Brazilian red and white tarantula

Brazilian red and white tarantula
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Nhandu
Species: N. chromatus
Binomial name
Nhandu chromatus
Schmidt, 2004
Synonyms

Vitalius cristatus

The Brazilian red and white tarantula (Nhandu chromatus) is a tarantula species that is native to Brazil.

Description

The Brazilian red and white tarantula (Nhandu chromatus) is a larger tarantula with a diagonal leg span of approximately 15–17 centimetres (5.9–6.7 in). The Brazilian red and white tarantula is noted for its white striped legs, beige to grey prosoma, and the reddish hairs on the opisthosoma. Males and females look the same until the ultimate (final) molt of the males. At this point the male will exhibit sexual dimorphism in the form of a duller coloration and legginess. Additionally males will gain an embolus on the pedipalps and tibial apophysis (mating hooks). The Brazilian red and white tarantula is a terrestrial species that will often make a burrow or make use of an abandoned burrow. The Brazilian red and white tarantula is reputed to be quite defensive with its urticating hairs.

Habitat

The Brazilian red and white tarantula is found in the tropical forests and savannahs of Brazil and Paraguay.

Pets

The Brazilian red and white tarantula is now fairly common in the pet trade, and it is popular among tarantula keepers for its beautiful coloration. The Brazilian red and white tarantulas large size, skittish demeanor, and urticating hairs means that it should not be handled except by an experienced person.

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Thursday, April 14, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.