Brazilian whiteknee tarantula
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| Brazilian whiteknee tarantula | ||||||||||||||||
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| Acanthoscurria geniculata (Koch, 1841) |
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Mygale geniculata |
The Brazilian whiteknee tarantula, Acanthoscurria geniculata, is a species of tarantula native to Brazil. It is commonly referred to as the whiteknee tarantula, giant whiteknee tarantula, giant white knee tarantula or Brazilian giant whiteknee tarantula, among other permutations.
This species is relatively large, with a legspan of up to 8.5 inches for adult females. Unlike many of the larger terrestrial tarantulas it is very colorful in its appearance due to the brilliant white stripes that adorn its leg joints.
Brazilian whiteknee tarantulas have been much prized as pets, due to their size, hardiness, and striking coloration. They are moderately defensive, and their urticating hairs can be quite irritating to human skin. These spiders, like any un-domesticated pet, can bite when provoked. Fortunately however 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.
[edit] External links
- Photograph of captive A. geniculata, with advice on handling these creatures
- Photos of Acanthoscurria geniculata and more Acanthoscurria species in tarantulas gallery.
