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Tarantulas are a type of large, hairy spider that belong to the family Theraphosidae. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica and are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior. Tarantulas have several defining characteristics that set them apart from other spiders. One of the most notable is their size; tarantulas are among the largest spiders in the world, with some species reaching up to 12 inches in leg span. They also have thick, hairy legs and bodies, which can be patterned in a variety of ways depending on the species. Another defining feature of tarantulas is their venom. While most tarantula bites are not harmful to humans, they do possess venom that they use to immobilize their prey. This venom is delivered through fangs located at the front of the mouth. Tarantulas also have a unique defense mechanism: they can shoot barbed hairs from their abdomen as a way to deter predators. These hairs can cause irritation and discomfort if they come into contact with skin or eyes. In terms of their place in the animal kingdom, tarantulas are part of the class Arachnida, which also includes scorpions, mites, and ticks. They are a type of spider, which is a subcategory of arachnids. Within the spider category, tarantulas are part of the infraorder Mygalomorphae, which includes other large, ground-dwelling spiders. Tarantulas are also part of the Opiliones order, which includes harvestmen and daddy longlegs. While these creatures may look similar to tarantulas, they are not true spiders and do not possess venom or the ability to spin webs. In summary, tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that belong to the family Theraphosidae. They are known for their distinctive appearance, defense mechanisms, and venom. Tarantulas are part of the class Arachnida, which includes other creatures such as scorpions and harvestmen. Within the spider category, tarantulas are a type of Mygalomorph spider, which includes other large, ground-dwelling species.