National Tarantula Appreciation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Tarantula Appreciation Day is annually observed on August 8. On this day, tarantulas are in the spotlight and occupy centre stage. This day attempts to demonstrate that tarantulas are not frightening at all. These beautiful, sophisticated, and hairy spiders are frequently misconstrued. While they may appear intimidating, they are actually quite delicate. Moreover, they represented authority and control. These characteristics inspire others to discover their life’s purpose with self-confidence, authority, and assurance. Discover more about how to observe National Tarantula Appreciation Day.

The background of National Tarantula Appreciation Day

Tarantulas have existed for nearly 120 million years on Earth. In the Americas, historians have discovered the first trace of tarantulas, which are known as the mother of all spider species. Before 108 million years ago, however, spiders, the ancestors of tarantulas, did not exist in Africa. These are the most prevalent species that can be found in every corner of the planet.

Approximately 108 million years ago, two lineages of tarantulas established themselves in India: the tree-dwelling lineage and the burrow-dwelling lineage. Before 95 million years ago, when a tectonic upheaval separated India from Madagascar, tarantulas gradually spread throughout Asia. After this wave, ecological niches were quickly filled by spiders as they discovered their niche for survival. As Asia is an extensive subtropical continent, this species evolved and adapted to various habitats and climates. The spider’s endemic family, including Ornithoctoninae, Thrigmopoeinae, and Poecilotheriinae, began to increase. Today, Asia is home to thousands of species of spiders.

Tarantulas became literary and mythological symbols over time. In his poem “Metamorphoses” written in the eighth century A.D., the Roman poet Ovid describes Arachne’s metamorphosis into a tarantula. This was recounted by Dante Aligheri in his 1308 work ‘Divine Comedy, Purgatorio.’ However, tarantulas gained a negative reputation after the Swiss author Jeremiag Gotthelf published “The Black Spider,” an allegorical novel depicting spiders as the devil’s wicked works. After writing the children’s novel “Charlotte’s Web” in 1952, which portrayed spiders in a positive manner, E.B. White redeemed the spider’s reputation in the literary world.

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Activities on National Tarantula Appreciation Day

Adopt a spider.

If you are feeling daring, you may spend the day incorporating a tarantula into your residence. They require little maintenance and are kept secure in a spider cage. There is no greater way to add excitement to your home than by bringing this beautiful creature inside!

Share photographs and moving images of tarantulas

There are numerous endearing tarantula videos on YouTube and TikTok. Share them on your feed to eliminate the often-terrifying stigma associated with them.

Watch horror films with arachnid.

A popular subgenre of frightening films, arachnophobia creature horror is characterised by the presence of terrifying insects. View horror films such as “The Giant Spider Invasion,” “Eight-Legged Freaks,” and “Through a Glass, Darkly.”

5 Interesting Facts About Scorpions

Contrary to conventional belief, only a small number of tarantula species have powerful bites, and their venom is not toxic to humans.

Due to an extinction risk, the Mexican red-kneed tarantula is restricted from the exotic pet trade.

Tarantulas are recognised as natural silk producers.

In many South American nations, roasted tarantula is considered a delicacy.

Some tarantulas are as minuscule as a fingernail, while others are as large as a dinner plate.

NATIONAL TARANTULA APPRECIATION DAY DATES