| Haplopelma | |
|---|---|
| Haplopelma lividum, Cobalt blue tarantula | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Suborder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Subfamily: | Ornithoctoninae |
| Genus: | Haplopelma Simon, 1892 |
| Species | |
|
H. albostriatum |
|
| Diversity | |
| 11 species | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Melopoeus Pocock, 1895 |
|
Haplopelma is a genus of old-world tarantula found in Southeast Asia. The range of this genus includes Myanmar, southeastern China, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo.
Contents |
Haplopelma consists of relatively large specimens, with a typical adult legspan ranging from 4.5" to to 6" (15 cm). The spiders all thrive in tropical environments, requiring humidity levels of up to 70% or more. They inhabit the tropical rain forests of southeast Asia, where they build and live in burrows up to several feet deep, emerging to capture food. These spiders prey on numerous small creatures, such as cockroaches, crickets, and mice.
Like all old-world tarantulas, the spiders in Haploplema lack the urticating hairs found in their new world counterparts, and use biting as a primary means of defense. Those common in the pet trade are known as temperamental, difficult to care for, and likely to bite. While the venom of many of these species has not been studied, old world tarantulas are known for strong venom.
The Chinese bird spider is a species in this genus whose venom has been extensively studied and is known to be dangerous to humans..