All three of the species of tarantula sold by Carolina may be handled cautiously, although only one is easy to hold. The brown tarantulas (Aphonopelma sp.) of the southwestern United States may get upset and threaten, occasionally even bite. The pink-toed tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) is an arboreal spider from South America, which is able to move quickly on any surface. While very docile and nonthreatening, its quickness may startle some students, allowing it to get away. The South American rosy-haired tarantula (Grammostola sp.) is very docile and a good spider to introduce to students.

For rosy-haired and other easily handled tarantulas, place a flat hand in front of the spider and gently touch the back legs until the tarantula eases onto your hand. The safest way to pick up a tarantula, especially one you are not familiar with, is to grab it with thumb and finger between the bases of the second and third pair of legs (Fig. 3). After gaining a little practice and familiarity, this is also the safest and easiest means of showing a tarantula to others. If a spider escapes or won't sit still, cup both hands over it; the tarantula will normally quiet down quickly in this dark, tight position.

While the above species may be easily handled, what about tarantulas you receive from other sources? First, if they flick their special abdominal hairs with little provocation, go slowly in handling them. Only tarantulas from North or South America have these protective hairs, and you must determine which of these may be handled. Some American tarantulas will readily bite even though they also throw the special hairs. Asian and African tarantulas do not have these special protective hairs and will often bite with little provocation or warning.

With new spiders, take a stick and touch the tarantula gently. If it rears back or displays its fangs, do not handle it. The Thailand black, for example, shows a threat display that clearly warns us to keep hands away (Fig. 4).