How Does A Tarantula Eat?

[Brando]

I randomly thought of this the other night while i was lying in my bed about to sleep. I remember seeing my T. Blondi puncture the "shell" of a cricket the other day with its fangs and that got me thinking, how does a tarantula consume its meal? Does it have a little tounge and lick it up like a bat, or is it more like a fly where it disolves its food and sucks it in? I tried doing a search but failed, if there are threads about this let me know so i don't waste too much of your time.

 

[David_F]

There may be some info here but I've always liked >>this<< article.

 

[Brando]

I like the article, very informative. Also i kept searching and i hate to do this but i am answering my own question by posting a link to another thread that i found. I hope this helps out any other people looking for information on this topic.

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=31996&highlight=Spider+Digestion

Hehe i am also supprised that my theory in my original post is on track with the information i found later on about spider digestion. I could be a scientist yet. :}

 

[Fenris]

The Tarantula Keeper's Guide fully explains it as well.