A local survey on the perception of the danger of exotic spiders among spider keepers and a review of the local situation for keeping exotic spiders

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the availability of pet spider species in Hong Kong and the spider keeper’s perception of the danger of exotic spiders.

Method

This is a cross-sectional survey targeting spider hobbyists in Hong Kong, which was conducted from June to December 2024. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to spider hobbyists using the snowball sampling method. Physical stores and online stores were tested for the availability of spider species. Local cases of consultations related to exotic spiders were investigated.

Results

75 participants answered the survey, and 74 of them had kept Theraphosidae (tarantulas). The three most popular breeds were Gram mostola, Brachypelmaand Caribbean. Around 20% of them had been bitten by spiders, and 40% of them had been disturbed by urticating hair. Around half of them perceived the bite and the growing hair as dangerous. For online and physical store visits, five families of spiders and 29 genera of tarantulas were available for sale.

Discussion

The majority of participants held tarantulas. Despite the fact that some participants have experienced health risks, half of the participants did not see the risk as significant, which indicates a potential knowledge gap. The study had limitations, such as a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, but provided insight into the local spider-keeping community.

Conclusion

Despite keeping exotic spiders, mostly tarantulas, which can be potentially dangerous to health, only about half of the exotic spider keepers were equipped with the right knowledge to perceive the potential dangers. Further education among this population may be necessary.

Wu, P., Wong, OF, Fung, HT, Kerry Wan, HM, Anthony Chow, TY, & Chan, CK (2026). A local survey on the perception of the danger of exotic spiders among spider keepers and a review of the local situation for keeping exotic spiders. Hong Kong Journal of Emergency Medicine, 33(1), e70086. https://doi.org/10.1002/hkj2.70086