P. Tigrinwessli(spelling..)

From my observations, the handling of tarantulas seems to be a pretty volatile topic. Now for my own opinion. A frequent phrase used when it comes to overcoming fear of spiders is "knowledge is our ally". This also applies to whether handling of a species is safe or not IMO. It doesn't take much to know which species you can safely handle and which ones you would be better of not touching. I have held my Urodacus scorpions all the time, to the extent they even curl up and sleep on my hand, but I would never do the same with something like a dehaani pede. If you know what you can safely handle, there is no need to try and act brave with a potentially dangerous species. Remember, this is a forum for people who love these kinds of animals; you don't need to convince anyone that arachnids are not to be feared by putting yourself in danger. And there is a difference between fear and healthy respect.

And one last thing: Let's avoid conflict. It is likely that most of us arachnid lovers receive much hate and ridicule from an uneducated majority. We all know the relentless loathing that our arthropod friends are subject to. We, who appreciate this fascinating branch of the natural world should support eachother, not fight amongst ourselves.

@Staehilomyces I agree, but sometimes it's hard to support someone in the middle of the desert who hasn't a clue what they're saying, and has never even held their own spiders... Then tries to push their agenda on everyone else with awful videos and snide remarks... It goes in the complete opposite direction of a community mindstate. Having said that, great insight. I'm glad you're able to deduct I know which ones I can hold and which I had better not. Trust me, I've got plenty of T's I have not and will not handle. When you try to offer a picture that isn't one of the T against the glass of its enclosure or a ventral shot of the same, you'll probably be preached to by the likes of a moron...

@EulersK man, you’re still so lame after all of this time. Still giving people crappy advise they didn’t ask for on the internet I see. Well we just finished our first phase of our grant study using protein peptides from an ornata to hinder the effects of muscular dystrophy. Oh, and I handled them every day. The fact that I did, could help some young boy walk some day. You.... well, nothing really. You’re kinda just useless lol. Go tell people they shouldn’t be in the hobby like you tried to do with me lol. Nice work, scrub.