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Overview
Meet the stunning Ybyrapora diversipes, an arboreal tarantula native to Bahia, Brazil. Known for its captivating markings, this species is a favorite among exotic pet enthusiasts. Originally introduced to the hobby in 2007 as Avicularia fasciculata, it has since been successfully bred in captivity, eliminating the need for wild-caught specimens. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of this unique tarantula!
Natural History
The Ybyrapora diversipes is found along the eastern coast of Brazil, particularly around the city of Ilhéus. These tarantulas inhabit former cacao plantations, where they construct nests by weaving together leaves in the vegetation. They are also known to reside in the funnels of bromeliads or wander over deadwood. This arboreal lifestyle allows them to thrive in their natural habitat.
Taxonomy & Systematics
Originally described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1842 as Mygale diversipes, the Ybyrapora diversipes belongs to the family Theraphosidae, under the subfamily Aviculariinae. It was previously confused with the now dubious species Avicularia fasciculata. The species has distinct taxonomic features, such as the strongly curved receptacula seminis in females, which resemble the letter “M”. Males lack tibial apophyses, differentiating them from other species within the genus.
Husbandry
In captivity, Ybyrapora diversipes requires a habitat that mimics its natural environment. A terrarium with ample vertical space and foliage is ideal. After successful mating, females build an egg sac containing 70 to 90 eggs following a simulated rainy season. The incubation period lasts about seven to eight weeks. These tarantulas are known for their striking color changes as they mature, transitioning from metallic green spiderlings to adults with a brown body and blue sheen on their legs.
References
- World Spider Catalog Version 15.5 – Avicularia diversipes. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
- Martin Hüsser: A.diversipes Scientific Name: Avicularia diversipes. Archived from the original on September 10, 2014.
- Rogério Bertani & Caroline Sayuri Fukushima: Description of two new species of Avicularia and redescription of Avicularia diversipes. Zootaxa 2223: 25–47 (2009).
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Meta Description: Discover the captivating Ybyrapora diversipes, an arboreal tarantula from Brazil, known for its stunning markings and unique traits. Learn about its natural history, taxonomy, and care.
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