Order Araneae Scientific name Theraphosidae | Higher classification Theraphosoidea Rank Family | |
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Lower classifications Goliath birdeater, Brachypelma, Mexican redknee tarantula, Poecilotheria, Chilean rose tarantula | ||
3 best tarantula breeds for beginners pet tarantulas
Tarantulas comprise a group of large and often hairy arachnids belonging to the Theraphosidae family of spiders, of which approximately 900 species have been identified. This article only describes members of Theraphosidae, although some other members of the same suborder are commonly referred to as "tarantulas". Except in cases of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) no species of tarantula are dangerous to humans, and some species have become popular in the exotic pet trade.
Contents
- 3 best tarantula breeds for beginners pet tarantulas
- What is a tarantula pet tarantulas
- Overview
- Etymology
- New world and other divergent usages
- Distribution
- Habits
- Appendages
- Silk producing feet
- Digestive system
- Nervous system
- Respiratory system
- Circulatory system
- Predators
- Bites and urticating bristles
- Sexual dimorphism
- Life cycle
- Reproduction
- Taxonomy
- Genera
- Fossil record
- References
What is a tarantula pet tarantulas
Overview
Like all arthropods, the tarantula is an invertebrate that relies on an exoskeleton for muscular support. Like other Arachnida a tarantula’S body comprises two main parts, the prosoma (or cephalothorax) and the opisthosoma (or abdomen). The prosoma and opisthosoma are connected by the pedicel, or 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.
Tarantulas sizes range from as small as a fingernail to as large as a dinner plate when the legs are fully extended. Depending on the species, the body length of tarantulas ranges from 2.5 to 10 centimetres (1 to 4 in), with leg spans of 8–30-centimetre (3–12 in). Leg span is determined by measuring from the tip of the back leg to the tip of the front leg on the opposite side. Some of the largest species of tarantula may weigh over 85 grams (3 oz); the largest of all, the goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) from Venezuela and Brazil, has been reported to attain a weight of 170 grams (6.0 oz) and a leg-span of up to 30 centimetres (12 in), males being longer and females greater in girth. The fang size of this tarantula reaches a maximum of 1.5 inches.
Theraphosa apophysis (the pinkfoot goliath) was described 187 years after the goliath birdeater; therefore its characteristics are not as well attested.Theraphosa blondi is generally thought to be the heaviest tarantula, and T. apophysis to have the greatest leg span. Two other species, Lasiodora parahybana (the Brazilian salmon birdeater) and Lasiodora klugi, rival the size of the two goliath spiders.
Most species of North American tarantulas are brown. Elsewhere species have been found that variously display cobalt blue (Cyriopagopus lividus), black with white stripes (