How to Tell the Difference Between Male and Female Tarantulas

It may be necessary to determine the sex of a tarantula in order to choose a name or, in the case of breeding tarantulas, to make sure one has a male and female pair. Detecting the differences between a male and female tarantula can be tricky. However, there are some tell-tale physical signs one can look for.

Things You'll Need

  • Microscope or magnifying glass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the size of your tarantula. Males tend to be smaller than females, especially around the abdomen.

    • 2

      View the color of your tarantula. A male will be a blander color whereas females are more brightly colored. If your tarantula has bright splashes of red or orange on it, it is likely a female.

    • 3

      Check out your tarantula's front legs. A mature male tarantula will have hooks on its front legs, which are used to restrain the female's fangs during mating.

    • 4

      If your tarantula has molted again after reaching maturity, it is likely female, as males have very short life spans after the ultimate molt that brings them to maturity.

    • 5

      Examine your tarantula for extra epiandrous fusillae--an extra set of silk spinning glands. All male spiders, including tarantulas, have these extra epiandrous fusillae used to create a sperm web.

    • 6

      Examine the exuvium--molted skin--of your tarantula. In the abdominal portion of a female's molted skin you will find her spermathecae, or sperm storage receptacle.