The tarantula and the bearded dragon are two of the more unique pets that are kept in homes around the world. But what’s the difference between the two?
In this article, we’ll take a look at both the tarantula and the bearded dragon, and compare the two species. We’ll discuss the similarities and differences between them, as well as the unique challenges of owning and caring for each type of pet.
Tarantulas and bearded dragons each have their own unique and captivating features. Tarantulas have distinctive hairy bodies and long legs, while bearded dragons are characterized by their spineless ridges and colorful patterns.
Both species are known to be calm and gentle, making them ideal pets for those who want a pet that is easy to take care of and that won’t be too disruptive. They are both a great choice for those who want a pet that is both interesting and low-maintenance.
What Are The Similarities Between Tarantula And Bearded Dragon?
With regards to habitat, both tarantulas and bearded dragons are typically found in desert or arid environments. Additionally, both species primarily feed on insects and are similar in size.
Habitat
Despite the differences in their appearance and lifestyle, the habitats of tarantulas and bearded dragons overlap in many ways. Primarily, both species live in arid, desert climates with warm temperatures and plenty of hiding places.
Although tarantulas are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical areas, they can also be found in regions of the United States such as the southwestern states. On the other hand, the bearded dragon is native to Australia and is also found in the pet trade.
In terms of their habitats, both species have some similarities:
- Temperature:
- Tarantulas prefer temperatures of 80-90°F (26-32°C).
- Bearded dragons prefer temperatures of 75-90°F (24-32°C).
- Humidity:
- Tarantulas prefer lower humidity levels of between 40-60%.
- Bearded dragons prefer higher humidity levels of between 50-60%.
- Substrate:
- Tarantulas prefer a substrate that holds moisture, such as coconut fiber or soil.
- Bearded dragons prefer a dry substrate such as sand or gravel.
Both species also need plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, logs, and plants, to help them feel secure. Although their habitats are similar, each species has different needs in terms of substrate, temperature, and humidity.
Diet
Despite their differences in appearance, tarantulas and bearded dragons have surprisingly similar diets. While tarantulas typically feed on insects, bearded dragons are omnivores who also eat fruits and vegetables. Both species can be fed a variety of live, frozen, and commercially-prepared meals.
When it comes to what they eat, tarantulas and bearded dragons share a number of similarities:
- Live prey: Both tarantulas and bearded dragons feed on live prey such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.
- Fruits and vegetables: Both species also enjoy fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, bell peppers, and squash.
- Commercially-prepared meals: Commercially-prepared meals, such as Fruity Flies for tarantulas and ReptoMin for bearded dragons, are also enjoyed by both species.
In summary, both tarantulas and bearded dragons have very similar diets, which can include live prey, fruits, vegetables, and commercially-prepared meals.
Size
The sizes of tarantulas and bearded dragons are quite different from each other. The size of a tarantula can range from 2 to 10 inches, while the size of a bearded dragon can range from 15 to 24 inches. This is an important factor to consider when deciding which pet is right for you and your family.
Both species can also grow in size over time, but the rate of growth varies significantly. A tarantula can take up to 5–7 years to reach its full size, while a bearded dragon can take up to 4–6 months.
- Tarantula Size
- Range from 2 to 10 inches
- Takes up to 5–7 years to reach its full size
- Bearded Dragon Size
- Range from 15 to 24 inches
- Takes up to 4–6 months to reach its full size
Therefore, when deciding between a tarantula and a bearded dragon, it is important to consider their size. While tarantulas tend to be smaller, they can take longer to reach their full size than bearded dragons.
If you’re looking for a pet that is able to reach its full size quickly, a bearded dragon might be the right choice for you.
What Are The Differences Between Tarantula And Bearded Dragon?
In terms of size, tarantulas are much smaller than bearded dragons, which can grow to be more than two feet in length. Regarding diet, tarantulas are carnivorous, while bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they consume both meat and vegetables.
When it comes to temperament, tarantulas are relatively passive, while bearded dragons are more active and can become quite affectionate with owners.
Size
Despite the similarities between a tarantula and a bearded dragon, there are many differences between the two animals as well. Perhaps most significantly, the size of the two differs drastically. To illustrate, let’s take a closer look:
- Tarantula
- Size: 4-10 inches long
- Bearded Dragon
- Size: 18-24 inches long
The tarantula is relatively small compared to the larger bearded dragon. The tarantula is usually 4-10 inches long while the bearded dragon can range from 18-24 inches long.
While a tarantula may fit into the palm of your hand, a bearded dragon is larger and requires more space.
Diet
Now that we have discussed the similarities between tarantulas and bearded dragons, let’s look at the differences in their diets. While both species are carnivores, they have different feeding habits.
- Tarantulas
- Feed mainly on insects, but can also eat small mammals, amphibians, and other invertebrates
- Can go weeks without food
- Bearded Dragons
- Feed mainly on insects, but can also eat fruits and vegetables
- Require regular meals
Tarantulas will eat whatever food they come across, including small mammals, amphibians, and other invertebrates. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, prefer a more balanced diet of insects, fruits, and vegetables. While tarantulas can go for weeks without food, bearded dragons require regular meals to stay healthy.
Temperament
While tarantulas and bearded dragons both have unique temperaments, there are some key differences between the two.
Bearded dragons, for example, are generally quite docile and friendly. They tend to be very curious and playful and are usually content to be handled by people, so long as they are properly acclimated.
Tarantulas, on the other hand, can be quite skittish and defensive. They may not be as likely to be handled, as they are more inclined to curl up into a defensive ball or flick hairs when threatened.
When it comes to temperament, the most notable difference between the two is that bearded dragons are social creatures and can live in groups, while tarantulas are solitary animals. Bearded dragons may even greet each other with head bobs and arm waves, while tarantulas rarely interact with one another.
This is why it is generally not recommended to house more than one tarantula in the same enclosure.
To sum up, the main difference between the temperaments of tarantulas and bearded dragons is that bearded dragons are usually quite docile and social, while tarantulas are more skittish and solitary.
- Bearded dragons are generally docile and friendly
- Can be handled with proper acclimation
- Greet each other with head bobs and arm waves
- Tarantulas are skittish and defensive
- Curl up into a defensive ball
- Flick hairs when threatened
- Tarantulas are solitary animals
- Should not be housed together
Tarantula Vs Bearded Dragon: Physical Appearance
The differences between tarantulas and bearded dragons go beyond their diets and behaviors — their physical appearances are also distinct. In the following section, we will explore the physical characteristics of each species, highlighting the distinctive features of the two.
Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that are usually found in tropical or desert climates. They can range in size from as small as a fingernail to as large as a dinner plate. They have eight legs, two body segments, and a pair of pedipalps that they use to catch their prey. They have no wings, and some species have a venomous bite.
Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are small reptiles that are native to the deserts of Australia. They have four legs and a long, flat body. They have a characteristic “beard”, which is an area of spiny scales on their throat that they use to show dominance or aggression.
They also have a long tail and a short, stubby snout. Unlike tarantulas, bearded dragons have wings, which they use to glide through the air.
Tarantula Vs Bearded Dragon: Behavior
When it comes to behavior, tarantulas and bearded dragons couldn’t be more different. While tarantulas are known for their reclusive behavior, bearded dragons are quite active and inquisitive.
Tarantulas are solitary creatures and they prefer to be alone. They don’t interact with other tarantulas unless it’s mating season. When it comes to interaction with humans, tarantulas are generally docile and can be handled with care. However, they can bite if they feel threatened, and their venom can be painful.
Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are quite inquisitive and active. They are also social creatures and enjoy interacting with humans and other bearded dragons.
They don’t have venom and they are usually quite friendly and gentle. They enjoy being handled and can even be trained to do simple tricks.
Clearly, tarantulas and bearded dragons have very different behaviors, but they both make interesting and unique pets.
Tarantula Vs Bearded Dragon: Diet
In stark contrast to their behaviors, the diets of tarantulas and bearded dragons couldn’t be more different. While tarantulas feed on insects, spiders, worms, and other arthropods, bearded dragons are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter.
Tarantulas are not picky eaters, and they can go days without food. In the wild, they will break into insect nests and burrows to feed on their inhabitants. In captivity, they are often fed crickets, mealworms, and other commercially available insect larvae.
Bearded dragons, on the other hand, require a more diverse diet. In the wild, they mostly feed on insects, but will also eat plants, flowers, and other vegetation. In captivity, they should be fed a mix of vegetables, fruits, and insects.
They should also have occasional access to calcium and phosphorus-rich foods such as crickets, mealworms, and superworms.
All in all, tarantulas and bearded dragons have very different diets, and these distinctions should be taken into account when deciding which pet to keep.
Tarantula Vs Bearded Dragon: Enclosure
When it comes to their enclosures, tarantulas and bearded dragons have vastly different requirements. Tarantulas, while not necessarily requiring a large space, do require a secure location that provides them with the necessary humidity and temperatures.
An appropriately sized enclosure with good ventilation can be made out of plastic, glass, or wood, and should be outfitted with a substrate such as peat moss, soil, or vermiculite.
It should also have a few hiding spots, such as cork bark, logs, or rocks. Depending on the species, humidity levels should be kept between 50-80% with temperatures between 70-90°F.
Bearded dragons, on the other hand, require a much larger enclosure to accommodate their need for space to move around and bask in the warmth. The enclosure should be designed to provide the necessary temperatures and humidity for the species, as well as a variety of hiding spots, branches, and rocks for the dragon to climb on.
The enclosure should also have adequate lighting, as well as a basking area. Humidity levels should be kept between 30-50% and temperatures between 80-100°F. UVB lighting is also necessary to provide the dragon with the necessary Vitamin D3.
Overall, the enclosures of tarantulas and bearded dragons differ greatly due to their different requirements. Tarantulas require a much smaller enclosure with more humidity, while bearded dragons need a much larger enclosure with more ventilation and adequate UVB lighting.
Tarantula Vs Bearded Dragon: Lighting
When it comes to lighting, there are some distinct differences between the tarantula and the bearded dragon. While both animals can benefit from UVB lighting, the tarantula does not require the same level of intensity as the bearded dragon.
The tarantula only needs a light source for the purpose of heating their enclosure. A low-level UVB light source is not necessary, as the tarantula will not benefit from it. This means that an incandescent light bulb or a ceramic heat emitter can be used to keep the enclosure warm enough for the tarantula to be comfortable.
In contrast, the bearded dragon needs a strong UVB light source as it helps the animal to metabolize calcium and produce vitamin D3. This can be provided with a quality UVB lamp, such as a fluorescent tube, which will be placed in the enclosure with the bearded dragon.
It is important to make sure that the UVB light is in the correct position, directly above the bearded dragon, in order for them to receive the best benefits.
Tarantula Vs Bearded Dragon: Handling
Now that we have discussed the lighting needs of a tarantula and a bearded dragon, let’s take a look at how they should be handled. Although both a tarantula and a bearded dragon are low-maintenance pets, there is still a certain protocol that must be followed to make sure they are being handled properly and safely.
Firstly, it is important to make sure that both a tarantula and a bearded dragon are handled with clean, dry hands. This is not only important for the safety of the pet, but also for the safety of the handler as well.
Both reptiles and spiders can carry diseases and bacteria that can be harmful to humans. Therefore, it is important to make sure that hands are clean and dry before handling either pet.
In addition, it is important to make sure that both a tarantula and a bearded dragon are handled with care. Both pets have delicate exoskeletons that can be easily damaged if handled improperly.
Gentle handling is essential to make sure that both pets are not injured due to mishandling. If either pet is handled roughly, it can become startled and may bite or scratch. Therefore, it is important to make sure that these pets are handled gently and with respect.
Tarantula Vs Bearded Dragon: Lifespan
When it comes to deciding which pet is right for you, lifespan is a major factor to consider. While both the tarantula and the bearded dragon have quite long lifespans, there are some differences between them that must be taken into account.
Tarantulas, on average, can live for up to 20 years with proper care. Of course, there are exceptions, and lifespan can vary depending on the species of tarantula and the type of care they receive.
Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, can live for up to 10 years with proper care. Again, this can vary depending on the species and the type of care they receive.
Overall, tarantulas have a much longer lifespan than bearded dragons, making them a better choice if you are looking for a pet that will stay with you for a long time. That said, it is important to remember that both tarantulas and bearded dragons need proper care in order to reach their full lifespans.
Proper nutrition, a suitable habitat, and adequate veterinary care are essential for both of these species if they are to live long, healthy lives.
Conclusion
When considering which pet to get, it’s important to compare the similarities and differences between a tarantula and a bearded dragon.
While there are many factors to consider, such as physical appearance, behavior, diet, enclosure, lighting, handling, and lifespan, it’s important to understand the needs of each pet and decide which animal is right for you.
With careful consideration, you can make the right decision and have a happy, healthy pet in your home.
