What is the evolutionary purpose of the venom in *A. seemanni* relative to its other main defense mechanism?

To quickly subdue prey, specifically insects and small vertebrates encountered on the ground

The venom system in *A. seemanni* has undergone an evolutionary trade-off when compared to its physical defense. While many tarantulas rely heavily on venom for defense, in this species, the substantial investment in physical defense via urticating hairs allows the venom to remain primarily optimized for its predatory role. The cocktail of toxins present is geared toward the rapid immobilization of its typical diet, which consists of ground-dwelling invertebrates and small vertebrates found within its habitat. Its venom is noted as being medically insignificant to humans, underscoring its evolutionary focus on effective prey capture rather than large-scale defense.