Thrixopelma pruriens
| Peruvian green velvet tarantula | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Suborder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Thrixopelma |
| Species: | T. pruriens |
| Binomial name | |
| Thrixopelma pruriens | |
Thrixopelma pruriens, commonly known as the "Peruvian Green Velvet Tarantula," is a species of tarantula found in Chile in South America.[1]
Though docile, this species is rarely kept as a pet in part due to its tendency to fling urticating hairs with minimal provocation.[1]
In 2014, researchers at Yale University identified a protein from the tarantula's toxin that shows promise as a new painkiller drug.[2] The protein reduces activity in an ion pump associated with inflammation and neuropathic pain, making it potentially suitable as a treatment for both normal pain and pathological pain syndromes.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Thrixopelma-puriens-care-sheet". Mikebasictarantula.com. Retrieved 2014-03-19.
- ↑ Hathaway, Bill (2014-02-13). "YaleNews | Within tarantula venom, new hope for safe and novel painkillers found". News.yale.edu. Retrieved 2014-03-19.
- ↑ "The Peruvian Green Velvet Tarantula’s Gift". The New York Times. 17 February 2014. Retrieved 19 March 2014.