Last week, scientists and others met at the science and technology fair held by the Sociedade Brasileira para o Progresso da Ciência (Brazilian Society for Scientific Progress) in Manaus, where there was a special exhibit with exotic spiders on display.

The star of the exhibit was a 20 centimeter-long tarantula (below), a member of the theraphosid family, which can grow up to 30 centimeters long. It is not harmful to humans, and feeds on rats, frogs, and other small animals. It can go up to six months without eating, and can live for up to fifteen years.

At the convention, scientists emphasized the need to study spiders–some of which are dangerous to humans–as to be better prepared in case of a bite or an accident.

Check out more of the creepy crawlers here! (not for arachnophobes!)