Tarantulas
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Name: Toto
Common name: Gooty Sapphire, Peacock Tarantula Species: Poecilotheria metallica Range: A single deciduous forest in Southeast India Diet: Carnivorous, eats mostly small invertebrates. Sex: Female More info: This species is known to be skittish and will bite if persistently threatened. It’s venom is incredibly strong and will cause pain, muscle cramps, and nausea. It is not recommended for handling. The Sapphire Gooty was first discovered in 1898 by H.R.P. Carter, and determined to be a new species when studied the following year by Reginald Pocock. It is named for the town of Gooty in Southeast India, near the rail yard where the first specimen was found, though it likely did not originate here. The species was thought to be lost for 102 years until it was rediscovered in 2001 in the forest we now know is it’s home. They are known for their distinctive metallic blue coloring, agility, and potent venom. Due to the increased deforestation of their habitat, they are marked as Critically Endangered. They are a highly sought after pet, considered a valuable showpiece for expert handlers because of their color and the care they require. Researchers are still unsure why they evolved their blue coloration. Tarantulas can’t see very well, so it’s unlikely that the color is a marker of sexual selection. However, some researchers suspect that the color evolved as a form of mate selection, but is no longer used this way in the species. |
Name: Neelix
Common name: Brazilian White-knee Tarantula Species: Acanthoscurria geniculata Range: Tropical forests of Northern Brazil, and some parts of Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay Diet: Carnivorous, feeds mostly on small crickets and roaches. It pounces on its prey with remarkable force, even catching prey midair if it can. Sex: unknown (too young to tell) More info: Mature specimens are known to be calm and great for observation. However, they will assume a defensive position and kick their urticating hairs before biting if threatened. Also known as urticating setae, these are hairs on the abdomen that the tarantula can use its legs to kick off at predators. The hairs can cause irritation and rash in humans. These are a defense mechanism unique to New World Tarantulas, and specimens will sometimes place these hairs on their fertilized eggs as a layer of protection. The White-knee is known as a species that is very exploratory, making it a very active pet. Its black body is contrasted by white bands along the legs, which, combined with its large size, makes it very distinctive. It is resilient, and this in combination with it high activity level an oak of a need for complex care makes it a great pet for beginner tarantula keepers. |