These distinctive spiders have adapted over millions of years and are indisputably one of the most fascinating animals to observe. Different types of arachnid have modified to thrive in their unique climates, some with long hair to help them track prey through vibrations and some with color to make them stand out as dangerous to predators. Tarantulas are also one of the most low-maintenance pets you will find, making them ideal for new pet parents.

"We're excited to expand Petco's tarantula offerings and give pet parents the chance to further explore the amazing world of arachnids," said Todd Gwynn, merchandise manager at Petco. "We are also proud to share that with this launch, all of Petco's tarantulas will be captive-bred. These unique and fascinating animals are a great addition to any home, offering endless learning opportunities for the whole family."

Interestingly, not only do tarantulas have eight legs, they also have a large round eye surrounded by three smaller ones on each side for a total of eight eyes as well. They also shed their exoskeleton, or molt, in order to grow, doubling in size with each molt. Furthermore, females can live up to 30 years while males have significantly shorter lifespans of up to seven years with proper care. The 25 species now available at Petco include the following:

Temperate Tarantulas:

Chaco Golden Knee

Costa Rican Stripe-Knee

Haitian Brown

Mexican Curly Hair

Mexican Red Leg

Mexican Red Rump

Oklahoma Brown

Texas Tan

Mozambique Golden Baboon

Rear Horned Baboon

Usumbara Orange Baboon

Rose Hair

Tropical Tarantula:

Brazilian Black & White

Brazilian Giant Salmon

Brazilian Giant White Knee

Brazilian Red & White

Brazilian White Banded

Costa Rican Tiger Rump

Guyana Pink Toe

Indian Ornamental

Ivory Ornamental

King Baboon

Mysore Ornamental

Trinidad Chevron

Venezuelan Sun Tiger

To help new pet parents welcoming a pet into the family, Petco offers care sheets that feature tips on diet, feeding, housing and overall health both in-stores and online at Petco.com. For more information on these fascinating creatures please visit Petco Community page at https://community.petco.com/.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation

With more than 50 years of service to pet parents, Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,430 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 115 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; prescription services and pet supplies from the leading veterinary-operated pet product supplier, Drs. Foster & Smith; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has invested more than $135 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 400,000 animals every year.

Megan Oxford, [email protected]

Parinaz Farzin, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160427/361000

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150817/259044LOGO

SOURCE Petco

Related Links

http://www.petco.com

