Brazilian whiteknee tarantula
| Whitebanded Tarantula | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Suborder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Acanthoscurria |
| Species: | A. geniculata |
| Binomial name | |
| Acanthoscurria geniculata (Koch, 1841) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Mygale geniculata | |
The Brazilian Giant Whiteknee Tarantula (Acanthoscurria geniculata), is a species of tarantula native to forests of Brazil. It is commonly referred to as the whiteknee tarantula, giant whiteknee tarantula, giant white knee tarantula or Brazilian giant whiteknee tarantula as a homage to its brilliant black and white banded legs. This is a large species, fast growing and taking up to 3–4 years to reach a mature legspan of 8.5 inches for females, slightly less for males.
Whiteknee tarantulas have been much prized as pets, due to their size, hardiness, and striking colouration. They are moderately defensive, and their urticating hairs can be quite irritating to human skin. These spiders, like many un-domesticated pets, can bite when provoked. Fortunately because they have urticating hairs, biting is typically not their first line of defense. Their venom is not considered medically significant, but due to their large size the puncture damage can be extensive.
Photos
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Baby. Coin size is 15mm.
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External links
- Caring for your Whiteknee
- Photograph of captive A. geniculata, with advice on handling these creatures
- Photos of Acanthoscurria geniculata and more Acanthoscurria species in tarantulas gallery.
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Wikispecies has information related to: Whitebanded Tarantula |