Quick answer
Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) typically live around Females up to 20–30 years. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
Key takeaway
Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) typically live around Females up to 20–30 years. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
Tarantula lifespan in the wild
Field and museum records place most tarantulas near Females up to 20–30 years. That figure blends ages at death across regions, so treat it as a planning range. Body size (about 0.085 kg) and risk lifestyle both shape the average.
What shortens tarantula lives
Predation, infectious disease, injury, food shortages, and habitat fragmentation cut survival. Roadkill and human conflict matter wherever tarantulas share landscapes with people.
What helps tarantulas live longer
Connected habitat, low chronic stress, and reliable food support longevity. For captive or domestic relatives, species-correct diet and veterinary screening matter more than generic “pet” advice.
Tarantula life stages
Juveniles usually face higher mortality than prime adults. Older animals may move less, show dental wear, or lose body condition — useful signs when ageing tarantulas in the field.
Molting and growth
Like all spiders, tarantulas grow by molting, shedding their entire exoskeleton to reveal a larger new one underneath. During a molt they are soft and vulnerable, and they can even regrow lost legs over successive molts. The process leaves behind an eerily lifelike empty 'spider' shell.
Long lives and the pet trade
Female tarantulas are remarkably long-lived for invertebrates, with some species reaching 20 to 30 years, while males live only a few years. Their docile nature and longevity have made several species popular exotic pets, though wild collection and habitat loss threaten some species.
Sources
Tarantula FAQs
How long do tarantulas live?
Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) typically live around Females up to 20–30 years. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
What is the scientific name of the tarantula?
Theraphosidae — used in research and conservation listings for tarantulas.
What do tarantulas eat?
Tarantulas are described as carnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Deserts, rainforests, and grasslands.
Where do tarantulas live?
They are associated with Deserts, rainforests, and grasslands. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of tarantulas?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.