The Mygalomorphae, or mygalomorphs, are an infraorder of spiders, and comprise one of three major groups of living spiders with over 3000 species, found on all continents except Antarctica. Many members are known as trapdoor spiders due to them forming trapdoors over their burrows.

The largest species of tarantulas are found in South America and belong to the genus Theraphosa.

Tarantulas give some people the creeps because of their large, hairy bodies and legs. But these spiders are harmless to humans (except for a painful bite), and their mild venom is weaker than a typical bee’s. Among arachnid enthusiasts, these spiders have become popular pets.

The short answer is: yes, tarantulas bite. They have very large fangs (they are large spiders, so it stands to reason) and the bite itself might hurt. However, tarantulas are well known for giving “dry bites” where they bite to hurt and then get away, but not to inject venom.

Most spiders have six spinnerets and four to six glands for producing silk, although these numbers vary by species, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. All spiders can produce silk, but not all spider silk is the same.

‌Wolf spiders don’t pose a threat to people. It is possible to be allergic to a wolf spider’s venom, but they are not poisonous. Since wolf spiders are large, their bite may be painful.

In the United States, wild tarantulas are only found in the Southwest. They are more common in Mexico and Central and South America. Australia, Southern Asia, and Africa (excluding the Sahara Desert) also host populations of tarantulas. Tarantulas are burrowing species.

In addition to rearing up on their hind legs in a defensive stance, some tarantulas make a hissing or rasping noise as a defense against threat, warning predators (and humans) to stay away. According to experts at The National Zoo, this noise may be heard up to 15 feet away, so it could be considered quite loud.