghat Mountains. After that, we have some listener comments from last week's episode…

  • What's Wrong Here? Using Error Analysis To Improve Tarantula Care

    First, we'll discuss an article in Forbes about the four tarantulas that are traded on the illegal pet market. Then, it's the Tarantula Test Part IV...sort of. In this episode, we'll discuss ten common scenarios in which we try to determin…

  • Top Ten Most Asked Tarantula Questions in 2024

    First, we discuss some comments from last week's episode. Then, we'll take a look at the most asked tarantula questions in 2024. Happy Holidays, All!

  • A Discussion of Tarantula Temperatures

    I have to be honest; if someone told me years ago that we'd still be arguing over the best temperatures for tarantulas in 2024, I would have been shocked. However, after posting my winter episode, some folks made some negative comments abo…

  • Keeping Tarantulas in the Winter - 2024

    First, we discuss some comments I received about handling tarantulas. Then, winter is upon us! Now that the temps are getting cooler and the heat is pumping, we may need to consider making some changes for the frigid winter months. In this…

  • Tarantula Handling: Some Things to Consider

    After years of tarantula handling falling out of vogue, it seems that more and more folks are now holding their eight-legged wards. Why the change? In this episode, we'll break down why there is a resurgence in this practice and discuss th…

  • Sprucing Up A Tarantula Enclosure without Rehousing

    First, we discuss the recent tarantula smuggling incident in Peru. Then, I'll share some tips on how to fix up tarantula enclosures without having to rehouse the spider. Has your substrate settled and is now too shallow? Does your spider n…