the mexican redknee tarantula ( brachypelma hamorii ) is a terrestrial tarantula native to the western faces of the sierra madre occidental and sierra madre del sur mountain ranges in mexico .

they are a large species , and are a popular choice for enthusiasts .

like most tarantulas , they have a long lifespan .

mexican redknee tarantula

today i want to write about a scary looking spider , the mexican redknee tarantula .
mexican redknee tarantula - buy mexican redknee tarantula by surhone , lambert m . | editorial ; tennoe , mariam t . | editorial ; henssonow , susan f . | editorial online at best prices in india - urltoken
this page contains mexican redknee tarantula facts for kids ( and adults ) . this animal is part of the
redknee tarantula with previous exoskelton . click / double - click image to enlarge .
mexican redknee tarantula ( english , paperback , lambert m . surhone , mariam t . tennoe , susan f . henssonow )
the mexican redknee tarantula is the most common pet tarantula in the world . in the usa , only captive - grown spiders are allowed to be sold .
the mexican redknee is a large and distinctive tarantula . it is one of the most common pet tarantulas and the most popular tarantula to be used in movies !
the mexican redknee tarantula is a native to the western faces of the sierra madre occidental and sierra madre del sur mountain ranges in mexico .
tarantula mythbusters 2 : detailed vid of b . smithi ( mexican red knee )
the mexican redknee tarantula has eight eyes , and can see forwards and backwards at the same time . however , the redknee’s eyesight is poor , and it relies more on its excellent sense of touch when hunting .
the mexican redknee tarantula has a hairy , black body . the orange - red patches on the joints of its legs give the species its name .
although thought of as a powerful predator , the mexican redknee tarantula is just as likely to be preyed on by animals such as birds and lizards .
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the mexican redknee tarantula is found on the pacific coast of mexico . it mainly lives in dry areas such as deserts and mountainsides , and is also found in forests . it digs deep burrows in soil banks , which provide protection from predators . the mexican redknee tarantula is a solitary animal and lives alone .
brachypelma smithi , the mexican redknee tarantula in premolt . the bald patch has darkened to nearly black because of the developing pigmentation in the underlying , new bristles .
young mexican redknee tarantulas eat crickets and small insects . adults eat crickets , insects , small frogs , small lizards and mice .
brachypelma smithi , the mexican redknee tarantula displaying the bald patch during intermolt . the tip of the arrow points to the very faint , rear end of the heart .
, mexican redleg tarantula .
the duchess .
the date on the photo was 1975 .
the mexican redknee tarantula is classified as near threatened ( nt ) on the iucn red list ( 1 ) , and is listed on appendix ii of cites ( 2 ) .
this particular species is the most popular captive tarantula species in the world , and prior to 1985 it was collected in thousands ( 6 ) . habitat loss is now the major threat to the mexican redknee tarantula .
this particular species is the most popular captive tarantula species in the world , and prior to 1985 it was collected in thousands ( 6 ) . habitat loss is now the major threat to the mexican redknee tarantula .
mexican redknee tarantulas are classified as “ near threatened ” by the iucn , and measures are now in place to protect them in the wild .
the spider’s natural habitat is being destroyed by local farming and climate change . mexican redknee tarantulas are also illegally captured and sold to the pet trade .
terrifying new footage has emerged online , which shows the moment a mexican red knee tarantula sheds its entire skin .
the mexican redknee tarantula lives in ground burrows ( 6 ) , in rocky areas under thorny vegetation , usually in scrubland or desert , dry thorn forest or tropical deciduous forest ( 4 ) ( 5 ) .
the mexican redknee tarantula is generally docile , easy to handle and harmless to humans . it will only bite if threatened , but its venom is not fatal . the bite is equivalent to a bee sting .
like all arachnids , the mexican redknee has eight legs . the male and female are similar in appearance , but the male usually has a smaller body and longer legs .
sensitive hairs on the mexican redknee’s legs can pick up the tiniest vibrations . a small area at the end of each leg is sensitive to smell , taste and touch .
the mexican redknee tarantula is an ambush predator . it lies in wait in its burrow for prey to pass , before leaping out to subdue its victim with a venomous bite . the prey is then dragged back into the burrow .
mexican redknee tarantulas are found along the central pacific coast of mexico , from southern coastal jalisco to north - western oaxaca state and inland to the states of mexico and morelos ( 5 ) .
mexican redknee tarantulas shed their external skeleton ( hard outer skin ) in a process called molting . all tarantulas must go through the molting process a few times a year in order to grow .
my mex . redknee , frida has an annoying habit . please tell me if this is indicative of a problem .
mexican red knee for sale believed to be a female . contact for pictures . locally only
two days ago one of the juvenile mexican red knee tarantulas ( brachypelma smithi ) molted .
[ … ] sunday , june 10 the smaller of the redknee tarantula juvenile siblings ( brachpelma smithi ) molted . on thursday , june 13 the larger juvenile [ … ]
[ … ] one of several unexpected darkling beetle larvae feeding on the exuvial fluids of a molting mexican red knee tarantula ( brachypelma smithi ) . this really brought home the vulnerability of arthropods during and shortly after molting . original link – “redknee tarantula ( brachypelma smithi ) molt & an arthropod husbandry lesson“ [ … ]
mexican red knee for sale believed to be a female . contact for pictures . locally only tranksbear
the tarantula , by william j baerg tarantula spiders ; tarantulas of usa and mexico , by andrew m . smith
the vibrations , so can your tarantula . turn your stereo down , or move the tarantula to another room .
can any one tell me what is the exact life span of a male mexican red leg tarantula ? ? i had heard they live longer than other male species .
brachypelma emilia , the mexican redleg tarantula displaying the bald patch during intermolt . the tip of the arrow points to the very faint , rear end of the heart .
listed on appendix ii of the convention on international trade in endangered species ( cites ) in 1985 , the mexican redknee tarantula can now only be traded internationally according to quotas and with trade permits ( 6 ) , and in mexico permits are required to collect or remove any spider from the theraphosid family ( 5 ) .
mexican redknee tarantulas mate between july and october . the female makes a silk pad , onto which she lays between 200 and 400 eggs . she then covers this with a sticky substance , and wraps the whole bundle with silk , making an egg sack .
this is my basic care video for the brachypelma smithi - mexican red knee tarantula . if you have any special requests or feedback them drop me a message over at : urltoken
female mexican red - knee tarantulas typically live 25 to 30 years while males rarely live more than 10 years .
it ' s of a wild tarantula ( putatively grammostola rosea , the chilean rose tarantula ) taken near algarroba , chile in september 2008 .
the adult mexican red knee tarantulas reach a leg span of about 5 inches . the males typically live for around 10 years while females live for much longer and can live upwards of 25 to 30 years . if you are planning on having a pet mexican red knee tarantula as a pet , be aware of these lifespans , as a female pet tarantula is a serious time commitment .
mexican redknee tarantulas don’t weave webs to catch insects , but wait in their burrows for the opportunity to ambush their prey , using their powerful legs to hold down their meal while they bite them with their large venomous fangs . they eat insects , small frogs , small lizards and mice .
the mexican red - kneed tarantula can be bred in captivity if certain pre - mating conditions are maintained . the females seem to benefit from a cooling period of a couple of months prior to mating .
after a large meal , the tarantula might not eat again for a month .
the tarantula stops eating entirely and lays still for two weeks before it molts .
the tarantula stops eating entirely and lays still for two weeks before it moulted .
time lapse tarantula molting ! b . smithi . ( watch in hd ! )
the tarantula hawk , a large wasp , is one of the tarantula’s deadliest enemies . some are metallic blue to green with reddish orange wings . the tarantula hawk uses its venom to paralyze the tarantula . the wasp then drags the prey back to its lair , where its immobilized body is used as an incubation site for their eggs . when the eggs hatch , they consume the tarantula’s still living body .
the mexican red knee tarantula originates from the semi - desert scrubland of mexico and panama . its abdomen is black with a few red hairs . its legs are black striped with bands of orange , tan and red colorations .
one of the most well - known tarantulas is the brachypelma smithi , otherwise known as the mexican red knee tarantula . these tarantulas have very vibrant
red knees
that contrast with their very dark body color , making them easy to distinguish from other types of tarantulas . the mexican red knee tarantula originates from the pacific coast of mexico , where its natural habitat is very dry with little to no vegetation . this the
classic
pet tarantula and has enjoyed tremendous popularity due to its beauty , temperament , and long lifespan .
the tarantula has two hollow fangs , through which it injects its prey with venom .
too much of it . our tarantula is rapidly losing its slim , girlish figure .
distribution and natural history of mexican species of brachypelma and brachypelmides a . locht , m . yanez and i . vazquez – journal of arachnology , 1999
mexican red - knee spiders are considered
near threatened
by the iucn and are on apendex ii of cites , which limits trade of individuals between countries . it is illegal to catch and sell wild individuals . mexican red - knee spiders are at risk because of the pet trade and habitat destruction .
tnx all for your guides . yes dear xhexdx i mean the total life span . i have a 6cm mexican red leg so i wanted to know .
was described by cambridge in 1897 . they originate from mexico and are found on western faces of the sierra madre occidental and sierra madre del sur mountain ranges . they are a burrowing species living in deciduous tropical forests in the hilly terrain . other common names it is known by are red - kneed tarantula and mexican red knee tarantula .
maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity is an important element of mexican red knee tarantula care . the recommended temperature for the terrarium is around 75 - 80 f and the humidity levels should be kept around 50 to 60 % . if you notice your tarantula constantly hiding out in a corner of the terrarium , it is probably too humid .
the tarantula ' s eating habits also change in the lead - up to the molting .
the tarantula ' s eating habits also change in the lead - up to the moulting .
mexican red - kneed tarantulas are successfully bred in captivity . captive bred specimens are found in the united states and are imported from successful breeders in europe . the
hunting at night by lying in ambush , the mexican redknee tarantula attacks insects , small frogs , small lizards , and mice . an area on the end of each leg is sensitive to smells , tastes and vibrations , and this is used to detect prey . the tarantula holds its prey with its pedipalps ( front limbs ) and injects it with venom delivered via two hollow fangs . this venom has a double purpose , paralysing the prey as well as beginning digestion . once the venom has acted , the tarantula is able to suck up the proteins and fats of its prey , leaving just a small ball of undigested body parts ( 4 ) .
adult mexican red knee tarantulas will eat crickets and other large insects ( these absolutely must be pesticide free ) , the occasional pinky mouse , lizards , or even a fuzzy mouse . do not be surprised when your tarantula eats something as large as themselves .
to do this , the tarantula must contract its abdomen , pushing fluid into the upper body .
force your tarantula to endure 24 / 7 / 365 darkness for the same reasons given above .
to shed the skin , the tarantula must contract its abdomen , pushing fluid into the upper body . the fluid increases the pressure on the exoskeleton , allowing the tarantula to break through its weak spots
a . m . smith tarantula spiders — tarantulas of the u . s . a . and mexico
tarantulas have very few natural enemies , other than humans . its only real natural enemy is an insect known as the tarantula hawk or tarantula killers ( pepsis wasps ) , it is a giant wasp .
the fluid increases the pressure on the exoskeleton , allowing the tarantula to break through its weak spots .
in this episode of exotic pet facts i present you the mexican red kneed tarantula in all its pre - molting glory . if you have any questions please leave them in the comment section below . as all my exotic pet facts videos , this was shot at petcircus in ottawa .
when a tarantula moults it lies on its back with its legs in the air , at this time the tarantula is very vulnerable and can be attacked and killed by the insects that it usually feeds on .
deep , between the spread chelicerae can be seen a small , light colored structure . this is the tarantula ' s mouth ! the actual position and structure of a tarantula ' s mouth is very rarely seen , much
this applies to most tarantula species with few exceptions ( the megaphobema genus is one example of an exception ) .
if a tarantula loses a leg or other appendage before a moult , after the tarantula has moulted it may have partially or fully re - grown the missing limb , this is called regeneration . many reptiles can also do this .
care sheet the mexican red knee tarantula will need a five to ten gallon aquarium or terrarium tank with a locking screen top . you should line the bottom of the tank with about two inches of bed - a - beast or eco earth . the tank will also require a shallow water dish and hide area .
im thinking of getting a mexican red knee and i was wondering what website to get it on i want a female for a not to big price . if you know any good sites please tell me
the real tarantula of course is , like the other spiders wrongly named after it , are not really dangerous to most humans . you may feel a little sick if you have been bitten by a tarantula , but normally that is all .
mexican red - kneed tarantula is a stocky species . it has a striking tan and black carapace , dark abdomen and legs and red - orange patches on the joints of its legs . adult females can have a leg span reaching up to 6 inches ( 15 cm ) , with males being smaller bodied but with longer legs .
the wasp stings the tarantula , which paralyses it , the wasp then lays an egg on its abdomen and then buries it in the tarantulas burrow . when the egg hatches the tarantula is used as a living food source by the wasp grub .
i had no idea that these larvae were in the inch - deep layer of substrate on the bottom of the tarantula container .
warm them up to the appropriate temperature and watch them . if they show signs of weakness or disorientation , placing the tarantula in an
brachypelma vagans – although tarantulas are not native to florida , several species have been introduced due to pet trade and importation . the most recognized species in florida is the brachypelma vagans . originally of mexican origin , these spiders are believed to have entered florida in the 1980s , although official identification did not occur until 1998 . also commonly known as mexican red rumps , these arachnids are black with red abdomens . while painful , their bites are not fatal to humans .
) called urticating bristles . ( no old world tarantula possesses urticating bristles or displays a bald spot . ) these urticating bristles are only very loosely attached and are lost quite easily . this loss produces a bald area through which the tarantula ' s fatty tissue and even the
predators : tarantulas have few enemies except the tarantula hawk wasps . members of this wasp family use their sting to paralyze species specific tarantulas .
as always , if you have any questions about your pet tarantula , be sure to speak with a veterinarian that specializes in exotic pets .
mortality / longevity : tarantulas have few enemies except tarantula hawk wasps . members of this wasp family use their sting to paralyze species specific tarantulas . the wasp lays an egg on the tarantula’s abdomen and then seals the spider in its burrow . the wasp larva hatches and feeds on the immobile and doomed tarantula . males usually die shortly after maturity and mating . females can live over 20 years in the wild , perhaps significantly longer .
about twice a year we hear from someone who wants to know if the sound from their stereo will have an adverse effect on their tarantula .
a parallel situation exists with a tarantula kept in a busy passageway , kitchen , den , or recreation room , especially if there are a number of people living in the same home . if the tarantula hides in its burrow or cave all the time , this may be a contributing cause .
the real tarantula is a small slightly hairy spider ( about 2 inches ( 5cm ' s ) across ) . it is not dangerous to humans !
the asian ( old world ) species does not use urticating hairs , this type of tarantula tends to run away and only bite only if provoked .
a small ( 5 to 10 gallon ) tank is suitable for mexican red knee tarantulas . the width of the tank should be two to three times wider than the leg span of the spider wide and only as tall as the spider & apos ; s leg span . the substrate ( or bottom of the habitat ) should be a mix of peat moss , soil , or vermiculite . the substrate needs to be about half the height of the terrarium . this gives the tarantula plenty of space to burrow and will also make sure that any falls do not injure the tarantula . wood , cork bark , or half of a small clay flower pot can be used for a shelter / retreat for the tarantula .
there have been no substantiated deaths attributed to tarantula bites . indeed more people have died from bee stings and snake bites than by any type of spider .
the warmer the enclosure and the more often you feed , the faster the tarantula will molt and the faster it will grow , mature , and die .
the red - kneed tarantula will feed aggressively on large insects and large specimens can be fed an occasional pink mouse ( once every couple of months ) .
moments later the darkened area below the tarantula began to vibrate . a wormlike larval beetle head emerged from the substrate and the larva began to feed on the exuding liquids . it rapidly transferred its feeding activity from the substrate to the old exoskeleton of the emerging tarantula . this was clearly a dune sandworm moment .
one of the more remarkable cases of fasting concerns grammostola rosea , the chilean rose tarantula . the interested reader is referred to our webpage on that topic .
the first pair of legs are spread wide in a classic threat pose . the tibial hooks appear prominently , especially on the tarantula ' s left leg .
the name ' tarantula ' nowadays refers to the media image of large hairy spiders , most of these are only distantly related to the real tarantula , they belong to a different family of spiders , this family is know as theraphosids or mygalomorphs . spiders are members of the arachnid family , they are not insects !
comes from a real spider that is found in southern italy , it lives mainly in an area around the town of taranto . in fact the real tarantula (
west , r . c . ( 2005 ) the brachypelma of mexico . journal of the british tarantula society , 20 ( 4 ) : 108 - 119 .
west , r . c . ( 2005 ) the brachypelma of mexico . journal of the british tarantula society , 20 ( 4 ) : 108 - 119 .
the excessive heat of sunlight is a serious threat . and , the exposure often incites the tarantula to hypersensitivity and hyperactivity . yes , we are well aware of people who do this from time to time for various reasons , but the practice isn ' t needed by the tarantula , and exposes the spider to much risk .
nowadays , all large hairy spiders have been given the name tarantula , even though many are only very distantly related to the real tarantula . tarantulas are often called bird eating spiders , very few actually eat birds , those that do usually raid nests and take the young chicks , most however , like our native spiders only eat insects .
locht , a . , yáñez , m . and vázquez , i . ( 1999 ) distribution and natural history of mexican species of brachypelma and brachypelmides ( theraphosidae , theraphosinae ) with morphological evidence to support their synonymy . the journal of arachnology , 27 ( 1 ) : 196 - 200 .
as you can see from those figures there is no way a tarantula could survive if it escaped into our countryside ( uk ) , one sharp frost would kill it .
eurypelma californicum – this species is the most common tarantula in the u . s . and can be found in the desert areas of california , texas , and arizona .
these bristles are so loosely attached that almost any disturbance or physical contact will loosen them and they will waft away in local air currents . and , because the tarantula flicks these bristles into the air around it when startled , if it feels threatened , or even if it simply feels a little nervous or overwrought , many if not most such tarantulas sport such bare spots . thus , while disturbance may prompt a tarantula to flick or kick the urticating bristles into a little cloud around them , this is definitely not the only reason or way that a tarantula may lose those bristles . and most certainly their loss does not necessarily indicate that a tarantula is experiencing great or undue stress .
lives in deep burrows along the pacific coast of mexico . a captive enclosure for the mexican red - kneed tarantula should try to mimic these conditions . in a ten - gallon enclosure , use a deep ( 6 to 8
) substrate composed of a mixture of slightly damp sand and peat moss ( 50 / 50 ratio ) . add a cave - like shelter at one end and begin a burrow under this shelter . the spider will typically continue the excavation .
tarantulas do not eat food like we do , when a tarantula catches an insect , it injects venom in to it . this does two things , it first paralyses the prey and then the venom breaks down the insects body tissue , so that the tarantula can suck the liquid up . this usually leaves a hollow shell that was an insect .
the tarantula takes between two and twelve hours on average to complete the sheding of its old exoskeleton ( its skin ) . once this has been accomplished , the tarantula will not eat for two or more days , as its fangs are still soft : the fangs are also part of the exoskeleton and are shed with the rest of the skin .
despite looking very scary , they are actually easy to handle which , when combined with their unique markings , makes them the most popular tarantula species to be used in movies .
a tarantula on its back is probably not sick . most tarantula species flip onto their backs during molting . though this is a very stressful and delicate time for tarantulas , if the humidity and warmth levels are correct , they will molt their exoskeleton , roll over , harden up , and within a week or two be ready for their next meals .
apart from its powerful bite , the tarantula can also brush hairs from its abdomen at its attacker . these hairs are barbed , and can cause severe irritation and even blindness .
place a bright light over or on your tarantula ' s cage . tarantulas neither need or enjoy the bright light nor the heat . normal room lighting is adequate , however .
hair : they are distinguishable from other spiders by the dense body hair . this hair , which covers the entire body of the tarantula , serves as a defense mechanism against predators .
there is a review that the paint job on this is awful , i found no such thing , and this is a very accurate tarantula . lovely , and a reasonable price !
the huge spider , which is around 10cm long , with a leg span of 15cm , is shedding its skin as part of a moulting process which helps the tarantula to grow .
this tarantula when fully grown is known to reach a leg span of 12 inches across ! if you put it on a large dinner plate its legs would probably not touch the sides .
the very first thing one sees are the anterior medial eyes glowing menacingly in the late afternoon sunlight . truly , this tarantula is in its prime and more than ready for a fight !
as one of the most popular species in captivity , the mexican red - kneed tarantulas are often available from dealers and breeders who have produced an egg sac , or purchased specimens from successful breeders in europe . this species , protected by cites , must be accompanied by paperwork and importation documentation when they are imported from outside the united states .
the people of the southern italian town of taranto , believed that if they were bitten by they spider that they called tarantula , if the bite was not treated quickly , that they would die .
scary because the fool thing doesn ' t know how to do it safely ! now , the alien is learning a better way to do it , and the tarantula is getting used to it .
tarantulas are shy creatures , if they are disturbed they will usually run away , either to their burrow or to the nearest cover . if an animal tries to attack a tarantula , it will defend itself in one of two ways : all american ( new world ) species will first kick urticating ( irritating ) hairs out of its abdomen at its attacker , this will usually drive the attacker off , the tarantula will only bite its attacker if the first step fails . the asian ( old world ) species does not use urticating hairs , this type of tarantula tends to run away and only bite if provoked .
this is my first lego ideas project . it is also my first major project . as the title says this here is a mexican red - knee tarantula ; i tried my best to make look good and also posable in any way you want . i built it on ldd and honestly i don’t know if its legs can hold its weight . i don’t have the pieces to build a real life replica but the legs should be able to hold . if anyone can in any way test it to see if the legs would hold i would greatly appreciate it .
it is often said , mistakenly so , that a female tarantula kills and eats her mate , in fact about 60 percent of males manage a getaway without being killed , many though , do sustain wounds .
native to , er , mexico , this specific type of tarantula species can live for up to 30 years and is relatively docile , making it a popular pet among spider enthusiasts . also , cool colours !
no sooner than seven days ( ten days would be better ) after receiving the tarantula , but only if it appears to be in good health , offer it one ( 1 ) cricket in the evening .
there have been no substantiated deaths attributed to tarantula bites . tarantulas are in fact very clean creatures , they are not known to carry any communicable diseases that can be picked up by humans or indeed any animal .
crickets and locusts are usually available from pet shops that sell tarantulas and reptiles and you can try other livestock which you catch yourself , such as moths and caterpillars . some will even eat earthworms . a tarantula of about 3 - 4 cm in body length will eat 8 - 10 crickets each week although it will survive on less . you can in an emergency also feed your tarantula on cubes of beef heart though this mill be lacking nutrients if it is the sole diet . like most arachnids tarantulas seem happier with a bit of variety in their diet . the prey items you feed your tarantula should be quite a bit smaller than the tarantula . small spiderlings can be fed on large aphids , flightless fruitflies and newly hatched crickets ( called pinheads in pet shops ) . as you spider moults and grows so the size of the prey it can eat will increase .
the arboreal tarantula rarely set foot upon the ground , eating and drinking high in the tree where it has made its home . they drink water droplets from early morning dew or rain that form on their silken homes .
this usually docile tarantula will kick hairs off the abdomen with its hind legs when threatened , which cause blindness if they hit the eyes of a predator and can also cause a rash on the skin ( 4 ) .
remarks : this usually docile tarantula will kick hairs off the abdomen with its hind legs when threatened , which cause blindness if they hit the eyes of a predator and can also cause a rash on the skin . references
i don ' t know what to do . there ' s a dead cricket in my tarantula ' s cage that i need to get out . how do i remove the cricket without stressing mephistopheles out ?
mexican red - knee tarantulas have eight eyes located around their head so they can see both forward and backward . however , their vision is relatively poor . hairs on their legs are used to sense vibrations , and the palps on the end of their legs allow them to smell , taste , and feel . each foot has two claws , enabling the spider to climb slippery surfaces .
exoskeleton : they have strong exteriors known as exoskeletons . the tarantula’s body is comprised of two major parts : the prosoma , also known as the cephalothorax , and the abdomen , or opisthosoma . these two parts are joined by a pedicle , or pregenital somite , which is perceived to be the waist of the tarantula’s body . this pedicle is crucial to the mobility and agility of these spiders , as it allows the opisthosoma a larger range of movement .
lights are not necessary . an under tank heat pad should be supplied . the main diet for the tarantula will be gut - loaded crickets fed a couple times a week . mealworms or waxworms may also used in the diet .
tarantulas are shy creatures , if they are disturbed they will usually run away , either to their burrow or to the nearest cover . if an animal tries to attack a tarantula , it will defend itself in one of two ways : all american ( new world ) species will first kick urticating ( irritating ) hairs out of its abdomen at its attacker , this will usually drive the attacker off . the tarantula may possibly bite its attacker if the first step fails .
however , if a tarantula bites a person who is highly allergic to the venom , typical reactions to the bite may include pain , breathing difficulty , itchiness , rapid heart rate , and swelling at the site where the bite occurred .
keep your tarantula ' s cage on top of the stereo ' s speakers ! tarantulas possess a very keen sense of vibration . a constant barrage of vibrations from the speakers is very much the same as you living on top of a
the mexican red knee is a dark spider overall with a black abdomen covered with brown hairs . its characteristic legs have orange to dark red - orange
knees
and it commonly has some smaller patches of orange on the legs . they have a long lifespan , and slow growth is a characteristic of most long - lived species . female specimens which have been in captivity for over 25 years are common .
mexican red knee tarantulas are generally docile and calm . however , like most tarantulas , if they are disturbed , they will likely kick urticating hairs from their abdomens and their back legs . these hairs are a natural defense mechanism and can embed in an animal & apos ; s skin or eyes , usually causing great discomfort and physical irritation . in humans , the urticating hairs may cause an allergic skin reaction which can result in inflammation , rash , and itching . the allergic reaction can last for several hours or days . once the tarantula releases the urticating hairs , there will be a noticeable bald spot on the abdomen where the hair originated from .
aphonopelma chalcodes – also known as the desert tarantula , this species is primarily found in arizona and other arid locations . desert blond tarantulas can grow up to 7 . 5 cm in length and range in color from gray to dark brown .
the mexican red knee is a striking spider , and its common name says it all . they have a strong contrasting coloration , a dark tan and black body with bright orange patches on the joints of the legs . they are a medium - sized terrestrial species with adult females reaching a leg span of up to 6 inches ( 15 cm ) . males are comparable , because they are smaller bodied but with longer legs .
the humidity in the tank should not be less than 50 - 60 % and you should buy a little humidity gauge to stick on the inside of your tank . if the humidity drops below 50 % your tarantula may die during its next moult .
size : they are the largest known arachnids . on average , they measure 7 to 10 cm in length . however , they are capable of exceeding 30 cm . the perceived size of specimens is oftentimes exaggerated , due to the tarantula’s abundant hair .
very realistic , scared the bejeezus out of my son . we have an orange baboon tarantula , which is one of the not - friendly ones with an exceedingly painful bite , so when he saw this & thought it was our obt , he jumped !
expose your tarantula to ultraviolet ( uv ) light . while this rule may be violated for extremely brief episodes ( a matter of a few seconds ) , there is really very little reason to even do that . tarantulas do not fluoresce as scorpions and a few other arachnids do . and , since their visual , light sensitivity is most acute in the ultraviolet ( and green ) portions of the spectrum , doing so is equivalent to forcing you to live under a glaring searchlight . be kind to your tarantula .
male tarantulas , during the breeding season may roam many tens of miles searching for a suitable ( approachable ) mate . the male tarantula ( of most species ) can easily be sexed , because of a set of mating hooks on the first pair of legs .
during extended transport , the unrelenting vibrations , rolling and turning , and bouncing cause the tarantula to constantly try to maintain its equilibrium and relatively constant position . not only is this very tiring , but the frequent impacts with the walls of the container almost literally beat the tarantula up . the result is an often bruised and exhausted spider that ' s half dead before it ever gets near it ' s future home cage . we call this
shipping shock
and the treatment is an extended period of peace and quiet .
w . j . baerg , ( 1977 ) the tarantula . fitzgerald publishing , london k . hancock and j . hancock , ( 1993 ) sex determination of immature theraphosid spiders from their cast skins k . hancock and j . hancock , ( 1993 ) . simply tarantulas : a guide for the beginner k . hancock and j . hancock , ( 1993 ) . tarantulas : keeping and breeding arachnids in captivity a . m . smith , ( 1995 ? ) tarantula spiders tarantulas of usa and mexico . fitzgerald publishing , london
water is vital to your tarantula . it can survive for weeks without food but quickly die without water . a small container such as a coffee jar lid half - filled with water and with oasis will provide drinking water for larger specimens and help keep the humidity up .
due to this spider’s docile nature , colorful appearance , large size and long life they have become a popular type of tarantula to keep as pets . the spider requires little care and little space . it is an excellent choice of pet for with all levels of experience .
when they begin to molt , they lay on their backs with their legs up in the air looking as if they are dead . be sure not to disturb your tarantula when you see this . the shedding process goes quickly and smoothly as long the environment has adequate humidity .
do they bite ? tarantulas have long , needle - like fangs . they rarely bite humans , but can if they are provoked or unable to defend themselves by escaping . u . s . tarantula bites are not normally serious , and the bite produces pain comparable to a honey bee sting .
the red - kneed tarantula is one of the most docile species available in captive collections . they may rear up when agitated and will even occasionally flick urticating hairs . after a short display , they will beat a hasty retreat or more commonly will simply walk away . these tarantulas make wonderful pets .
general characteristics : the body and legs are dark brown with orange - red leg joints . the ends of the legs can detect vibrations , smells and tastes , to help the tarantula locate prey and the opposite sex , although it also has a group of eight eyes on the top of the carapace .
it should go without mentioning that tarantulas will suffer great physiological stress during times of extreme starvation . but , few enthusiasts appreciate the levels of starvation that these spiders can achieve and survive . for instance , the longest that any tarantula has been reported to fast and still survive seems to be slightly more than
the tarantula is usually very weak and dehydrated after moulting . most tarantulas , once they reach maturity only moult once a year or once every two years , depending on species . spiderlings ( baby tarantulas ) , moult up to eight times in their first year of life , each moult becoming progressively further apart .
is a burrowning species originating in mexico . this spider has been , and is still , the most popular pet spider in the hobby . they make an excellent tarantula pet for novice keepers . they have a good temperament , are hardy and long lived , and the lifespan for females is over 25 years in captivity .
the red - kneed tarantula is one of the most docile species available . they may rear up when agitated and will even occasionally flick urticating hairs from their abdomen and back legs . but after a short display they will beat a hasty retreat , or more commonly will simply walk away . these tarantulas make wonderful pets .
the process starts well before the actual molt . for several weeks prior to shedding they will be growing a new skin under their old one . during this time it is not unusual for a tarantula to get quite lethargic and even stop eating . there may also be lots of web spinning activity as they prepare to molt .
and , they ' re forced to live in a bland ,
apartment beige
place with nothing to do but sit and stare at those gross , alien things as they stare back in return . once in a while the tarantula is touched by one of those aliens , even picked up ! at first it ' s
under 1970 - 80 this was the most common tarantula in captivity . it was imported in thousands to the pet trade . today the entire genus brachypelma are protected by a cites ii listing and wildcaught smithi are not so common anymore in the pet trade . its bred successfully in europe and north america so spiderlings are often available .
a good habit to get into is cleaning up any uneaten prey items the day after feeding your tarantula as decaying organic matter commonly attracts mites , fungus , mold and other potentially harmful organisms into the enclosure . if your pet has recently molted , remove uneaten prey items immediately . newly molted tarantulas are vulnerable until their exoskeletons hardens .
in retrospect , i introduced several mealworms ( tenebrio molitor ) into the tarantula’s cage in december . i assumed the mealworms had been eaten , but the occurrence of two beetles in march made clear that i was wrong . i removed the beetles from the enclosure , but obviously not before adults had opportunity to mate and lay eggs .
there are quite a few species of tarantulas available commercially these days , between them they offer a range of difficulty in rearing and breeding . for your first tarantula you don ' t want an aggressive , difficult to keep or very expensive species . the following are all easy to keep and are therefore recommended . however , if you go to a pet shop , before you buy have a good look at the tarantula . if it has no water , then it is not well cared for , if it seems lethargic it is also quite possible maltreated and dying . in either case i would leave the shop and look elsewhere . as a general piece of advice breeders are better to buy from than mere sellers .
appearance : said to be the third largest spider in the world , this is a large - bodied tarantula with abdomen and legs covered with sensitive , long , and partially pink or salmon - colored hairs . maximum size : body , 9 - 10 cm ( 3 . 5–4 in ) ; leg span , 20 - 25 cm ( 8–10 in ) .
other problems are usually the result of some type of environmental stress . there may be a drop in the temperature of the enclosure , there may be parasites , or the tarantula may just not be comfortable with the depth of its hiding place . these things can be easily adjusted or changed , or you can try moving your pet to a new enclosure .
general characteristics : said to be the third largest spider in the world , this is a large - bodied tarantula with abdomen and legs covered with sensitive , long , and partially pink or salmon - colored hairs . maximum size : body , 9 - 10 cm ( 3 . 5–4 in ) ; leg span , 20 - 25 cm ( 8–10 in ) .
do tarantulas spin webs ? tarantulas are capable of producing silk and can use it for similar purposes , depending on species . even the burrowing terrestrial species use silk to line their burrows , and some use silk to create door - like entrances to their burrows . the tarantula’s silk acts as an alarm system , alerting the arachnid to potential threats or prey outside its home .
however , because these reports are unverified , anecdotal comments made on the internet , we must still retain some level of skepticism . precise dates for the last time food was accepted and the precise date on which the tarantula resumed eating would be a big boon to the argument . any who read this essay and who may be able to volunteer such data are encouraged to contact the
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legs & fangs : the eight legs , pedipalps and fangs of the tarantula are also connected to the body at the prosoma . the chelicerae , or fangs , which release venom , are located below the eyes . the legs are seven - segmented and feature retractable claws , which are used for climbing . hairs present on the legs are also useful in climbing upright or slippery surfaces .
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if you decide to keep more than one tarantula you may in time want to try breeding them . you really should not try this until you are quite familiar with your spider . spiders , with few exceptions are raised individually , which is how they live in the wild . so if you wish to breed you will need to introduce the adult male into the females cage and not the other way around . before hand make sure both are well fed , you can over feed a tarantula it will not eat what it doesn ' t want , then remove any live food . once you have introduced the male there is little you can do except watch in fascination . after the mating you should remove the male if he is still alive , which he may well be , especially with species like the chilean rose .


afrixalus stuhlmanni sylvaticus is a subspecies of frog in the hyperoliidae family .

its common name is forest banana frog or forest spiny reed frog .

it is found in kenya and tanzania .

its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests , subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests , intermittent freshwater marshes , plantations , and heavily degraded former forest .

it is threatened by habitat loss .

afrixalus stuhlmanni sylvaticus

iucn ssc amphibian specialist group 2016 . afrixalus sylvaticus . the iucn red list of threatened species 2016 : e . t56080a84396971 . urltoken
iucn ssc amphibian specialist group 2016 . afrixalus stuhlmanni . the iucn red list of threatened species 2016 : e . t56079a3034596 . urltoken
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afrixalus sylvaticus — channing and howell , 2006 , amph . e . afr . : 142 ; poynton , 2007
2006
, afr . j . herpetol . , 55 : 167 .
schiøtz , 1999 , treefrogs afr . : 73–72 , provided a brief account and map ( as afrixalus brachycnemis ) , on pp . 75–76 ( as afrixalus sylvaticus ) , and on pp . 83 ( as afrixalus septentrionalis ) . channing and howell , 2006 , amph . e . afr . : 143 - 144 , provided an account . see account \ by pickersgill , 2007 , frog search : 446 - 447 ( as afrixalus stuhlmanni sylvaticus ) . see photograph , map , description of geographic range and habitat , and conservation status in stuart , hoffmann , chanson , cox , berridge , ramani , and young , 2008 , threatened amph . world : 282 .
there have been considerable doubts as to the validity of this species and it was considered to be a nomen dubium by pickersgill ( 1996 ) . however , we follow pickersgill ( 2000 , 2005 ) in considering it to be a valid form . pickersgill ( 2005 ) considers afrixalus sylvaticus to be a subspecies of a . stuhlmanni , but for the time being we retain them here as separate , though closely related , species that hybridise in areas where forest has been cleared . afrixalus brachycnemis and afrixalus septentrionalis have also been synonymized with a . stuhlmanni , but for the time being we will also retain them as separate ( m . menegon pers . comm . april 2015 ) .
afrixalus sylvaticus schiøtz , 1974 , vidensk . medd . dansk naturhist . foren . , 137 : 17 . holotype : zmuc r073862 , by original designation . type locality :
kwale , kenya
. synonymy by pickersgill , 2005 , steenstrupia , 29 : 17 .
afrixalus sylvestris — poynton , 2007
2006
, afr . j . herpetol . , 55 : 167 . incorrect subsequent spelling .
conservation actions it occurs in the shimba hills national park . conservation needed the maintenance and protection of tracts of lowland coastal forest habitat is essential to ensure the persistence of this species . research needed further research is required on the species ' taxonomy , population status , and life history and ecology . ongoing monitoring would help to track the impact of habitat loss and degradation on the hybridization of the species with afrixalus stuhlmanni .
pickersgill ( 2000 , 2005 ) considers this form to be a subspecies of afrixalus stuhlmanni , with which it hybridizes as forests are cleared . we follow schiøtz ( 1999 , and pers . comm . ) in considering it to be a valid species . however , we follow pickersgill ( 2005 ) and k . howell ( pers . comm . ) in considering it to occur in the coastal areas of tanzania , as well as in the shimba hills in kenya .
there is continuing loss and degradation of its forest habitat due to the expansion of agriculture , wood extraction , and human settlements . although it can tolerate a degree of degraded forest and secondary growth , these habitats are also known to be suitable for a . stuhlmanni with which this species hybridizes , and this is probably the most serious threat to the species .
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thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on the iucn red list of threatened species website , we are grateful for your input .
frost , d . r . 2015 . amphibian species of the world : an online reference . version 6 . 0 . new york , usa . available at : urltoken .
justification : listed as vulnerable because its extent of occurrence ( eoo ) has been estimated as 16 , 959 km 2 , the ongoing threat of habitat loss and degradation means that the species ' is thought to occur in fewer than 10 threat - defined locations .
this species ranges from the shimba hills in southern coastal kenya , south through the east usambara foothills in north - eastern tanzania , as far south as the kazizumbwi forest in central coastal tanzania . there is an unconfirmed record from further north along the tana river in eastern kenya . while its extent of occurrence ( eoo ) is 16 , 959 km 2 , it occurs only very patchily within the mapped range due to limited suitable habitat .
it is fairly abundant where it occurs . however , due to ongoing habitat loss its population is suspected to be decreasing .
it is a species of lowland forest that can survive in secondary growth and plantations , but not in completely degraded habitats . it breeds in temporary pools and water - filled depressions in forest .
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arkive is working with iucn - international union for conservation of nature , to source images of the world ' s threatened amphibian species . together with conservation international and natureserve , iucn has led a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status for the world ' s known species of frogs , toads , salamanders , newts and caecilians . to date , the project has involved the input of more than 600 herpetologists from around the world .
iucn red list category , and details of range , ecology , threats and conservation information for every known amphibian species , can be found on the iucn red list website .
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justification : listed as least concern in view of its wide distribution , tolerance of a broad range of habitats and its presumed large population .
this species is traditionally known only from zanzibar island in tanzania . however , recent studies have shown that it occurs on the tanzanian mainland from amboni in the northeast , south to liwale in the southeast , and inland to the kilombero floodplain , as well as on zanzibar . it is generally found below 300m asl .
it is a species of grassy pools and marshes in humid shrubland , mixed farmland and savannah . it breeds by larval development in marshes , shrub - dominated wetlands , and permanent pools .
overall it is not highly threatened , and is an adaptable species , but certain populations are affected by urbanization and water pollution . it is hybridising widely with the forest species ,
it probably occurs in several protected areas . more research is needed on its taxonomy , population status , natural history , threats and conservation actions .
this species ranges from the shimba hills in southern coastal kenya , south through the east usambara foothills in north - eastern tanzania , as far south as the kazizumbwi forest in central coastal tanzania . there is an unconfirmed record from further north along the tana river in eastern kenya . while its extent of occurrence ( eoo ) is 16 , 959 km
, it occurs only very patchily within the mapped range due to limited suitable habitat .
there is continuing loss and degradation of its forest habitat due to the expansion of agriculture , wood extraction , and human settlements . although it can tolerate a degree of degraded forest and secondary growth , these habitats are also known to be suitable for
with which this species hybridizes , and this is probably the most serious threat to the species .
the maintenance and protection of tracts of lowland coastal forest habitat is essential to ensure the persistence of this species .
further research is required on the species ' taxonomy , population status , and life history and ecology . ongoing monitoring would help to track the impact of habitat loss and degradation on the hybridization of the species with
, the ongoing threat of habitat loss and degradation means that the species ' is thought to occur in fewer than 10 threat - defined locations .
, with which it hybridizes as forests are cleared . we follow schiøtz ( 1999 , and pers . comm . ) in considering it to be a valid species . however , we follow pickersgill ( 2005 ) and k . howell ( pers . comm . ) in considering it to occur in the coastal areas of tanzania , as well as in the shimba hills in kenya .
listed as least concern in view of its wide distribution , tolerance of a broad range of habitats and its presumed large population .
there have been considerable doubts as to the validity of this species and it was considered to be a nomen dubium by pickersgill ( 1996 ) . however , we follow pickersgill ( 2000 , 2005 ) in considering it to be a valid form .
, but for the time being we retain them here as separate , though closely related , species that hybridise in areas where forest has been cleared .
, but for the time being we will also retain them as separate ( m . menegon pers . comm . april 2015 ) .
* will not find nomina inquirenda ; use basic search ( above ) for that purpose .
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hyl . . .
anywhere in a record : e . g . , hylarana , hyla , hylidae , hylinae , hylaedactyla .
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. . . hyla
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forest banana frog ( frank and ramus , 1995 , compl . guide scient . common names amph . rept . world : 66 ) .
forest spiny reed frog ( channing and howell , 2006 , amph . e . afr . : 142 ) .
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for access to available specimen data for this species , from over 350 scientific collections , go to vertnet .
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