Tag Archives: spider

spiders

Argiope aurantia: The Striking “Black and Yellow Garden Spider” of North America

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From the temperate gardens, meadows, and open woodlands across North America comes Argiope aurantia, popularly known as the Black and Yellow Garden Spider, Writing Spider, or Corn Spider. This visually stunning orb-weaver is celebrated for its dramatic, bright coloration, impressive size, and the creation of one of the most distinctive and intricate spider webs in the animal kingdom, complete with a prominent zigzag pattern.

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Tarantula Genus Spotlight

Pamphobeteus nigricolor: The Magnificent “Giant Blue Bloom Tarantula”

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From the lush, cloud-kissed mountains and humid rainforests of South America, primarily in Peru and Ecuador, comes Pamphobeteus nigricolor, popularly known as the Giant Blue Bloom Tarantula. This impressive terrestrial tarantula is highly sought after by collectors for its monumental size, robust build, and the stunning sexual dimorphism where males display a breathtaking iridescent purple and blue coloration.

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Tarantula Genus Spotlight

Hysterocrates gigas: The Gigantic “Cameroon Red Baboon Tarantula” of Africa

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From the dense, humid forests of Cameroon, West Africa, emerges Hysterocrates gigas, popularly known as the Cameroon Red Baboon Tarantula. This impressive terrestrial tarantula is renowned for its sheer size, powerful build, and striking, often reddish-brown coloration, making it one of the most formidable and sought-after species among tarantula enthusiasts.

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Tarantulas

Beyond the Red Knee: Discovering the True Flame of Mexico’s Tarantulas

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The Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula, Brachypelma auratum, is a visually striking species of New World terrestrial tarantula known for its vibrant black coloration accented by fiery red-orange markings on its patellae (knees). Its history is intertwined with the broader understanding and classification of the Brachypelma genus, particularly its close resemblance to the well-known Mexican Red Knee tarantula, Brachypelma hamorii (formerly often referred to as Brachypelma smithi).

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Tarantula Genus Spotlight

Burrowing Behemoth: Secrets of the King Baboon Spider

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Pelinobius muticus, commonly known as the King Baboon Spider, is a fascinating and formidable tarantula species. Here’s a detailed look at its characteristics, behavior, and care:  

Scientific Classification and Origin:

  • Scientific Name: Pelinobius muticus  
  • Genus: Pelinobius  
  • Family: Theraphosidae
  • Origin: East Africa, primarily Tanzania and Kenya.  
  • Notably, the Pelinobius Genus is monotypic, meaning that Pelinobius muticus is the sole species within that Genus.  
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Tarantulas

SO HOW DO TARANTULAS GROW?

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Tarantulas, like all arachnids and insects, must shed their skin, or molt, to grow. This is because they have an exoskeleton. Since this exoskeleton is hard, the only way these invertebrates can grow is by breaking through their old skin, revealing the pliable new skin underneath. Once the shed is complete, the new and larger skin is then allowed to dry. What I present for you here is a pictorial guide to one of the world’s largest species of tarantulas, the Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-eating Spider (Lasiodora parahybana), named for the beautiful pink hairs on this massive spider’s abdomen.

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After making a bed of silk, the spider turns onto its back to start the molting process.

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