Distribution and Taxonomic Status of Tarantulas in Arkansas (Theraphosidae: Aphonopelma) Michael D

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Distribution and Taxonomic Status of Tarantulas in Arkansas (Theraphosidae: Aphonopelma) Michael D Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science Volume 62 Article 17 2008 Distribution and Taxonomic Status of Tarantulas in Arkansas (Theraphosidae: Aphonopelma) Michael D. Warriner Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas Part of the Zoology Commons Recommended Citation Warriner, Michael D. (2008) "Distribution and Taxonomic Status of Tarantulas in Arkansas (Theraphosidae: Aphonopelma)," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 62 , Article 17. Available at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol62/iss1/17 This article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able to read, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 62 [2008], Art. 17 Distribution and Taxonomic Status of Tarantulas in Arkansas (Theraphosidae: Aphonopelma) M. Warriner Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract Several of the characters cited in the past as comprising species-level distinctions (Chamberlin and The genus Aphonopelma (Theraphosidae) is marked Ivie 1939, Chamberlin 1940, Smith 1995) have since by a dearth of distributional data and a problematic been shown to be of little indicative value (Prentice taxonomy. To develop occurrence information for the 1997). Use of dubious characters now calls into genus in Arkansas, I conducted a citizen-science based question the validity of several Aphonopelma species. survey augmented by field work and examination of Three tarantula species have been reported as museum collections. Results of these efforts yielded a occurring in Arkansas, A. hentzi Girard 1854, A. baergi significant amount of data that enabled the construction Chamberlin 1940, and A. odelli Smith 1995. of a county level map of Aphonopelma distribution in Aphonopelma hentzi was the first tarantula species Arkansas; a resource hitherto unavailable. Three described in the United States (Girard 1854, Smith Aphonopelma species have been described as occurring 1995). Chamberlin (1940) describes A. hentzi as the in Arkansas: A. baergi, A. hentzi, and A. odelli. most common tarantula “along the valley of the Red Specimens were collected from Arkansas and River in Arkansas and Oklahoma, etc.” With the Oklahoma to evaluate taxonomic and historical issues designation of several additional Aphonopelma species concerning the three species. Morphologically, the across the region, including A. baergi and A. odelli, specimen series examined comprised a relatively Smith (1995) later redefined the range of A. hentzi as homogeneous group most similar to descriptions of A. limited to northern and central Oklahoma. This range hentzi. In light of comparison with specimens reduction may not be justified, however. Given the examined for this study, species descriptions of A. aforementioned issues, it is not clear what baergi and A. odelli are marked by such taxonomic Aphonopelma species actually occur in Arkansas. uncertainty as to challenge their validity and presence Detailed information is also lacking regarding in Arkansas. distribution of the genus across the state. Several species are still known only from their type locality Introduction and nowhere else. A problematic taxonomy coupled with a dearth of distributional data hampers efforts to Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) are among the largest conserve Aphonopelma species; a group of potential and most recognizable spiders in North America. Over conservation concern. Like many other invertebrates, 50 species have been described as occurring in the tarantulas have received little attention from the United States, all within the genus Aphonopelma conservation community (Skerl 1999). (Platnick 2008). North of Mexico, representatives of Although no Aphonopelma species is currently the genus range from California into Nevada, Utah, listed as endangered or threatened at the federal or state Colorado, and Kansas, southward into Arizona, New level, other tarantula genera in North America contain Mexico, and Texas. Portions of Missouri, Arkansas, members who are of conservation concern. A number and Louisiana represent the eastern limits of the genus. of Brachypelma species in Mexico have declined due The south-central region of the United States to collection for the pet trade and habitat destruction (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas) contains (Locht et al. 1999). The long life spans, delayed sexual 18 Aphonopelma species (Smith 1995). Taxonomy of maturity, and limited dispersal abilities characteristic this group of spiders is problematic. Most recognized of tarantulas may make them especially vulnerable to Aphonopelma species in the United States were such factors (Janowski-Bell 2001). described by Chamberlin and Ivie (1939), Chamberlin The objectives of this study were to define (1940), and Smith (1995) from small numbers of Aphonopelma distribution across Arkansas and to specimens. As a result, consideration of individual examine morphological variation in a preliminary variation within and among populations was limited. effort to evaluate the taxonomic status of species listed as occurring in the state. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 62, 2008 Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 2008 107 107 Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 62 [2008], Art. 17 M. Warriner Materials and Methods field surveys and searched museum collections for specimens. Distribution In order to assess the distribution of tarantulas Morphology rapidly at a state-wide level, I developed a citizen- Morphological measurements of collected science effort called the Arkansas Tarantula Survey. specimens were made in mm using a dial caliper, ±0.01 The survey’s objective was to solicit tarantula sightings mm. Attention was focused on taxonomic characters from individual across the state. The survey followed found by Prentice (1997) to have high discriminatory the general methodology of a citizen-based effort value for both sexes. Leg and pedipalp measurements conducted in Missouri to map tarantula distribution were made on the left side of all specimens. (Janowski-Bell 2001). The Missouri effort proved Trochanters and coxae were measured from their successful in generating useable distributional data ventral aspect. All other leg measurements were taken over a large geographical area in a short amount of dorsally. Carapace length was taken with anterior and time with limited monetary expenditure. posterior margins in the same horizontal plane. To acquire citizen observations of tarantulas, I Carapace length is considered to the best indicator of created a website which described the purpose of the overall size in Aphonopelma species (Prentice 1997). survey, detailed how individuals could participate, and Extent of metatarsal scopulation was evaluated by provided tools for tarantula identification. I also using maximum extent of complete metatarsus I developed printed materials in the form of full color scopula as the proximal point for measurement in posters that contained information about the survey. metatarsi II-IV. Palp length was calculated by adding These posters were mailed to personnel at select state the lengths of the femur, patella, and tibia only. parks, state wildlife management areas, national Spermathecae and emboli were illustrated with aid of a wildlife refuges, and national forests in Arkansas with stereomicroscope. All collected specimens were stored the request that they be posted in areas accessible to in 80% ethanol and deposited into the Arthropod the public. To further publicize the survey, I sought Museum at the University of Arkansas. media attention through dissemination of press releases to news outlets and contacted newspaper reporters Results and Discussion across the state. The survey was open for public reporting from Distribution February 2004 to December 2004. That time span The citizen-survey resulted in the submission of 523 covers the active period for Aphonopelma species in observations. Of that total, 393 observations were Arkansas, particularly the dispersal of adult males deemed valid sightings of tarantulas. The majority of during the fall breeding season (Baerg 1958). sightings were submitted via the web-based reporting Individuals were asked to submit tarantula sightings form. The first observations of tarantulas by survey either online through a web-based reporting form, e- participants were submitted in March 2004. In mail, telephone, or postal service. A “sighting” was Arkansas, tarantulas are known to unseal their burrows, defined as the observation of an individual tarantula following overwintering, from mid-February within a given area at one point in time. Survey throughout May (Baerg 1958). Number of tarantula participants were asked to provide their contact sightings reached one of two peaks for the year in May information, the location and date of their sighting, and 2004. Based on descriptions
Recommended publications
  • BMB-WRC Animal Inventory
    Department of Environment and Natural Resources BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT BUREAU Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City INVENTORY OF LIVE ANIMALS AT THE BMB-WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTER AS OF JULY 31, 2020 SPECIES STOCK ON HAND (AS OF COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JULY 31, 2020) MAMMALS ENDEMIC / INDIGENOUS 1. Northern luzon cloud Ploeomys pallidus 1 rat 2. Palawan bearcat Arctictis binturong 2 3. Philippine deer Rusa marianna 2 4. Philippine monkey or Macaca fascicularis 92 Long-tailed macaque 5. Philippine palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus 6 EXOTIC 6. Hedgehog Atelerix frontalis 1 7. Serval cat Leptailurus serval 2 8. Sugar glider Petaurus breviceps 58 9. Tiger Panthera tigris 2 10. Vervet monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus 1 11. White handed gibbon Hylobates lar 1 Sub-total A 168 (Mammals) AVIANS ENDEMIC / INDIGENOUS 12. Black kite Milvus migrans 1 13. Black-crowned night Nycticorax nycticorax 1 heron 14. Blue-naped parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis 4 15. Brahminy kite Haliastur indus 41 16. Changeable hawk Spizaetus cirrhatus 6 eagle 17. Crested goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus 1 18. Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela 24 19. Green imperial pigeon Ducula aenea 2 20. Grey-headed fish eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus 1 21. Nicobar pigeon Caloenas nicobarica 1 22. Palawan hornbill Anthracoceros marchei 2 23. Palawan talking myna Gracula religiosa 3 24. Philippine eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi 1 25. Philippine hanging Loriculus philippensis 11 parrot 26. Philippine hawk eagle Spizaetus philippensis 12 27. Philippine horned Bubo philippensis 9 (eagle) owl 28. Philippine Scops owl Otus megalotis 5 29. Pink-necked pigeon Treron vernans 1 30. Pinsker's hawk eagle Spizaetus pinskerii 1 31. Red turtle dove Streptopelia tranquebarica 1 32.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Species of North American Tarantula , Aphonopelma Paloma (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae )
    1992. The Journal of Arachnology 20 :189—199 A NEW SPECIES OF NORTH AMERICAN TARANTULA , APHONOPELMA PALOMA (ARANEAE, MYGALOMORPHAE, THERAPHOSIDAE ) Thomas R. Prentice: Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside , California 92521, US A ABSTRACT. Aphonopelma paloma new species, is distinguished from all other North American tarantula s by its unusually small size and presence of setae partially or completely dividing the scopula of tarsus IV i n both sexes. Both sexes also are characterized by a general reduction of the scopula on metatarsus IV . Males are characterized by a swollen third femur . In 1939 and 1940 R. V. Chamberlin and W. with anterior and posterior edges in the same Ivie described almost all of the currently recog- plane. All ink drawings except femora were aide d nized North American theraphosid spiders . De- by a camera lucida. Palpal bulb and seminal re- spite the acknowledged significance of their work , ceptacles were cleared in 10% NaOH (for 12 hr. it is difficult to apply Chamberlin's keys wit h at 50 °C.) prior to illustration . Scanning electron much success even in dealing with specimen s micrographs were taken with a JEOL JSM C35 . from type localities, primarily because their small Abbreviations for eyes are standard for Araneae. sample sizes did not allow variational assess- For leg spination, abbreviations are as follows : ment. Eleven of these species descriptions were a = apical, b = basal, d = dorsal, e = preapical, based on single males, five on single females, an d L = left, m = medial, p = prolateral direction, r three on two males each (Chamberlin & Ivie 1939; = retrolateral direction, R = right, usu .
    [Show full text]
  • Tarantulas in the Pacific Northwest1
    WSU Puyallup REC PLS-108 Updated July 2003 Tarantulas in the Pacific Northwest1 Tarantulas (Fig. 1) in the Pacific Northwest? Well, maybe not like the hairy monsters of the tropics, but some very interesting "atypical" species do occur here. Our species belong to the family Antrodiaetidae. One of our most common spiders is the folding-door spider, Antrodiaetus pacificus (Simon). It is a fairly large species, females ranging from 11 to 13 millimeters in length, males slightly smaller. They are generally dark brown to almost black in color with the abdomen purplish brown. Males are characterized by their long legs, slim bodies, and three tergites (hardened plates) on the abdomen. Females (Fig. 2) are more robust with only one tergite. These spiders excavate burrows in the soil or in damp, rotten wood, digging with a row of spines on each chelicer, known as a ratellum. The six to ten inch deep vertical shafts are lined with silk. The webbing extends beyond ground level as a short collar of camouflaged silk. The turret’s two sides may be drawn in by the occupant, forming two "doors" which meet in the middle. At night, Antrodiaetus assumes a foraging posture with its pedipalps and first pair of legs just touching the rim of silk at the mouth of the tube. In this position, the folding door spider can readily detect an insect moving above ground. The spider will leap out of its burrow with lightning speed, seize its victim, and drop back down, like a terrorizing Jack-in-the-box. When finished with its meal, it will add the insect's dry, dismembered body to a silk-covered trash pile at the bottom of its burrow.
    [Show full text]
  • Redescription of the Holotypes of Mygalarachnae Ausserer 1871 And
    ARTÍCULO: Redescription of the holotypes of Mygalarachnae Ausserer 1871 and Harpaxictis Simon (1892) (Araneae: Theraphosidae) with rebuttal of their synonymy with Sericopelma Ausserer 1875. Ray Gabriel and Stuart.J. Longhorn ARTÍCULO: Abstract: Redescription of the holotypes of The examination of specimens from various Neotropical tarantula genera (The- Mygalarachnae Ausserer 1871 and raphosidae) indicated the unique nature of monotypic genera Mygalarachnae Harpaxictis Simon (1892) (Araneae: Ausserer 1871 and Harpaxictis Simon 1892. Review of the both holotypes leads Theraphosidae) with rebuttal of their us to argue that Mygalarachnae and Harpaxictis should be removed from their synonymy with Sericopelma current synonymy with Sericopelma Ausserer 1875. The presence of type I and Ausserer 1875. III urticating hairs on the holotype specimen of Mygalarachnae firmly place it in the subfamily Theraphosinae and we argue should be restored as a valid genus, Ray Gabriel so that current placement of “incertae sedis” is inappropriate. The identity of Hope Entomological Collections, Harpaxictis striatus is less certain, but here removed from synonymy with Seri- Oxford University Museum of Natural copelma, and due to a lack of other diagnostic features is suggested as nomen History, Parks Road, Oxford, dubium. Possible affinities of Mygalarachne with other valid genera of Thera- Oxon, England, OX1 3PW, UK. phosinae are briefly discussed. Key words: Sericopelma, Tarantula. Mygalarachne brevipes, Harpaxictis striatus, Stuart.J. Longhorn Taxonomy: Mygalarachne brevipes comb. rev., Harpaxictis striatus comb. rev. Dept. of Entomology. The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, Redescripción de los holotipos de Mygalarachnae Ausserer 1871 UK. y Harpaxictis Simon (1892) rechazando su sinonímia con Dept. of Biology.
    [Show full text]
  • Tarantulas and Social Spiders
    Tarantulas and Social Spiders: A Tale of Sex and Silk by Jonathan Bull BSc (Hons) MSc ICL Thesis Presented to the Institute of Biology of The University of Nottingham in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Nottingham May 2012 DEDICATION To my parents… …because they both said to dedicate it to the other… I dedicate it to both ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost I would like to thank my supervisor Dr Sara Goodacre for her guidance and support. I am also hugely endebted to Dr Keith Spriggs who became my mentor in the field of RNA and without whom my understanding of the field would have been but a fraction of what it is now. Particular thanks go to Professor John Brookfield, an expert in the field of biological statistics and data retrieval. Likewise with Dr Susan Liddell for her proteomics assistance, a truly remarkable individual on par with Professor Brookfield in being able to simplify even the most complex techniques and analyses. Finally, I would really like to thank Janet Beccaloni for her time and resources at the Natural History Museum, London, permitting me access to the collections therein; ten years on and still a delight. Finally, amongst the greats, Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kondrashov… a true inspiration. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who, although may not have directly contributed, should not be forgotten due to their continued assistance and considerate nature: Dr Chris Wade (five straight hours of help was not uncommon!), Sue Buxton (direct to my bench creepy crawlies), Sheila Keeble (ventures and cleans where others dare not), Alice Young (read/checked my thesis and overcame her arachnophobia!) and all those in the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences.
    [Show full text]
  • What's Eating You? Tarantulas (Theraphosidae)
    Close enCounters With the environment What’s Eating You? Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) Lauren E. Krug, BS; Dirk M. Elston, MD arantulas belong to the family Theraphosidae, which contains more than 900 species of T hairy and often very large spiders (Figure). Depending on the species, the tarantula’s body length ranges from 1 to 4 in with 3- to 12-in leg spans. At 12 in, the largest reported species is the Goliath bird- eating spider (Theraphosa blondi). The tarantula’s body consists of 4 pairs of legs that terminate in retractable claws, allowing the spider to grip and climb. Two additional pointed appendages called chelicerae are located just below the eyes and are used to grip food and prey. They contain the venomCUTIS glands that allow the spider to immobilize and kill its prey.1 In addition to the regular hairs that cover the Tarantula. spider’s body, most New World species possess barbed urticating hairs that can be released to defend the spider when it feels threatened. Located on the dorsal surface of the abdomen, the hairs are dislodged when Secondary glaucoma and cataract formation also have the Dospider rapidly vibrates 1 or Notboth of its hind legs.2 been reported.Copy10 Patients suspected of having ocular Once released, the hairs travel similar to arrows, giv- injuries should be seen by an ophthalmologist and ing them the ability to penetrate deeply into the eyes examined with a slit lamp.11 Management includes and other tissues and to cause prolonged localized topical steroids and antibiotics as well as removal of urticaria in skin.3 Histologically, skin lesions may the hairs, which may be difficult or impossible.4-9,12 demonstrate hairs that have penetrated both the Some species of tarantulas may incorporate urticating stratum corneum and stratum malpighii.
    [Show full text]
  • Chilean Rose-Haired Tarantula Native Range Map
    Chilean Rose-haired Tarantula Native Range Map Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Chelicerata Class: Arachnida Order: Araneae Family: Theraphosidae Genus : Grammostola Species : gala Photo courtesy of Karen Marzynski Habitat • In the Wild: This species of tarantula can be found in Chile, in dry grassland regions at the edge of the desert. • Exhibit Location: Zoo to You Collection Characteristics • Adults grow to be 4.5 – 5.5 inches in diameter. • There are 2 different color schemes, depending on where in Chile they are from. Many are brownish, while others are more reddish or pink in color. • This tarantula has a hard external skeleton (exoskeleton) and 8 jointed legs. The exterior of the body is covered by long, bristle-like hairs. There is a smaller pair of sensory appendages called pedipalps. They have 8 eyes, 2 fangs, and are venomous (poisonous). They have a cephalothorax (composed of the head and thorax) to which all appendages except the spinnerets (tubular structures from which web silk are produced) are attached. The spinnerets are found on the abdomen. • Individual hairs may be sensitive to motion, heat, cold, and other environmental triggers. Hairs near the mouth are capable of sensing chemicals that give the spider a basic type of sense of smell and taste. • Lifespan: In the Wild males 3-10 years, females 15-20 years; In Captivity males less than 2 years, females 20 or more years (average is 12 years) Behaviors • The Chilean rose-haired tarantula is a nocturnal (nighttime) hunter and finds a shelter to web itself into at dawn. • Their digestive system is designed to deal with liquid food only.
    [Show full text]
  • Spider and Scorpion Case
    Spider and Scorpion case Black widow spider (Lactrodectus hesperus) Black widows are notorious spiders identified by the colored, hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomens. Several species answer to the name, and they are found in temperate regions around the world. This spider's bite is much feared because its venom is reported to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake's. In humans, bites produce muscle aches, nausea, and a paralysis of the diaphragm that can make breathing difficult; however, contrary to popular belief, most people who are bitten suffer no serious damage—let alone death. But bites can be fatal—usually to small children, the elderly, or the infirm. Fortunately, fatalities are fairly rare; the spiders are nonaggressive and bite only in self-defense, such as when someone accidentally sits on them. These spiders spin large webs in which females suspend a cocoon with hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings disperse soon after they leave their eggs, but the web remains. Black widow spiders also use their webs to ensnare their prey, which consists of flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. Black widows are comb- footed spiders, which means they have bristles on their hind legs that they use to cover their prey with silk once it has been trapped. To feed, black widows puncture their insect prey with their fangs and administer digestive enzymes to the corpses. By using these enzymes, and their gnashing fangs, the spiders liquefy their prey's bodies and suck up the resulting fluid. Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) Hadrurus arizonensis is distributed throughout the Sonora and Mojave deserts.
    [Show full text]
  • A Taxonomic Review of the Trapdoor Spider Genus Myrmekiaphila (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Cyrtaucheniidae)
    PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY CENTRAL PARK WEST AT 79TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10024 Number 3596, 30 pp., 106 figures December 12, 2007 A Taxonomic Review of the Trapdoor Spider Genus Myrmekiaphila (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Cyrtaucheniidae) JASON E. BOND1 AND NORMAN I. PLATNICK2 ABSTRACT The mygalomorph spider genus Myrmekiaphila comprises 11 species known only from the southeastern United States. The type species, M. foliata Atkinson, is removed from the synonymy of M. fluviatilis (Hentz) and placed as a senior synonym of M. atkinsoni Simon. A neotype is designated for M. fluviatilis and males of the species are described for the first time. Aptostichus flavipes Petrunkevitch is transferred to Myrmekiaphila. Six new species are described: M. coreyi and M. minuta from Florida, M. neilyoungi from Alabama, M. jenkinsi from Tennessee and Kentucky, and M. millerae and M. howelli from Mississippi. INTRODUCTION throughout the southeastern United States (fig. 1), ranging from northern Virginia along The trapdoor spider genus Myrmekiaphila the Appalachian Mountains southward (Cyrtaucheniidae, Euctenizinae) has long re- through West Virginia, Kentucky, North and mained in relative obscurity. Aside from South Carolina, Tennessee, and northern occasional species descriptions, no significant Georgia into the Southeastern Plains and taxonomic work on the group has appeared. Southern Coastal Plain of Alabama, Mis- Members of the genus are widely distributed sissippi, and Florida. The range of the genus 1 Research Associate, Division
    [Show full text]
  • Spiders & Scorpion Livestock
    Spiders & Scorpion Livestock Updated: 22.09.2017 Please Note: Livestock lists are correct at time of publishing and availability is subject to change Common Name Latin Name Age/Size Price Stock Status Spiders Brazilian Red And White Knee Female £49.95 Available Tarantula Adult Brazilian White Knee Tarantula £34.95 Available Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula Grammostola Pulchripes £29.95 Available Cobalt Blue Tarantula Haplopelma Lividum Sub Adult £49.95 Available Costa Rican Zebra Female £49.95 Available Curly Hair Tarantula Female £29.95 Available Field Wolf Spider Hogna Miami £19.95 Available Fringed Ornamental p. ornata spiderling £24.95 Available 1 / 4 Common Name Latin Name Age/Size Price Stock Status Spiders Golden Baboon Tarantula Augacephalus ezendami £39.95 Available Gooty Ornamental p. metallica spiderling £49.95 Available Green Bottle Blue Tarantula Female £49.95 Available Green Femur Birdeater Phormictopus"Green Femur" £39.95 Available Indian Ornamental Tarantula Poecilotheria regalis 2cm £24.95 Available King Baboon Tarantula Pelinobius Muticus £24.95 Available Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula 2cm £16.95 Available Mexican Fire Leg Tarantula Brachypelma Bohemi £39.95 Available Mexican Red Knee Tarantula Brachypelma Smithi £34.95 Available 2 / 4 Common Name Latin Name Age/Size Price Stock Status Spiders Mexican Red Leg Tarantula Brachypelma Emilia £39.95 Available £24.95 Available Mexican Red Rump Brachypelma Vagans Female Sub Adult Available £49.95 spiderling £19.95 Available OBT Tarantula Female Sub Adult Available £39.95 Purple Earth
    [Show full text]
  • Hemolymph and Hemocytes of Tarantula Spiders: Physiological Roles and Potential As Sources of Bioactive Molecules
    In: Advances in Animal Science and Zoology. Volume 8 ISBN: 978-1-63483-552-7 Editor: Owen P. Jenkins © 2015 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. No part of this digital document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted commercially in any form or by any means. The publisher has taken reasonable care in the preparation of this digital document, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of information contained herein. This digital document is sold with the clear understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, medical or any other professional services. Chapter 8 HEMOLYMPH AND HEMOCYTES OF TARANTULA SPIDERS: PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES AND POTENTIAL AS SOURCES OF BIOACTIVE MOLECULES Tatiana Soares, Thiago H. Napoleão, Felipe R. B. Ferreira and Patrícia M. G. Paiva∗ Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil ABSTRACT Arachnids compose the most important and numerous group of chelicerates and include spiders, scorpions, mites and ticks. Some arachnids have a worldwide distribution and can live for more than two decades. This is in part due to their efficient defense system, with an innate immunity that acts as a first line of protection against bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. The adaptive success of the spiders stimulates the study of their defense mechanisms at cellular and molecular levels with both biological and biotechnological purposes. The hemocytes (plasmatocytes, cyanocytes, granulocytes, prohemocytes, and leberidocytes) of spiders are responsible for phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation of pathogens as well as produce substances that mediate humoral mechanisms such as antimicrobial peptides and factors involved in the coagulation of hemolymph and melanization of microorganisms.
    [Show full text]
  • Description of Two New Species of Plesiopelma (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Theraphosinae) from Argentina
    374 Ferretti & Barneche Description of two new species of Plesiopelma (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Theraphosinae) from Argentina Nelson Ferretti & Jorge Barneche Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores CEPAVE (CCT- CONICET- La Plata) (UNLP), Calle 2 n°584, La Plata, Argentina. ([email protected]; [email protected]) ABSTRACT. Two new species of Plesiopelma Pocock, 1901 from northern Argentina are described and diagnosed based on males and habitat descriptions are presented. Males of Plesiopelma paganoi sp. nov. differ from most of species by the absence of spiniform setae on the retrolateral face of cymbium, aspect of the palpal bulb. Plesiopelma aspidosperma sp. nov. differs from most species of the genus by the presence of spiniform setae on the retrolateral face of cymbium and it can be distinguished from P. myodes Pocock, 1901, P. longisternale (Schiapelli & Gerschman, 1942) and P. rectimanum (Mello-Leitão, 1923) by the separated palpal bulb keels and basal nodule of metatarsus I very developed. It differs from P. minense (Mello-Leitão, 1943) by the shape of the palpal bulb and basal nodule on metatarsus I well developed. Specimens were captured in Salta province, Argentina, inhabiting high cloud forests of Yungas eco-region. KEYWORDS. Taxonomy, spiders, natural history, Neotropical, Yungas. RESUMEN. Descripción de dos nuevas especies de Plesiopelma (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Theraphosinae) de Argentina. Dos nuevas especies de Plesiopelma Pocock, 1901 del norte de Argentina son diferenciadas y se describen en base a ejemplares machos y se presentan descripciones de los ambientes. Machos de Plesiopelma paganoi sp. nov. difieren de la mayoría de las especies por la ausencia de setas espiniformes en la cara retrolateral del cymbium, por la forma del órgano palpar.
    [Show full text]