Barbara Carothers, age 10, of Carson City, Nev., for her question:

HOW LARGE WILL A TARANTULA GROW TO BE?

Tarantula is a common name given to any one of a group of mostly large, hairy spiders. Tarantulas are found in warm climates such as those of the southern and western United States and in Central and South America. One tarantula, called the bird spider of South America, grows to have a body that is three and a half inches long and can spread its legs about seven inches.

Tarantulas get their name from a large wolf spider found around Taranto in southern Italy. People once believed this spider's bite caused a disease called tarantism. The victims supposedly leaped in the air and ran about making strange noises.

The tarantulas found in the United States are quiet creatures. Their bite is no more dangerous to man than the sting of a bee. The bite of some South American tarantulas, however, may be serious.

The trap door spider, a tarantula found in the United States, grows to be about one inch long.

Some tarantulas live more than 20 years.