North American birdeater (SciiFii)

The North American birdeater (Theraphosa goliatha) is a species of tarantula, most closely related to the goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) of South America, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The North American birdeater is one of the largest modern-styled spiders in the world by mass, weighing about 175 grams (6.2 oz) and having the body length ot up to 13 centimeters (5.1 inches), rivaling the goliath birdeater in size, hence its scientific name. Birdeaters, including North American birdeaters, are one of the few tarantula species that lack tibial spurs, located on the first pair of legs of most adult males. They are mostly tan to light brown and golden-hued. Despite its name, the North American birdeater only rarely actually preys on birds; in the wild, its diet consists primarily of other large arthropods, worms, and amphibians. However, because of its size and opportunistic predatory behavior, this species commonly kills and consumes a variety of insects and small terrestrial vertebrates. They do not consume their prey in the open; rather, they drag it back to their burrow and begin the digesting process. They do this by liquifying the insides of their prey and proceed to suck it dry. In the wild, North American birdeaters have been observed feeding on rodents, frogs, toads, lizards, and even snakes. The North American birdeater In response to threats, North American birdeaters stridulate by rubbing setae on their pedipalps and legs. Also, when threatened they rub their abdomen with their hind legs and release hairs that are a severe irritant to the skin and mucous membranes. These urticating hairs can be harmful to humans, but this is rare. Like all tarantulas, North American birdeaters have fangs large enough (2–4 centimeters or 0.79–1.57 inches) to break the skin of a human. They carry venom in their fangs and have been known to bite when threatened, but the venom is relatively harmless and its effects are comparable to those of a wasp's sting. North American birdeaters generally bite humans only in self-defence, and these bites do not always result in envenomation (known as a "dry bite”). Unlike other species of tarantulas, females do not eat the males during mating. Females mature in 3–6 years and have an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years. Males die soon after maturity and have a lifespan of six to nine years. North American birdeaters have hair on their bodies, abdomens, and legs. The female lays 100 to 200 eggs, which hatch into spiderlings within 6–8 weeks. The conservation status of the North American birdeater is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American birdeater's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii