Tarantula is the common name for a group of "hairy" and often large spiders, of which approximately 900 species have been found. Some tarantulas hunt prey in trees, and some hunt on the ground. All tarantulas make silk. They use silk to make shelters like tube tents in trees, to line burrows if they live on the ground, and they all use silk to wrap up prey before they eat it.

Here are a few interesting facts about tarantulas.

• Tarantula's jaws move up and down instead of side-to-side like most other spiders.

• They have 8 tiny eyes, which are able to notice the slightest movement.

• Male tarantulas may live for as long as 10 years, while females can live for up to 30 years!

• These leggy critters are available to check out for a 2-week period through the Living Science Material Center CO-OP page to help enhance teaching activities or even just to have as a temporary visiting classroom pet.