Spiders

Theraphosidae

Tarantulas & Bird-eating Spiders

The Theraphosidae contains the largest spiders in the world, some of which are capable of capturing and killing small birds. They are generally quite stout and robust species covered with long hairs which in many species are urticating.

Peruvian Pinktoe (Avicularia urticans) - Tambopata, Peru - December 2008

The Peruvian Pinktoe is one of the largest species with mature females often having a leg-span of over 15cm (6in). It is an arboreal rainforest species, hiding by day inside its tube-web located in crevices in tree trunks. It only emerges to hunt during the night.

Peruvian Pinktoe (Avicularia urticans) - Tambopata, Peru - December 2008

It is not a particularly aggressive species and, like all members of the genus Avicularia, the venom of the Peruvian Pinktoe is not medically significant, but its large, powerful fangs can still deliver a painful bite. Its scientific name is derived from the urticating hairs that cover its body. Unlike some species of tarantula, the Peruvian Pinktoe is unable to shoot these hairs at an aggressor, but if touched, the hairs fall off and can cause severe irritation.

male Cyriocosmus sellatus - Tambopata, Peru - December 2008

Cyriocosmus tarantulas are among the smallest in the world with most species having a body length of only 2-3cm. Many of the 12 species currently known are quite brightly patterned. All reside exclusively in South America.