Tarantulas
Brachypelma smithi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Arachnida Order: Araneae Suborder: Mygalomorphae Superfamily: Theraphosoidea Family: Theraphosidae Thorell, 1870
Diversity
113 genera, 897 species
Subfamilies
Acanthopelminae Aviculariinae Eumenophorinae Harpactirinae Ischnocolinae Ornithoctoninae Poecilotheriinae Selenocosmiinae Selenogyrinae Spelopelminae Stromatopelminae Theraphosinae Thrigmopoeinae

Tarantula is the common name for a group of hairy and often large spiders belonging to the family Theraphosidae, of which approximately 900 species have been identified. Spiders are Predatory Invertebrate Animals that have two body segments, eight legs no chewing mouth parts and no wings In Biological classification, family ( Latin Tarantulas hunt prey in both trees and on the ground. All tarantulas can emit silk, whether they be arboreal or terrestrial species. Arboreal species will typically reside in a silken "tube web", and terrestrial species will line their burrows or lairs with web to catch wandering prey. They mainly eat insects and other arthropods, using ambush as their primary method. The biggest tarantulas can kill animals as large as lizards, mice, or birds. Most tarantulas are harmless to humans, and some species are popular in the exotic pet trade while others are eaten as food. These spiders are found in tropical and desert regions around the world.

The name tarantula comes from the town of Taranto in Southern Italy and was originally used for an unrelated species of either European wolf spider (See Lycosa tarantula for more information about this spider the appearance of which resembles that of that tarantula family) or the Mediterranean black widow (the effects of whose bite more closely resemble that described in Taranto). Not to be confused with Toronto. Taranto ( Ancient Greek: Tarās; Modern Greek: Tarantas) is a coastal city in Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest The "tarantula" wolf spider ( Lycosa tarantula) is a Wolf spider from the area around a city in Italy now called Taranto The spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, commonly known as the European or Mediterranean black widow, malmignatte spider, karakurt In Africa, Theraphosids are frequently referred to as "baboon spiders". Asian forms are known as "earth tigers" or "bird spiders". Australians refer to their species as "barking spiders", "whistling spiders," or "bird spiders". People in other parts of the world also apply the general name "mygales" to Theraphosid spiders.

There are other species also referred to as tarantulas outside this family; the evolution of the name Tarantula is discussed below. This article primarily concerns the Theraphosids.

Morphology

Like all arthropods, the tarantula is an invertebrate that relies on an exoskeleton for muscular support. An invertebrate is an Animal lacking a Vertebral column. The group includes 98% of all animal Species — all animals except those in the Chordate An exoskeleton is an external Skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body in contrast to the internal Endoskeleton of for example a Human. A tarantula’s body consists of two main parts, the prosoma or the cephalothorax (the former is most often used) and the abdomen or opisthosoma. The cephalothorax (call prosoma in some groups is an anatomical term used in Arachnids and Malacostracan Crustaceans for the The opisthosoma is the posterior portion of the Arachnids body behind the Prosoma (cephalothorax The prosoma and opisthosoma are connected by the pedicle or what is often called the pregenital somite. This waist-like connecting piece is actually part of the prosoma and allows the opisthosoma to move in a wide range of motion relative to the prosoma.

Depending on the species, the body length of tarantulas range from 2. 5–10 cm (1–4 inches), with 8–30 cm (3 to 12 inch) leg spans (their size when including their legs). Legspan is determined by measuring from the tip of the back leg to the tip of the front leg on the same side, although some people measure from the tip of the first leg to the tip of the fourth leg on the other side. The largest species of tarantulas can weigh over 9. 1 grams (0. 3 ounces). One candidate for the title of the largest of all species, the Theraphosa blondi (goliath birdeater) from Venezuela and Brazil, has been reported to have a weight of 3 ounces and a leg span of up to 13 inches (33 cm). The goliath bird eating spider (also called the birdeater) ( Theraphosa blondi) is an arachnid belonging to the Tarantula family and is the largest The males have the longer length, and the females have broader girth.

Theraphosa apophysis (the pinkfoot goliath) was described 187 years after the Goliath birdeater; therefore its characteristics are not as well attested. However, legspans of up to 33 cm (13 inches) have been reported for that species. T. blondi is generally thought to be the heaviest tarantula, and T. apophysis to have the greatest legspan. Two other species, Lasiodora parahybana (the Brazilian salmon birdeater) and Lasiodora klugi, get very large and rival the size of the two Theraphosa species. The Brazilian salmon pink ( Lasiodora parahybana) is a popular species of Tarantula kept as pets in the tarantula keeping hobby today

The majority of North American tarantulas are brown. Many species from other parts of the world have more extensive coloration patterns, ranging from cobalt blue (Haplopelma lividum), black with white stripes (Eupalaestrus campestratus or Aphonopelma seemanni), to metallic blue legs with vibrant orange abdomen (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, green bottle blue). The cobalt blue tarantula ( Haplopelma lividum) is a Tarantula species that is native to Myanmar and Thailand. The Pink Zebra Beauty ( Eupalaestrus campestratus) is a terrestrial tarantula native to Brazil Paraguay and Argentina The greenbottle blue tarantula, a native of Venezuela, has some of the most dramatic coloring of any Spider species Their natural habitats include savanna, grasslands such as the pampas, rainforests, deserts, scrubland, mountains and cloud forests. A savanna or savannah is a Tropical or Subtropical Grassland or Woodland Ecosystem. Grasslands (also called greenswards) are areas where the Vegetation is dominated by Grasses ( Poaceae) and other Herbaceous (non-woody Laguna de Gomezjpg|thumb|left|240px|Lake Gomez near Junín in the heart of the Pampas grain belt Rainforests are Forests characterized by high Rainfall with definitions setting minimum normal annual rainfall between 1750–2000 mm (68-78 inches A desert is a Landscape or region that receives very little precipitation. Scrubland is a Plant community characterized by scrub Vegetation. A mountain is a Landform that extends above the surrounding Terrain in a limited area with a peak A cloud forest, also called a fog forest, is a generally Tropical or Subtropical evergreen Montane moist forest characterized by a They are generally divided into terrestrial types that frequently make burrows and arboreal types that build tented shelters well off the ground.

Appendages

Sub-adult Female Poecilotheria regalis

The eight legs, the two chelicerae with their fangs, and the pedipalps are attached to the prosoma. The Chelicerae are mouth parts of the Chelicerata, an Arthropod Subphylum that includes Arachnids, Merostomata Pedipalps, are the second pair of Appendages of the Prosoma in the subphylum Chelicerata. The chelicerae are two double segment appendages that are located just below the eyes and directly forward of the mouth. The chelicerae contain the venom glands that vent through the fangs. The fangs are hollow extensions of the chelicerae that inject venom into prey or animals that the tarantula bites in defense, and they are also used to masticate. These fangs are articulated so that they can extend downward and outward in preparation to bite or can fold back toward the chelicerae as a pocket knife blade folds back into its handle. The chelicerae of tarantulas completely contain the venom glands and the muscles that surround them and can cause the venom to be forcefully injected into prey.

The pedipalpi are two six–segment appendages connected to the thorax near the mouth and protruding on either side of both chelicerae. In most species of tarantula, the pedipalpi contain sharp jagged plates used to cut and crush food often called the coxae or maxillae. This article is about the Mammal maxilla For Arthropod maxillae see Mouthparts; for Insect maxillae in particular see Insect mouthparts As with other spiders, the terminal portion of the pedipalpi of males function as part of its reproductive system. Male spiders spin a silken platform (sperm web) on the ground onto which they release semen from glands in their opistoma. Then they insert their pedipalps into the semen, absorb the semen into the pedipalps, and later insert the pedipalps (one at a time) into the reproductive organ of the female, which is located in her abdomen. The terminal segments of the pedipalps of male tarantulas are moderately larger in circumference than those of a female tarantula. Male tarantulas have special spinnerets surrounding the genital opening. The sperm web of the tarantula is exuded from these special spinnerets.

A tarantula has 4 pairs of legs but 6 pairs of appendages. Each leg has seven segments which from the prosoma out are: coxa, trochanter, femur, patella, tibia, tarsus and pretarsus, and claw. Two or three retractable claws are at the end of each leg. These claws are used to grip surfaces for climbing. Also on the end of each leg, surrounding the claws, is a group of hairs. These hairs, called the scopula, help the tarantula to grip better when climbing surfaces like glass. The fifth pair are the pedipalps which aid in feeling, gripping prey, and mating for a mature male. The sixth pair of appendages are the chelicerae and their attached fangs. When walking, a tarantula's first and third leg on one side move at the same time as the second and fourth legs on the other side of his body. The muscles in a tarantula's legs cause the legs to bend at the joints, but to extend a leg, the tarantula increases the pressure of blood entering the leg.

Tarantulas, like almost all other spiders, have their primary spinnerets at the end of the opisthosoma. Unlike the typical spiders that on average have six, tarantulas have two or four spinnerets. Spinnerets are flexible tubelike structures from which the spider exudes its silk. The tip of each spinneret is called the spinning field. Each spinning field is covered by as many as one hundred spinning tubes through which silk is exuded. This silk hardens on contact with the air to become a threadlike substance.

Digestive system

The tarantula’s mouth is located under its chelicerae on the lower front part of its prosoma. The mouth is a short straw-shaped opening that can only suck, meaning that anything taken into it must be in liquid form. Prey with large amounts of solid parts, such as mice, must be crushed and ground up or predigested, which is accomplished by spraying the prey with digestive juices that are exudeded from openings in the chelicerae.

The tarantula’s digestive organ (stomach) is a tube that runs the length of its body. In the prosoma, this tube is wider and forms the sucking stomach. When the sucking stomach's powerful muscles contract, the stomach is increased in cross-section, creating a strong sucking action that permits the tarantula to suck its liquified prey up through the mouth and into the intestines. Once the liquified food enters the intestines, it is broken down into particles small enough to pass through the intestine walls into the haemolymph (blood stream) where it is distributed throughout the body.

Nervous system

closeup of a tarantula's eye

A tarantula's central nervous system (brain) is located in the bottom of the inner prosoma. A tarantula maintains awareness of its surroundings primarily by using its other sensory organs, setae. Although it has eyes, a tarantula’s sense of touch is its keenest sense and it often uses vibrations given off by its prey's movements to hunt. A tarantula's setae are very sensitive organs and are used to sense chemical signatures, vibrations, wind direction and possibly even sound. Tarantulas are also very responsive to the presence of certain chemicals such as pheromones. A pheromone (from Greek φέρω phero "to bear" + ‘ορμόνη " Hormone " is a Chemical that triggers a natural

The eyes are located above the chelicerae on the forward part of the prosoma. They are small and usually set in two rows of four. Most tarantulas are not able to see much more than light, darkness, and motion. Arboreal tarantulas see better than terrestrial tarantulas.

Respiratory system

In all types of tarantulas there are two sets of book lungs (breathing organs). The first pair of book lungs is located in a cavity inside the lower front part of the abdomen near where the abdomen connects to the cephalothorax and the second pair slightly farther back on the abdomen. Air enters the cavity through a tiny slit on each side of and near the front of the abdomen. Each lung consists of 15 or more thin sheets of folded tissue arranged like the pages of a book. These sheets of tissue are supplied by blood vessels. As air enters each lung, oxygen is taken into the blood stream through the blood vessels in the lungs. Needed moisture may also be absorbed from humid air by these organs.

Circulatory system

A tarantula’s blood is unique; an oxygen-transporting protein is present (the copper-based hemocyanin) but not enclosed in blood cells as are the erythrocytes of mammals. Hemocyanins (also spelled haemocyanins) are respiratory Proteins in the form of Metalloproteins containing two Copper atoms that reversibly A tarantula’s blood is not true blood but rather a liquid called haemolymph, or hemolymphy. There are at least four types of hemocytes, or hemolymph cells. The tarantula’s heart is a long slender tube that is located along the top of the opisthosoma. The heart is neurogenic as opposed to myogenic, so nerve cells instead of muscle cells initiate and coordinate the heart. The heart pumps hemolymph to all parts of the body through open passages often referred to as sinuses, and not through a circular system of blood vessels. If the exoskeleton were to be breached, loss of hemolymph could kill the tarantula unless the wound were small enough that the hemolymph could dry and close the wound.

Thermal image of a cold-blooded tarantula on a warm-blooded human hand

Defense

Besides the normal "hairs" covering the body of tarantulas, some also have a dense covering of irritating hairs called urticating hairs, on the opisthosoma, that they sometimes use as a protection against enemies. Urticating hairs are one of the primary Defense mechanisms used by some New World Tarantulas and lepidopteran caterpillars ^[1] These hairs are present on New World species but not on specimens from the Old World. The New World is one of the names used for the non-Eurasian/non-African parts of the Earth specifically the Americas and Australia. The Old World consists of those parts of Earth known to Europeans Asians and Africans in the 15th century

These fine hairs are barbed and designed to irritate. They can be lethal to small animals such as rodents. Some people are extremely sensitive to these hairs, and develop serious itching and rashes at the site. Exposure of the eyes and breathing system to urticating hairs should be strictly avoided. Species with urticating hairs can kick these hairs off: they are flicked into the air at a target using their back pairs of legs. Tarantulas also use these hairs for other purposes such as to mark territory or to line their shelters (the latter such practice may discourage flies from feeding on the spiderlings). True flies are Insects of the Order Diptera ( Greek: di = two and pteron = wing possessing a single pair of Urticating hairs do not grow back, but are replaced with each molt. The intensity, amount, and flotation of the hairs depends on the species of Tarantula. Many owners of Goliath Bird Eating Spiders (Theraphosa Blondi) claim that Theraphosa's have the worst urticating hairs.

To predators and other kinds of enemies, these hairs can range from being lethal to simply being a deterrent. With humans, they can cause irritation to eyes, nose, and skin, and more dangerously, the lungs and airways, if inhaled. The symptoms range from species to species, from person to person, from a burning itch to a minor rash. In some cases, tarantula hairs have caused permanent damage to human eyes. ^[2] Tarantula hair has been used as the main ingredient in the novelty item "itching powder",. Itching powder refers to a group of powders or powder-like substances which induce Itching when applied onto human Skin. Some tarantula enthusiasts have had to give up their spiders because of allergic reactions to these hairs (skin rashes, problems with breathing, and swelling of the affected area).

Some setae are used to stridulate which makes a hissing sound. These hairs are usually found on the chelicerae. Stridulation seems to be more common in Old World species. Stridulation is the act of producing Sound by rubbing together certain body parts

Venomous Bites

Despite their often scary appearance and reputation, none of the true tarantulas are known to have a bite which is deadly to humans. '''Spiders''' occasionally bite humans Although 98-99% of spider bites are harmless more rarely the symptoms of their bites can include necrotic wounds systemic In general the effects of the bites of all kinds of tarantulas are not well known. While the bites of many species are known to be no worse than a wasp sting, accounts of bites by some species are reported to be very painful. Because other proteins are included when a toxin is injected, some individuals may suffer severe symptoms due to an allergic reaction rather than to the venom. For both those reasons, and because any deep puncture wound can become infected, care should be taken not to provoke any tarantula into biting. Tarantulas are known to have highly individualistic responses. Some members of species generally regarded as aggressive can be rather easy to get along with, and sometimes a spider of a species generally regarded as docile can be provoked. Anecdotal reports indicate that it is especially important not to surprise a tarantula.

New World tarantulas (those found in North and South America) are equipped with urticating hairs on their abdomen, and will almost always use these as a first line of defense. Urticating hairs are one of the primary Defense mechanisms used by some New World Tarantulas and lepidopteran caterpillars These hairs will irritate sensitive areas of the body and especially seem to target curious animals who may sniff these hairs into the mucous membranes of the nose. Some species have more effective urticating hairs than others. The goliath birdeater is one species known for its particularly irritating urticating hairs. Old world tarantulas (from Asia) have no urticating hairs, and are more likely to attack when disturbed. Old world tarantulas often have more potent, medically significant venom.

Before biting, tarantulas may signal their intention to attack by rearing up into a "threat posture", which may involve raising their prosoma and lifting their front legs into the air, spreading and extending their fangs, and (in certain species) making a loud hissing noise by stridulating. Stridulation is the act of producing Sound by rubbing together certain body parts Their next step, short of biting, may be to slap down on the intruder with their raised front legs. If that response fails to deter the attacker they may next turn away and flick urticating hairs toward the pursuing predator. Their next response may be to leave the scene entirely, but, especially if there is no line of retreat, their final response may also be to whirl suddenly and bite. Tarantulas can be very deceptive in regard to their speed because they may habitually move very slowly, but are able to deliver an alarmingly rapid bite when sufficiently motivated.

There are dangerous spiders which are not true tarantulas but which are related to them and frequently confused with them. A popular urban legend maintains that there exist deadly varieties of tarantulas somewhere in South America. An urban legend or urban myth is a form of modern Folklore consisting of stories thought to be factual by those circulating them This claim is often made without identifying a particular spider although the "banana tarantula" is sometimes named. A likely candidate for the true identity of this spider is the dangerous Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria nigriventer), in the family Ctenidae, as it is sometimes found hiding in clusters of bananas and is one of several spiders called the "banana spider. The Brazilian wandering spiders ( Phoneutria spp) armed spiders ("aranhas armadeiras" as they are known in Portuguese) or The wandering spiders is a term used to refer to the spider family Ctenidae " It is not a tarantula but it is fairly large (4-5 inches long), somewhat hairy, highly venomous to humans, and is regarded as aggressive. Another dangerous type of spider that may be confused with tarantulas are the so-called venomous funnel-web tarantulas. The best known of these is the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus), a spider that is aggressive, highly venomous, and (prior to the development of antivenom in the 1980s) was responsible for numerous deaths in Australia. Australian funnel-web spiders are very venomous Spiders of the family Hexathelidae. Antivenin (or antivenom or antivenene) is a biological product used in the treatment of venomous bites or stings These spiders are members of the same suborder as the true tarantulas, but are not found in family Theraphosidae.

Medical implications

While no fatalities have been attributed to tarantula bites, sometimes spider bites are regarded as the probable source of infections. '''Spiders''' occasionally bite humans Although 98-99% of spider bites are harmless more rarely the symptoms of their bites can include necrotic wounds systemic Medical advice regarding prophylaxis may be helpful in that regard. In addition, there is considerable anecdotal evidence indicating that the venoms of some Old World species can produce symptoms so severe that medical treatment would be appropriate. Medical intervention is also regarded as appropriate when symptoms such as breathing difficulty or chest pain develop, since these conditions may indicate an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic (multi-system and severe Type I Hypersensitivity allergic reaction in humans and other Mammals As with bee stings, allergic reactions to protein fractions may be many times more dangerous than the direct toxic effects of the venom. A bee sting strictly means a sting from a Bee ( Honey bee, Bumblebee, Sweat bee etc Complete airway blockage can occur within 20 minutes of exposure to some allergens.

Sexual dimorphism

Some tarantula species exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism is the systematic difference in form between individuals of different Sex in the same Species. Males tend to be smaller (especially their abdomens, which can appear quite narrow) and may be quite dull when compared to their female counterparts, as in the species Haplopelma lividum. Mature male tarantulas also may have tibial hooks on their front legs, which are used to restrain the female's fangs during copulation.

A juvenile male's sex can be determined by looking at a cast exuvium for exiandrous fusillae or spermathecae. Exuvia (alternative spelling exuvium, plural exuviae) is a term used in Biology to describe the remains of an Exoskeleton that is left after Ventral sexing is less reliable, but, if done correctly, it can be relatively reliable. Males have much shorter lifespans than females because they die relatively soon after maturing. Few live long enough for a post-ultimate molt. It is unlikely that it happens much in natural habitats because they are vulnerable to predation, but it has happened in captivity if rarely. Most males do not live through this molt as they tend to get their emboli, mature male sexual organs on pedipalps, stuck in the molt. Most tarantula fanciers regard females as more desirable as pets due to their much longer lifespan. Wild caught tarantulas are often mature males because they wander out in the open and are more likely to be caught, while females remain hidden in their burrows. A stressed tarantula huddles up in the corner with its legs tucked close to it, does not react, or reacts slowly to touch. A dying tarantula will curl its legs like a clutched hand under it. The movements of tarantula legs are produced hydraulically and their legs retract when death lowers the hydraulic pressure. Tarantulas do not die on their backs unless they fail to survive molting.

Excessive dryness can kill tarantulas, especially tropical tarantulas. Although higher humidity helps with molting, it appears that for many tarantulas humidity does not highly affect molting as much as their actual state of hydration prior to molting. Most notably though, Theraphosa species must have conditions of high humidity to molt successfully. Carly Is Wrong

Life cycle

Ecdysis

the molting process

Like other spiders, tarantulas have to shed their exoskeleton periodically in order to grow, a process called molting. An exoskeleton is an external Skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body in contrast to the internal Endoskeleton of for example a Human. Ecdysis is the Molting of the Cuticula in Arthropods and related groups ( Ecdysozoa) Young tarantulas may do this several times a year as a part of their maturation process, while full grown specimens will only molt once a year or less, or sooner in order to replace lost limbs or lost urticating hairs. A tarantula is obviously going to molt (or "shed", as some call it) when the exoskeleton takes on a darker shade. If a tarantula previously used its urticating hairs, the bald patch will turn from a peach color to deep blue.

Tarantulas may live for years--most species taking 2 to 5 years to reach adulthood, but some species may take up to 10 years to reach full maturity. Upon reaching adulthood, males typically have but a 1 to 1. 5 year period left to live and will immediately go in search of a female with which to mate. It is rare that upon reaching adulthood the male tarantula will molt again. The oldest spider, according to Guinness World Records, lived to be 49 years old. Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records (and in previous U

Females will continue to molt after reaching maturity. Female specimens have been known to reach 30 to 40 years of age, and have survived on water alone for up to 2. 5 years. Grammostola rosea spiders are renowned for going for long periods without eating.

Reproduction

As with other spiders, the mechanics of intercourse are quite different from those of mammals. Once a male spider reaches maturity and becomes motivated to mate, it will weave a web mat on a flat surface. The spider will then rub its abdomen on the surface of this mat and in so doing release a quantity of semen. It may then insert its pedipalps (short leg-like appendages between the chelicerae and front legs) into the pool of semen. The pedipalps absorb the semen and keep it viable until a mate can be found. When a male spider detects the presence of a female, the two exchange signals to establish that they are of the same species. These signals may also lull the female into a receptive state. If the female is receptive then the male approaches her and inserts his pedipalps into an opening in the lower surface of her abdomen, called the Opithosoma. After the semen has been transferred to the receptive female's body, the male will swiftly leave the scene before the female recovers her appetite. Although females may show some aggression after mating, the male rarely becomes a meal.

Females deposit 50 to 2000 eggs, depending on the species, in a silken egg sac and guard it for 6 to 7 weeks. During this time, the female will stay very close to the eggsac and become more aggressive. The female turns the eggsac often, which is called brooding. This keeps the eggs from deforming due to sitting too long. The young spiderlings remain in the nest for some time after hatching where they live off the remains of their yolk sac before dispersing.

Taxonomy

Main article: List of Theraphosidae species

The family Theraphosidae is divided up into 12 subfamilies, containing over 100 genera and around 900 species between them. The family Theraphosidae is divided up into 12 subfamilies, as follows In Biological classification, family ( Latin A genus (plural genera from Γένος Latin genus "descent family type gender" is a low-level Taxonomic In Biology, a species is one of the basic units of Biological classification and a Taxonomic rank.

• Acanthopelminae, first described by Frederick Octavius Pickard-Cambridge in 1897, is a subfamily of small, terrestrial New World tarantulas. Acanthopelminae is a subfamily of New World Tarantulas. This subfamily has only one genus, Acanthopelma, with two species A Frederick Octavius Pickard-Cambridge ( November 3, 1860 - 1905 was an English Arachnologist. Year 1897 ( MDCCCXCVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common This subfamily has only one genus, Acanthopelma, and two species, A. beccarri and A. rufescens, found in Guyana and Central America. Guyana (ɡaɪˈænə or /ɡiːˈɑːnə/ officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and previously known as British Guiana, is the only Nation state

• Aviculariinae are a subfamily of tropical, tree-dwelling New World tarantulas. Avicularia is a Genus of the family Theraphosidae containing various Species of Tarantulas The genus is native to They range from the Caribbean to South America, and are commonly known as "pinktoe" tarantulas. The Caribbean (ˌkærəˡbiən kæ'rəbiən Cariben|Caraïben or Caraïben; Caraïbe or more commonly Antilles; Caribe is a Region consisting South America is a Continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a The genera Avicularia, Ephebopus and Pachistopelma possess urticating hairs, but cannot "flick" them into the air; instead the hairs are pressed into an enemy upon contact.

• Brachypelma are topical new-world species. Brachypelma is a Genus of the family Theraphosidae containing various Species of Tarantulas Characteristics These are generally considered docile and good starter species.

• Eumenophorinae are a subfamily of old-world tarantulas, mostly from Africa and surrounding regions. In addition, some authors place genus Proshapalopus (a genus found in Brazil, and not in Africa) in this sub-family. |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld

• Harpactirinae are a group of old-world tarantulas from Africa, though smaller than Eumenophorinae. Harpactirinae (commonly called baboon spiders) are a subfamily of old-world Tarantulas which are native to the continent of Africa. They are known as baboon spiders for their hairy legs and the thick black scorpulae at the end of their feet, which are said to resemble baboons. The baboons are African Old World monkeys belonging to the genus Papio, part of the subfamily Cercopithecinae.

• Ischnocolinae contains spiders from around the world.

• The earth tigers of subfamily Ornithoctoninae are a group of old-world tarantulas which are found primarily in Southeast Asia, southern China, and Borneo. Ornithoctoninae, also known as earth tigers, are a sub-family of old-world Tarantulas which were first erected in 1895 by Reginald Innes Pocock China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of Maritime Southeast Asia. This group includes the infamous Chinese bird spider, and species in this sub-family are known for being ill-tempered. Chinese bird spider is an English name given to several species of old-world Tarantulas which are found in the People's Republic of China and Vietnam

• Poecilotheriinae are tree spiders from India and Sri Lanka, some of which are considered endangered. Poecilotheria is a Genus of the family Theraphosidae containing various Species of arboreal Tarantula. An endangered species is a population of an organism which is at risk of becoming Extinct because it is either few in numbers or threatened by changing environmental or predation This subfamily contains only a single genus.

• Selenocosmiinae is a subfamily which consists mainly of tarantulas from East Asia and Australia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Like the East Asian tarantulas in Ornithoctoninae, these are known for their strong venom and defensive disposition. Ornithoctoninae, also known as earth tigers, are a sub-family of old-world Tarantulas which were first erected in 1895 by Reginald Innes Pocock The genera Psalmopoeus and Tapinauchenius do not have urticating hairs, unusual among New World species.

• Selenogyrinae consists of tarantulas from India and Africa.

• Stromatopelminae are tree-dwelling tarantulas from western Africa.

• Theraphosinae consists of new-world terrestrial tarantulas with urticating hairs. Urticating hairs are one of the primary Defense mechanisms used by some New World Tarantulas and lepidopteran caterpillars The majority of spiders kept as pets are of this sub-family.

• Thrigmopoeinae are Indian tarantulas. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country

A few genera are presently not well-classified, and/or have classifications which are disputed, including Brachionopus, Cardiopelma and Proshapalopus

Consumption

The Goliath birdeater tarantula (Theraphosa Blondi) is considered a delicacy by the indigenous Piaroa of Venezuela. The goliath bird eating spider (also called the birdeater) ( Theraphosa blondi) is an arachnid belonging to the Tarantula family and is the largest The Piaroa are an indigenous American Ethnic group living along the banks of the Orinoco and its tributaries in present day Venezuela Venezuela (ˌvɛnəˈzweɪlə) officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (Spanish República Bolivariana de Venezuela) is a country on the Another appearance of the tarantula as food was made on Anthony Bourdain's A Cook's Tour. Anthony Michael "Tony" Bourdain (born June 25 1956 is an American Author and Chef. A Cook's Tour Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines is a ''New York Times'' bestselling book written by chef and author Anthony Bourdain in 2001 Fried tarantulas are also considered a delicacy in Cambodia. A fried spider is a regional Delicacy in Cambodia. In the Cambodian town of Skuon, locals eat fried Spiders as an everyday snack The Kingdom of Cambodia ( formerly known as Kampuchea (, transliterated: Preăh Réachéanachâkr Kâmpŭchea) is a country in South East ^[3]

Etymology

The word tarantula applies to several very different kinds of spider. Spiders are Predatory Invertebrate Animals that have two body segments, eight legs no chewing mouth parts and no wings The spider originally bearing that name is one of the wolf spiders, Lycosa tarantula, found in the region surrounding the city of Taranto (or Tarentum in Latin), a town in Southern Italy. The "tarantula" wolf spider ( Lycosa tarantula) is a Wolf spider from the area around a city in Italy now called Taranto Not to be confused with Toronto. Taranto ( Ancient Greek: Tarās; Modern Greek: Tarantas) is a coastal city in Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest The town is named after Lord Tarantul, an Italian explorer who famously described Italy as "The big meatball". Compared to true tarantulas, wolf spiders are not particularly large or hairy.

The bite of L. tarantula was once believed to cause a fatal condition called tarantism, whose cure was believed to involve wild dancing of a kind that has come to be identified with the tarantella. Tarantism is an alleged possibly deadly Envenomation, popularly believed to result from the bite of a kind of Wolf spider called a "tarantula" ( The Tarantella is an Italian dance its name coming from the town of Taranto, where it originated However, modern research has shown that the bite of L. tarantula is not dangerous to human beings. There appears to have existed a different species of spider in the fields around Taranto responsible for fairly severe bites. The likely candidate (and the only spider found in the area which is dangerous to man) is the malmignatte or Mediterranean black widow. The spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, commonly known as the European or Mediterranean black widow, malmignatte spider, karakurt This spider, which belongs in the genus Latrodectus, is a close relative of the black widow and redback spiders, and has a bite which is medically significant. The widow spiders are members of the genus Latrodectus, in the family Theridiidae. The black widow spider is a group of Spiders which includes the southern black widow ( Latrodectus mactans) the northern black widow The Redback spider ( Latrodectus hasselti) is a potentially dangerous Spider native to Australia. '''Spiders''' occasionally bite humans Although 98-99% of spider bites are harmless more rarely the symptoms of their bites can include necrotic wounds systemic However, the so-called tarantulas were fairly large, frequently visible (as is typical of wolf spiders), and thus drew more attention, taking the blame from its relative. These factors, combined with the belief in the fatality of tarantism, assured the other kind of spiders generally called tarantulas a fearsome reputation.

When theraphosidae were encountered by European explorers in the Americas, they were named "tarantulas". The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere or New World, consisting of the Continents of North America and South America Nevertheless, these spiders belong to the suborder Mygalomorphae, and are not at all closely related to wolf spiders. The Mygalomorphae, (also called the Orthognatha) are an Infraorder of Spiders The latter name comes from the orientation of the fangs which

The name "tarantula" is also applied to other large-bodied spiders, including the purseweb spiders or atypical tarantulas, the funnel-web tarantulas (Dipluridae and Hexathelidae), and the dwarf tarantulas. The atypical tarantulas or purseweb spiders (family Atypidae) consist of only three genera. Funnel-web tarantulas (super-family Dipluroidea, family Dipluridae) like other mygalomorphs, have two pairs of Booklungs and Fangs The spider family Hexathelidae, the only family in the super-family Hexatheloidea, is one of two families (along with Dipluridae) of spiders known Dwarf tarantulas, also known as sheet funnel-web spiders are a type of spider from the family Mecicobothriidae. These spiders are related to true tarantulas (all being mygalomorphs), but are classified in different families. In Biological classification, family ( Latin Huntsman spiders of the family Sparassidae are also informally referred to as "tarantulas" because of their large size. Huntsman spider is a common name given to the family Sparassidae (formerly Heteropodidae) Huntsman spider is a common name given to the family Sparassidae (formerly Heteropodidae) They are not related, belonging to the suborder Araneomorphae. The Araneomorphae are a Suborder of Spiders They are distinguished by having Chelicerae (fangs that point diagonally forward and cross in a pinching action

See also

• List of Theraphosidae species
• Spider families
• Tarantula hawk (wasp that feeds on tarantulas)

Notes

References

• S. B. Reichling & R. C. West (1996). A new genus and species of theraphosid spider from Belize (Araneae, Theraphosidae). Journal of Arachnology 24: 254–261.  
• R. R. Raven (2005). A new tarantula species from northern Australia (Araneae, Theraphosidae). Zootaxa 1004: 15–28. Zootaxa is an international Journal for animal taxonomists. It is published in English by Magnolia Press in Auckland, New Zealand  

External links

International Societies

• American Tarantula Society Headquarters
• The British Tarantula Society
• German Arachnologic Society
• The Australian Tarantula Association

American Societies

• SFBATS - San Francisco Bay Area Tarantula Society
• N-TEC · Nebraska Tarantula Enthusiasts Club
• MTTG · Middle Tennessee Tarantula Group
• SCABIES - Southern California Arachnid Bug Invertebrate Enthusiast Society

Other sites

• Tarantulas.us - Forums - Tarantula Discussion Boards and Caresheets.
• Arachnoboards - Arachnid discussion board
• Arachnofreaks - Arachnid forum
• Tarantula care - Gallery of tarantulas and other arachnids.
• Tarantulas.us - Gallery - Photo gallery of tarantula's species.
• How to Pick a tarantula and Care for a tarantula
• Birdspiders.com - Rick C. West's Site. Includes a gallery of tarantula pictures by species in alphabetical order.
• Caresheets of several tarantula species
• Information on tarantulas, scorpions, and other invertebrates
• Stanley A. Schultz and Marguerite J. Schultz, "Common and scientific name correlations of the theraphosid tarantulas", University of Calgary
• Tarantulas Photo Gallery Tarantula photos (Mexican Red Knee, Green Bottle Blue, Salmon Pink etc)