TARANTULAS

ARIZONA BLOOD TARANTULA   (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

A large, pale spider which builds a burrow in desert country.  The carapage of both the male and the female is clothed in short beige hairs and contrasts with the darker abdomen.  At night the spider emerges to hunt prey ranging from ants to small vertebrates, always staying within a distance of three meters from its burrow.  During the day the entrance is silked over.  During mating the spurs on the males legs hold the female's fangs at bay. Size:  Female to 60 mm...Male to 45 mm Web: None; but silk threads line a somple burrow Habitat: Cactus desert and scrubland Range: Arizona and Nothern Mexico Season: Breeds in Autum, especially following rain; activity reduced in Winter.

MEXICAN RED-KNEE TARANTULA              (Brachypelma smithi)

An exceptionally attractive species that is popular as an exotic pet.  This tarantula is recognised by the orange or red knees.  The abdomen varies from brown to black and the carapace is black with orange around the margin.  The diet includes beetles, millipedes, and lizards.  These large spiders live a number of years.  Because of their popularity as pets, Mexican Red-knees need protection in their native habitat. Size: Female to 75mm...Male to 55mm Web: None, excavates a deep burrow Habitat: Shady banks in forest and stony scrubland Range: Mexico, southern and western states Season: Adults probably all year: males visit females during rainy season