1. Insects: Tarantulas commonly prey on insects such as crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, superworms, and grasshoppers. These can be readily found at pet stores and are often used as staple food items for tarantulas.
2. Other Arthropods: Some tarantula species may also consume other arthropods like beetles, moths, flies, and small spiders.
3. Small Vertebrates: Larger tarantula species, such as the Goliath bird-eating spider (Theraphosa blondi), have been known to capture and consume small vertebrates, including mice, lizards, and frogs. However, these instances are relatively rare, and most tarantulas primarily rely on insects for their diet.
It's important to provide tarantulas with live prey that is appropriately sized. The size of the prey should be suitable for the tarantula's body size, as offering prey that is too large can pose a risk to the spider. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that the prey items are not toxic or carrying pesticides, as this can be harmful to the tarantula.
Feeding frequency depends on the species and age of the tarantula. Adult tarantulas are typically fed less frequently compared to juvenile spiders, which require more frequent feedings.
It's worth noting that some tarantulas may fast or reduce their feeding during certain periods, such as during molting (shedding their exoskeleton) or when they enter a period of inactivity. This is a natural behavior, and it's important not to force-feed tarantulas during these times.
If you own a pet tarantula, it's recommended to do further research on the specific dietary needs and feeding habits of the species you have, as different tarantula species may have slightly different dietary preferences.
