What does the tarantulas scientific name mean?

Answer 1

Tarantulas belong to many sub-families of the family Theraphosidae. One of the largest is the "goliath birdeater" (Theraphosa blondi) that can grow to a combined leg width of 11 inches (2.8 cm).

Answer 2

Well tarantulas are considered to be (by most) Spiders from the sub family Theraphosidae which roughly translates as Thera: wild beast/monster + Phos: light.

There are of course over 800 species in nearly 100 genera each of which has a different name.

Genus names are usually referencing anatomical aspects or some aspect of the spider, Avicularia roughly translates as small bird for example. this is either due to the fact they live arboreal lifestyles or when first described were illustrated eating birds.

Often the species name will reflect a location, the person who described it or a tribute to someone by the person describing it, or the colouration. For example, you will often see species names that are klaasi which is a tribute to Peter Klaas who is a renowned tarantula collector and discoverer.