Scary. That's the only work to describe this furry, ferocious-looking spider. Naturally, you'd want to get rid of this guy. But did you know that tarantulas are actually shy spiders? They never go out of their way to attack a human unless provoked. In fact, most will scurry away immediately if they sense your presence. That's got to make you feel better, right?

It's important to note that tarantulas are not insects, but arachnids. Unlike insects, they have no antennae or wings. They live primarily in South America or in desert and tropical forests. Tarantulas are also nocturnal insects. They spend all day in underground burrows, which they dig themselves. At night they come out of their hiding places to hunt, and to seek their soul mates.

As hairy and huge as the tarantula appears to be, a bite from most North American species is no more harmful than a wasp or bee sting; however, the venom of certain South American species can do serious harm.