Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula
Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House
Did You Know?
- Tarantulas are covered in hairlike bristles called setae (SEE-tee), which help them sense their surroundings. Most New World tarantulas also have urticating setae, which are shed when the tarantula is threatened and can irritate an attacker’s skin.
- New World tarantulas have venom that is less potent than that of Old World tarantulas, but can still be extremely painful.
- Tarantulas are relatively sedentary. However, they can be found in every continent except Antarctica.
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Why aren’t animals visible at all times? To promote positive animal welfare, we provide animals with choices. They can choose to spend time in areas that are out of public view.
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Overview
Scientific Name: Acanthoscurria geniculata
Diet: Insects, lizards, small mammals
Range: Amazon rainforest in South America
Endangered Status: Status Not Determined
More Information
Tarantulas are nocturnal arachnids that tend to move slowly and deliberately. This particular type has a black body that is about 5 inches long, plus bright white-and-black-striped leg bands that can span 11 inches.
Males reach adulthood after 3–4 years and only live for about a year after that. Meanwhile, it can take females up to 5 years to become mature, and they can live more than 10 years. Tarantulas molt regularly, a process that helps them repair appendages or lost hair. Incubation of eggs lasts about 25 days.
