Higher classification Acanthoscurria Rank Species | Family Theraphosidae Scientific name Acanthoscurria geniculata Order Spider | |
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Similar Acanthoscurria, Tarantula, Brachypelma, Mexican redknee tarantula, Lasiodora parahybana | ||
Brazilian whiteknee tarantula attacking a mouse
The Brazilian whiteknee tarantula (Acanthoscurria geniculata) is a species of tarantula.
Contents
Distribution and habitat
Acanthoscurria geniculata is native to the Amazon basin of Northern Brazil. These tarantulas live in a tropical, wet climate, characterized by abundant rainfall with little or no dry season.
Description
Acanthoscurria geniculata shows brilliant black color and white banded brown or black legs. The males are smaller and less intensely colored. This is a large species, with a body-length reaching 9 centimetres (3.5 in). These tarantulas are fast growing, taking up to 3–4 years to reach a mature leg-span of 8.5 inches for females.
Human culture
These tarantulas have been much prized as pets, due to their size, hardiness, and striking colouration. They are moderately defensive, and their urticating hairs can be quite irritating to human skin.
These spiders, like many un-domesticated pets, can bite when provoked. Fortunately because they have urticating hairs, biting is typically not their first line of defence. Their venom is not considered medically significant, but due to their large size the puncture wounds can be damaging.