(Eating) Tarantulas
When you think of spiders. your first thought is probably,"gross!" But in some countries spiders are considered a delicacy!
Special Adaptations
Tarantulas have many special adaptations that distinguish them as a spider. A tarantula's fangs are used to inject venom into their prey. Since tarantulas don't have teeth, the venom they inject into the victim turns their insides to mush so that the spider can slurp up their dinner. These arachnids also have long legs. They don't just use them for walking though. When threatened, the tarantula will use its long legs to scrape needle-like hairs off its abdomen and gling them at the predator. Tarantulas also have retractable claws on the tips of each leg that they use to climb.
Vocab
- Venom- a poisonous substance
- Fangs- a large tooth
- Abdomen- the stomach
- Retractable- to withdraw
- Protein- highly organic chemicals
Habitat
Different species of tarantula live all over the world in different habitats. All North American tarantulas live underground in places with dry soil. on the other hand, tarantulas from Mexico, Central and South America can in caves, trees, or cliffs.
Benefits of Eating Tarantula
Like most bugs, tarantulas contain protein and are low in calories. People say that tarantulas taste like soft-shelled crab.
Serving/Preparing
Tarantulas can be served in different ways, but they taste the same to most people.
How to Cook Tarantula
(This is apart of the "Serving/Preparing" article)
Some people deep fry their spiders. They dip them in batter, then they dunk the tarantula in the deep fryer, and bon-appetit! Deep Fried Tarantula! Another way people eat tarantula is alive. They just take the live spider and pop it in their mouth.
Taste
(This is also apart of the Serving/Preparing part)
Many say abdomen of a tarantula is chewy. Also the legs are meaty and are said to taste like soft-shelled crab, though others sat that it has a prawn tail taste.
So the next time you see a spider don't think,"eww!" Think, "Yum!"