Jun 04, 2023

'Tarantulas: Alive & Up Close' opens at Sternberg Museum in Hays

Posted Jun 04, 2023 10:32 AM
<i>Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History</i>
Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Sternberg Museum

The secrets of the tarantula’s world are on full display now through Labor Day at the new summer exhibit at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays.

According to museum director Dr. Reese Barrick, “Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” takes the visitor on a journey of scientific discovery, presenting tarantulas in a new light. Focusing on the diverse and natural beauty of these incredible animals, the exhibit provides an engaging educational experience.

“Sternberg is the champion for the under-appreciated animals such as rattlesnakes and tarantulas,” Barrick said. “We’re here to give people a safe place to view these wonders of nature.”

There are more than 900 known species of tarantulas, which live all over the globe. They can be found living anywhere from the tallest rainforest treetops to deep underground in the most arid deserts.

“Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close” features a unique array of live tarantulas, which showcases their varied life habits and habitats.

<i>Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History</i>
Photo by Bill Gasper/Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Tarantulas have a reputation that precedes them - a reputation of being the biggest, the baddest, and most fearsome of all spiders. Hairy, fast, scary - sure, there’s some truth behind the rumors. But would you ever guess that these supposedly fierce giants of the spider world would much rather run and hide than stay fight?

Species on display include a Goliath Bird Eating tarantula (the largest of all tarantulas), the rare Green Bottle Blue tarantula, and the Indian Ornamental tarantula, a species troubled by loss of habitat in the wild. In all, 20 live tarantulas are on display, and each have a unique story to tell.

The exhibit focuses on the diverse and natural beauty of tarantulas and provides uniquely engaging educational experiences. Special features of the exhibit include interactive components such as “Tarantulas of the World” interactive world map; “Name That Tarantula” identification activity, “The Legend of the Tarantella” and more.

Barrick said kids will enjoy the climbable “Tarantula Burrow”, which provides more opportunity for learning through the Trip Line interactive experience. This piece also serves as a photo opportunity for visitors of all ages.