Overview
Ever wondered how some creatures evade danger? The Tapinauchenius spider has a clever escape strategy: it drops from trees into water, effortlessly staying afloat to dodge predators. This fascinating survival tactic showcases nature’s ingenuity. The Tapinauchenius is a genus of tarantulas known for their speed and striking coloration, making them a favorite among exotic pet enthusiasts. However, their skittish nature means they’re not for the faint-hearted!
Natural History
Tapinauchenius spiders are native to South America and the Caribbean, thriving in cleared, open areas with sparse tree cover. Despite being arboreal, they often prefer the lower regions in captivity, spinning webs in cork tubes and creating underground chambers. These spiders are incredibly agile, capturing prey with precision, even larger food items. Their growth is relatively fast, reaching maturity in about 1.5 to 2 years under optimal conditions.
Taxonomy & Systematics
The genus Tapinauchenius was first described by Anton Ausserer in 1871. It belongs to the family Theraphosidae, commonly known as tarantulas. The name combines Greek words meaning “low” and “neck.” As of 2022, the genus includes nine species, such as Tapinauchenius plumipes and Tapinauchenius cupreus, found in regions like Brazil, Ecuador, and the Lesser Antilles. These spiders are known for their iridescent colors and lack of urticating hairs, setting them apart from other genera.
Husbandry
Tapinauchenius spiders are popular among hobbyists for their vibrant colors and speed. They require a tropical environment with temperatures between 21 to 27°C (70 to 80°F) and humidity levels of 70% to 85%. Their enclosures should prioritize height over floor space, with at least 36 cm (14 inches) in height. A substrate of organic potting soil is ideal, and they should be fed a diet of crickets, roaches, or worms. With proper care, these spiders can live up to eighteen years.
References
- Gloor, Daniel; Nentwig, Wolfgang; Blick, Theo; Kropf, Christian (2022). “Gen. Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871”. World Spider Catalog Version 23.0. Natural History Museum Bern.
- Ausserer, A. (1871). “Beiträge zur Kenntniss der Arachniden-Familie der Territelariae Thorell (Mygalidae Autor)”. Verhandlungen der Kaiserlich-Königlichen Zoologisch-Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien.
- CIFUENTES, YEIMY; BERTANI, ROGERIO (2022). “Taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the tarantula genera Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871, Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1985, and Amazonius n. gen. (Theraphosidae, Psalmopoeinae)”. Zootaxa.
- Hüsser, Martin (2018). “A first phylogenetic analysis reveals a new arboreal tarantula genus from South America with description of a new species and two new species of Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae)”. ZooKeys.
“`
Related Images:
