Harpactirinae

Baboon spider
A Pterinochilus murinus tarantula
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Suborder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Subfamily: Harpactirinae
Genera

Augacephalus
Ceratogyrus
Eucratoscelus
Harpactira
Harpactirella
Idiothele
Pterinochilus
Trichgnathella

Harpactirinae (commonly called baboon spiders) are a subfamily of old-world tarantulas which are native to the continent of Africa. Like many old-world tarantulas, they have a strong venom, and can inflict a painful bite; however most baboon spiders are not considered dangerous to man. One species, Harpactirella lightfooti, is considered by many to have a medically significant bite, but this has not been confirmed scientifically.

Contents

Description

Harpactirinae are ground-dwelling spiders who build silk-lined burrows, often under debris such as stones, using their fangs and chelicerae for digging. Habitats include savanna woodlands, grasslands, and dry scrublands.

Systematics

The following genera and species are present in Harpactirinae. In addition, the genus Brachionopus (Pocock, 1897) has been suggested for placement in this sub-family, but its taxonomy is currently disputed.

Augacephalus

Augacephalus Gallon, 2002

Ceratogyrus

Ceratogyrus Pocock, 1897

Eucratoscelus

Eucratoscelus Pocock, 1898

Harpactira

Harpactira Ausserer, 1871

Harpactirella

Harpactirella Purcell, 1902

Idiothele

Idiothele Hewitt, 1919

Pterinochilus

Pterinochilus Pocock, 1897

Trichognathella

Trichognathella Gallon, 2004

External links