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TangledWWWeb.com |
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GET CAUGHT UP... |
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Tarantula Q&A |
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The original spiders which were first referred to as tarantulas were named for a town called Taranto in 15th century Italy. The locals believed that a bite from these spiders caused a disease called tartantism, and that victims could only be cured of the affliction by doing a crazed dance called the tarantella. |
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The History of the Tarantula |
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Following a trip to South America, eighteenth century Maria Sibylla Mérian later published a much criticized drawing of a spider eating a bird. This was unheard of in the science community, and her work was quickly and publicly dismissed. Mérian’s ideas were never fully embraced until the early 1900’s when further studies provided evidence to support her original observations. |
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Tarantulas Today |
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Today, the fire of tartantism is still burning strong as more and more hobbyists around the world “get bit” by tarantula fever. The inception of organizations like the American and British Tarantula Societies, as well as increased captive breeding efforts and the influence of the internet have helped this hobby to thrive and grow. As we continue to make new advancements in tarantula husbandry, one can only hope that interest in this fascinating study will bring more enthusiasts into the fold. |
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General Tarantula Care |
