Brown Tarantula #2

by Robert Bales

Title

Brown Tarantula #2

Artist

Robert Bales

Medium

Photograph - Photo

Description

While having lunch this week my wife looked outside and this one was walking down our sidewalk. We took it out to the desert and released it.
Aphonopelma hentzi, the Texas Brown tarantula, (also known as Oklahoma Brown tarantula or Missouri tarantula), is one of the most common species of tarantula thriving in the southern-most United States today. Texas Browns can grow in excess of a four inch leg span, and weigh more than 3 ounces as adults. The body is dark brown in color. Shades may vary between individual tarantulas and is more distinct after moult.
Tarantulas comprise a group of often hairy and very large 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". Most species of tarantulas are not dangerous to humans, and some species have become popular in the exotic pet trade.
Tarantulas give some people the creeps because of their large, hairy bodies and legs. But these spiders are harmless to humans (except for a painful bite), and their mild venom is weaker than a typical bee's. Among arachnid enthusiasts, these spiders have become popular pets.

Tarantulas periodically shed their external skeletons in a process called molting. In the process, they also replace internal organs, such as female genitalia and stomach lining, and even regrow lost appendages.

There are hundreds of tarantula species found in most of the world's tropical, subtropical, and arid regions. They vary in color and behavior according to their specific environments. Generally, however, tarantulas are burrowers that live in the ground.

Tarantulas are slow and deliberate movers, but accomplished nocturnal predators. Insects are their main prey, but they also target bigger game, including frogs, toads, and mice. The South American bird-eating spider, as it name suggests, is even able to prey upon small birds.

Uploaded

December 14th, 2013

Statistics

Viewed 734 Times  -  Last Visitor from Decatur, IL on 04/23/2024 at 1:56 AM

Colors

Embed

Share

Sales Sheet

Tags