Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts

How to Move a Tarantula Collection

After a short, sweet article about a chance encounter with a tarantula, as well as some listener comments, we'll talk about my experience moving a large tarantula co

The Most Important Quality for a Tarantula Keeper

First, we take some listener comments and discuss a science fair project involving tarantula venom. Then, I've been asked what the most important quality a good tar

Tangerine Dreams! Selenobrachys philippinus Care and Notes

First, we'll discuss an article about Poecilotheria metallica conservation efforts. Then, we'll hear from some listeners about the last episode. For our main t

The "Confounding" Caribena versicolor Care and Tips

First, we'll take some listener feedback and discuss an article about a 500-year-old fossil that rewrites chelicerate history. Then, they've been one of the mo

Some Harmful Practices, Myths, or Misconceptions in the Tarantula Hobby

First, I have an update on the Phormictopus that went to the vet. Then, I share some frustrations that I've had with correspondence lately before discussing a recent

Tarantula History: Which Species Have Been in the Hobby the Longest?

First, we have an update for last week's episode where we discussed a tarantula going to a vet. Then...have you ever wondered which tarantula species were the first

Theraphosa apophysis "Pinkfoot Goliath" Care

First, we'll read some listener comments. Then, we'll discuss an article about a veterinarian treating Kristen the tarantula. For our main topic this week, I w

Death By Tarantula Bite! Fact or Myth?

Welcome to season 9! In this episode, we start by discussing some listener comments from last week's episode about T. vagans. Then... "Can a tarantula bite kill yo

The Infamous "Mexican Redrump" Tliltocatl vagans Care and Notes

Happy New Year!  First, we'll discuss a listener question about whether or not tarantulas can "learn" to accept handling. Then, this species has been described as

Tarantula Hoarding - A Discussion

 First off, we'll take listener comments about last week's episode on feeding. Then, we discuss the article,  "Environmentalists Seek Protections for Malaysian

Tarantula Feeding Revisited

First, we discuss an amazing genus of orbweaver that uses an incredible form of defensive mimicry.  Then, over the years, I've made a lot of changes to my feeding s

C. lividus "The Cobalt Blue Tarantula" Care

First, we'll take some listener comments and talk a bit about shipping spiders in the winter. Then, I revisit care for the hobby staple (and the original blue taran

Are Tarantula Enclosures too Small and Cruel?

I'm back! First off, we'll discuss why I haven't been as consistent with the podcast. Then, we'll take a look at an article about a shocking spider d

The H. maculata "Togo Starburst Baboon" Care Revisited

First, we discuss a rather ridiculous care sheet that someone sent me, which was posted by a pet store. Then, we discuss a new trapdoor spider species identified in Cali

The Best Non-Tarantula Spiders for the First Time Keeper

First, we have an update on the Joro spider in the news. Then, are you currently keeping tarantulas and looking to branch out into "True Spiders" or Mygalomorphs? Or, ha

9 Controversial Tarantula Topics

First, we'll discuss an article about a new species of spider discovered in Thailand that was also bilaterally gynandromorphic.  Then, these are the topics that are

Wild Caught Tarantulas in the Hobby

First, we'll discuss a study on the brains of communal huntsman spiders. Then, we'll break down the issue with wild caught tarantulas in the hobby, and why thi

The Ten Least Visible Spiders I Keep

First, we'll hear listener comments and discuss the article, "Mystery of dancing spiders' DNA could explain how they develop into new species". Then, I'll

Green Tarantulas!

First, we'll discuss some listener comments on our last episode about using AI for researching tarantula care. Then, I've been asked many times to make a list

Using AI for Tarantula Care Research

With AI growing by leaps and bounds, it was inevitable that some folks would start using it as a tool for tarantula research. However, how accurate is the information? Wh