National Tarantula Appreciation Day
August 8, Friday
Purpose of the holiday
* Dispel myths and fears related to tarantulas;
* Draw attention to the important role these spiders play in the ecosystem;
* Celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of tarantula species;
* Support tarantula owners and enthusiasts who breed and study them.
Interesting facts about tarantulas
* There are more than 1,000 species of tarantulas, inhabiting tropical and desert regions worldwide.
* Despite their fearsome appearance, tarantulas do not pose a serious threat to humans. Their bite is generally less dangerous than a bee sting.
* Tarantulas molt by shedding their old exoskeleton to grow. This is a spectacular and important stage of their life.
* Many tarantula species live for decades, especially females, which can live up to 25 years.
How it is celebrated
* Visiting exotic animal exhibitions or natural history museums;
* Sharing photos and videos of tarantulas on social media;
* Learning about the biology and behavior of these amazing creatures;
* Tarantula owners create themed posts, show their pets, and tell stories about them.
Why it matters
Tarantulas are often victims of prejudice, although they play a key role in controlling insect populations. National Tarantula Appreciation Day helps change attitudes toward these creatures and encourages a more responsible and scientifically informed approach to nature.