Brazilian whiteknee tarantula
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| Acanthoscurria geniculata (Koch, 1841) |
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Mygale geniculata |
The Brazilian whiteknee tarantula (Acanthoscurria geniculata) is a burrowing terrestrial species native to Brazil. It is commonly referred to as the whiteknee tarantula, giant whiteknee tarantula, giant white knee tarantula, and Brazilian giant whiteknee tarantula, among other permutations.
This species is relatively large, with a legspan of up to 8.5 inches. Unlike many of the larger terrestrial tarantulas though, it is very colorful in its appearance, due to the brilliant white stripes that adorn its leg joints.
Brazilian whiteknee tarantulas have been much prized as pets, due to their size and striking coloration. They are moderately aggressive, and their urticating hairs can be quite irritating to human skin. These spiders have a tendency to bite but fortunately they are not very venomous.
[edit] External links
- Photograph of captive A. geniculata, with advice on handling these creatures
- Photos of Acanthoscurria geniculata and more Acanthoscurria species in tarantulas gallery.
