Embedded Files
"Scary Harry" (Harriet) has been the classroom companion of Dr. Hansen and two previous science teachers throughout her career. She is a Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula who hatched in 2005 and is in her 20th year of bringing fright and delight to science students. Large spiders like her would typically live for only 2 years in the wild, but indoors she will likely live into her 20s.
π· Can she be held?
She is quite tame and can be safely held. Many people are surprised at how light she is. Her exoskeleton ("hairs" included) is made of chitin, a strong, low-density carbohydrate that gives her a modest mass of around 15 grams. She molts (sheds the exoskeleton) every few years, and this molting process is evidence of her continuing good health.
π· What does she eat?
She enjoys having friends over for dinner. And by friends, she means live crickets. Usually 15 to 20 per month, procured from a pet supply store.
π· Does she bite?
Any creature with a mouth can bite if provoked, but in her many years of life she has not bitten any of her handlers. Her species is non-venomous, so while her bite would be unpleasant, it would pose no risk of toxicity.Β
Report abuse