American whistling tarantula (SciiFii)

The American whistling tarantula (Selenotheraphosa sibilum), also known as the American whistling spider, the American hissing tarantula, the American hissing spider, the American barking tarantula, and the American barking spider, is a species of dark-brown, almost black tarantula that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across North America to help boost biodiversity. Despite its name, the American whistling tarantula is not closely related to the Queensland whistling tarantula (Selenocosmia crassipes) of Australia, but is most closely related to tarantulas of the genus Brachypelma. The American whistling tarantula can attain legspans of up to 22 centimeters (8.7 inches). Its body length, from eyes to the rear of its abdomen, measures between 6 and 9 centimeters (2.4 and 3.5 inches). The name "whistling tarantula" or "whistling spider" comes from its ability to produce a hissing noise when provoked, a trait also shared with Australian theraphosids (tarantulas). This hissing is produced by the spider stridulating a patch of setae associated with its chelicerae. The American whistling tarantulas predominately feed upon invertebrates including insects and other spiders. Small vertebrates such as mice, geckos, skinks, anoles, frogs, and even small snakes are also part of the diet. This species is quite shy and normally does not wander far from its burrow. Females live up to thirty years, males up to twelve years. The conservation status of the American whistling tarantula is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American whistling tarantula's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii