large southern European spider once thought to be the cause of tarantism (uncontrollable bodily movement)
{i} large hairy spider with a mildly poisonous bite (native to the southwestern United States); wolf spider, large black spider native to southern Europe
Any one of several species of large spiders, popularly supposed to be very venomous, especially the European species (Tarantula apuliæ)
A tarantula is a large hairy spider which has a poisonous bite. Name that originally referred to the wolf spider but now covers any spider in the family Theraphosidae. It is found from the southwestern U.S. to South America. Many species live in a burrow, and most have a hairy body and long, hairy legs. They are nocturnal predators of insects and, occasionally, amphibians and mice. Certain South American tarantulas eat small birds. In the southwestern U.S., tarantulas of the genus Aphonopelma may have a body 2 in. (5 cm) long and a leg spread of nearly 5 in. (12 cm). They may inflict a painful bite if provoked. The most common U.S. species, Eurypelma californicum, may live up to 30 years
large hairy tropical spider that can inflict painful but not highly venomous bites