This tarantula grows more slowly than other spiders. It can take females up to 7 years to become fully grown. In return, they can live for more than 20 years in captivity. Female tarantulas are strikingly bigger than male tarantulas: their leg span can reach 17 centimetres – roughly the same size as a tea plate. Males’ leg span is slightly less: approximately 15 centimetres. They can go for three or four months without eating!