Melopoeus longipes

This is the species seen eaten in Cambodia. Not sure any of you would fancy giving it a go but regardless here’s the recipe, you can tell it’s a good recipe as they say to avoid eating the fangs:

YIELD: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups canola or vegetable oil
• 2 frozen adult Cambodian Earth Tiger, or similar-sized tarantulas, thawed
• 1 cup tempura batter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

PREPARATION

In a deep saucepan or deep-fat fryer, heat the oil to 350°F.
With a sharp knife, sever and discard the abdomens from the two tarantulas. Singe off any of the spider’s body hairs with a crème brûlée torch or butane cigarette lighter.
Dip each spider into the tempura batter to thoroughly coat. Use a slotted spoon or your hands to make sure each spider is spread-eagled (so to speak) and not clumped together before dropping it into the hot oil.
Deep-fry the spiders, one at a time, until the batter is lightly browned, about 1 minute. Remove each spider from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain.
Use a sharp knife to cut each spider in two lengthwise. Sprinkle with the paprika and serve. Encourage your guests to try the legs first and, if still hungry, to nibble on the meat-filled mesothorax, avoiding the spider’s paired fangs, which are tucked away in the head region.