Avicularia
Encyclopedia
Avicularia is a genus
of the family
Theraphosidae containing various species
of tarantula
s. The genus is native to tropical South America
. Each species in the genus has very distinguishable pink foot pads.
One of the most notable features of the Avicularia species is its odd method of defense. When threatened, their first choice is to jump or run away as quickly as possible - occasionally, though, they will launch a jet of excrement at the perceived threat. Adults are capable of good accuracy and a range of 0.5–1 m (2 or 3 feet).
There is also a belief that they may be the reason behind rumors of "flying spiders" in the rainforest
s they are native to, as they are quite adept at jumping. Their legs, however, prevent them from gaining much height in making a jump.
Avicularia avicularia are among the tarantulas most commonly kept as pets.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
of the family
Family (biology)
In biological classification, family is* a taxonomic rank. Other well-known ranks are life, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, genus, and species, with family fitting between order and genus. As for the other well-known ranks, there is the option of an immediately lower rank, indicated by the...
Theraphosidae containing various species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of tarantula
Tarantula
Tarantulas comprise a group of often hairy and often very large arachnids belonging to the family Theraphosidae, of which approximately 900 species have been identified. Some members of the same Suborder may also be called "tarantulas" in the common parlance. This article will restrict itself to...
s. The genus is native to tropical South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. Each species in the genus has very distinguishable pink foot pads.
One of the most notable features of the Avicularia species is its odd method of defense. When threatened, their first choice is to jump or run away as quickly as possible - occasionally, though, they will launch a jet of excrement at the perceived threat. Adults are capable of good accuracy and a range of 0.5–1 m (2 or 3 feet).
There is also a belief that they may be the reason behind rumors of "flying spiders" in the rainforest
Rainforest
Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750-2000 mm...
s they are native to, as they are quite adept at jumping. Their legs, however, prevent them from gaining much height in making a jump.
Avicularia avicularia are among the tarantulas most commonly kept as pets.
External links
- Photos of 14 Avicularia species in tarantulas gallery.
- Tarantulas of the Genus Avicularia
- Phong's Tarantula page
- The Arachnoboards Forums