How did the tarantula get its name?

We know that tarantulas are large, hairy spiders, but how did these crawlers get their name?

According to #KuyaKimAnoNa on “24 Oras” Wednesday, the name originated from Taranto, a town in Italy where the first documented victim bitten by the spider was found.

The report also said that while bites were painful, tarantulas were said to release mild venom compared to bees.

Their hairy skin, however, can cause skin rashes and swelling of eyes and airways.

For those who are interested to raise tarantulas, it is legal as long as one has wildlife farm permit or certificate of wildlife registration. – RC, GMA News