Tarantulas, belonging to the family Theraphosidae, are large, hairy spiders commonly found in warm regions worldwide, with several species also documented in India. For the first time in Rajasthan, a tarantula was recorded by Shri Batti Lal Meena, an experienced guide in Ranthambhore. He photographed the spider in 2018 near Singh Dwar, along the main road leading to the Ranthambhore Fort.
Tarantulas are generally non-aggressive toward humans but carry mild venom, comparable to a bee or scorpion sting, which they use to immobilize prey such as insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. Nocturnal hunters, they rely on their sensitive hairs to detect vibrations in their surroundings.
These spiders play a critical role in ecosystems as predators and prey, contributing significantly to biodiversity. Despite their intimidating appearance, tarantulas are fascinating creatures known for their unique behaviours. This discovery is not only a milestone for Rajasthan but also hints at the possibility of this being a new species, adding to the scientific understanding of arachnids.
Mr. Batti Lal Meena, the naturalist who made the first recorded sighting of a tarantula spider in Rajasthan