Selenocosmia crassipes
✓ VerifiedQueensland Whistling Tarantula, Barking Spider, Australian Whistling Tarantula
Robertwhyteus at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Quick Facts
Adult Size
6-7 inches
Growth Rate
slow
Temperament
Highly defensive; stridulates loudly when threatened; fast and prone to biting
Taxonomy
Community
Experience Required
Advanced
Experienced keepers only
🌡️ Climate Requirements
Temperature Range
75–85°F
(24–29°C)
Humidity Range
50% - 65%
🏠 Enclosure Sizes
Sling
2x2x2 inches
Juvenile
8x8x5 inches
Adult
14x10x8 inches
🪨 Substrate
Type
red sandy clay, coco fiber blend
Depth
6-8 inches
🍽️ Feeding Schedule
Sling
weekly
Juvenile
every 7-10 days
Adult
every 10-14 days
Prey Size
large
💧 Additional Care Notes
Water Dish
Required
Webbing
minimal
Burrowing
Yes
🕷️ Behavior & Temperament
General Temperament
Highly defensive; stridulates loudly when threatened; fast and prone to biting
Care Guide
Selenocosmia crassipes is Australia's largest tarantula and the source of the common name 'whistling spider' or 'barking spider' — they produce a clearly audible stridulation (rubbing of chelicerae against fangs) as a threat display. They are deep burrowers in semi-arid Queensland habitats. In captivity, provide 6-8 inches of firm, packable substrate — a blend of red sandy clay and coco fiber mimics their native soil and holds tunnel structure well. Keep conditions drier than most tarantulas with periodic deep watering to maintain moisture at the substrate base. Venom is documented to cause significant pain, nausea, and in some cases severe systemic symptoms. They are rarely available outside of Australia (strict export laws); most specimens in captivity outside AU are zoo animals. If encountered, ensure legal provenance before acquiring.
⚠️ Safety Information
Urticating Hairs
This species does not have urticating hairs (Old World species).
Venom Potency
⚠️ WARNING: This species has medically significant venom. Bites can cause severe pain and systemic effects. Only for experienced keepers. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
Species Statistics
1
Total Keepers
N/A
Community Rating
Advanced
Care Level
🕷️
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