Tapinauchenius

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Tapinauchenius
Tapinauchenius cupreus.jpg
Tapinauchenius cupreus
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Tapinauchenius
Ausserer, 1871[1]
Type species

(C. L. Koch, 1842)
Species

9, see text

Tapinauchenius is a genus of tarantulas that was first described by Anton Ausserer in 1871.[2] The name is a combination of the Greek ταπεινός, meaning "low", and αὐχήν, meaning "neck".[3] Several species, including T. gigas, have been moved to Pseudoclamoris.[1]

Description[]

They have true iridescent colors that change based on the amount of light and viewing angle. They are relatively small compared to sister genus Psalmopoeus, averaging about 4 to 4.5 inches (100 to 110 mm) long. They lack urticating hairs and are arboreal, often found in tree cavities. Many species have "dimples" on the abdomen, but this feature is not universal. Although their behavior is defensive, they lack both urticating hairs and the ability to stridulate, giving them a very mild venom. Their egg sacs can contain up to 200 spiderlings.

Pet ownership[]

This genus is well known by hobbyists for their incredible speed and striking coloration, but is not recommended for inexperienced owners. They are extremely skittish and defensive, and combined with their speed, handling them is not recommended. They thrive in environments that mimic the tropics, with a temperature from 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) and a relative humidity of 70% to 85%. The height of their enclosure is more important than floor space, preferring 14 inches (360 mm) of height and at least 7 to 8 inches (180 to 200 mm) of floor space. They prefer organic potting soil with the wood removed, though similar substrates can be substituted. Their diet consists of crickets, roaches, worms, or generic tarantula food, and most need a shallow dish of water or occasional misting. With proper care, these spiders can live for up to eighteen years.

Species[]

The genus Tapinauchenius was erected by Anton Ausserer in 1871 for the species , first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1842 in the genus Mygale and then moved by him to the genus Eurypelma.[1][3] As of August 2019 it contains nine species, found only in South America, on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia:[1]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Gloor, Daniel; Nentwig, Wolfgang; Blick, Theo; Kropf, Christian (2019). "Gen. Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871". World Spider Catalog Version 20.0. Natural History Museum Bern. doi:10.24436/2. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  2. ^ Ausserer, A. (1871). "Beiträge zur Kenntniss der Arachniden-Familie der Territelariae Thorell (Mygalidae Autor)". Verhandlungen der Kaiserlich-Königlichen Zoologisch-Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien. 21: 117–224.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Ausserer, Anton (1871). Beiträge zur Kenntniss der Arachniden-Familie der Territelariae Thorell (Mygalidae Autor) (in German). Vienna: Überreuter. p. 201. Retrieved 22 February 2013.


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