Introduction to the Theraphosidae

Pérez‐Miles, Fernando

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-48644-0_1

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…H. nilgirinus has pedipalps, which were used to sense the prey and drag it with its claw (Quade et al, 2019). All theraposid spiders have scopulae and claw tufts, which are sticky and used for prey capture and mobility, primarily when climbing (Pérez-Miles, 2020).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecology of the Nilgiri Large Burrowing Spider Haploclastus Nilgirinus Pocock, 1899 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) of Nilgiris, India

Abinesh,

Moinudheen

2024

Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus.

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The Nilgiri large burrowing spider, Haploclastus nilgirinus Pocock, 1899, an endemic tarantula in the Nilgiris Region of India, is critical for conservation yet poorly understood in terms of its ecology and habitat. This study addresses this gap by examining the nesting habits, tree-hole dynamics, and prey diversity of the species in Coonoor, The Nilgiris, specifically within tea plantations and fruit orchards. Observations focused on seven pear trees serving as nesting sites, with detailed measurements of nesting holes, including outer and inner circumference, depth, trunk base, ground-based height (gbh), and height from the ground. Data were collected over four consecutive months, both morning and evening. Insect diversity in the orchard was also assessed through counts and diversity indices, revealing variability among trees. The seventh tree had the highest spider population, with 13 spiders in 10 nests. Insect orders such as Blattodea, Orthoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera were most prevalent around the seventh tree’s nests. Across all trees, a total of 25 spiders in 21 nests were documented, with variations in hole size and other tree measurements. This research provides crucial insights into the nesting habits, tree-hole dynamics, and prey diversity of this species, informing conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. As H. nilgirinus faces threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal trade, understanding its ecological needs is vital for developing effective conservation strategies and sustaining ecosystem health.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecology of the Nilgiri Large Burrowing Spider Haploclastus Nilgirinus Pocock, 1899 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) of Nilgiris, India

Abinesh,

Moinudheen

2024

Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus.

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“…Most genera and subfamilies of Theraphosidae are currently endemic to only one or few continents (Foley et al 2019; Luddecke et al 2018) despite estimates of crown group ages of 120–115.5 million years (Foley et al 2019, 2021). As reported in various other mygalomorph clades, many tarantula species are often documented as naturally having small distribution ranges (Hamilton et al 2016; Pérez‐Miles 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…Tarantulas are largely sedentary animals, at least for most of their lives. They typically live in burrows or retreats, with most species being fossorial although several species are arboreal, cave dwelling or opportunistic (e.g., making silk‐lined retreats under rocks, logs and debris) (Pérez‐Miles 2020). When spiderlings leave their maternal burrow, they typically travel only a few metres and then begin construction of their own burrow (Reichling 2000), where they are thought to remain until maturity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the diversity of Australian tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) using DNA barcoding and iterative species delimitation

Briggs,

Santana,

Raven

et al. 2023

Austral Entomology

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Tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) are one of the most diverse and widespread families of mygalomorph spiders, with over 1000 species recognised globally. While tarantulas can be found across most of mainland Australia, from arid regions to tropical forests, the Australian fauna are not yet well characterised. There are currently only 10 nominal species, up to 8 of which are currently recognised as distinct species. Here, we aim to undertake the first continent‐wide assessment of species diversity of tarantulas in Australia using an iterative, hypothesis‐testing approach. We apply a biological species concept and use DNA sequence data from three independent loci to delimit putative species based on evidence of lack of gene flow. First, we use the mitochondrial DNA marker 16S to identify a set of putative species hypotheses. We then test each hypothesis under the expectations of neotypy, allotypy and allophyly using two independent nuclear loci, EF1γ and 28S rRNA. Genealogically exclusive lineages are inferred using haplotype networks for each nuclear locus, interpreted to represent non‐interbreeding entities and hence represent distinct biological species. We find evidence for there being at least 20 distinct biological species of tarantula in Australia, with the highest species richness in northern Australia. Our results are in line with other DNA‐based studies of Australian mygalomorphs that have uncovered undescribed species diversity. Given the low number of samples included here, there is likely to be an even greater species diversity of tarantulas in Australia.

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“…Much information about theraphosids, can be found both in classical (e.g., Simon 1864;Comstock 1980;Breene et al 1996 among others) and in recent literature (Foelix 2011;Pérez-Miles 2020) of which, however, there are few published scientific works focused on life expectancy. It is demonstrated that tarantula species are very long-lived, with females that can live for 30 years or more (Costa & Pérez-Miles 2002;Criscuolo et al 2010;Montes de Oca et al 2016), always 3-4 years more than males that usually live until mating (Foelix 2011;Padilla et al 2018).…”

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confidence: 99%

On the life expectancy of a male Chilean rose tarantula, Grammostola rosea(Walckenaer, 1837) (Araneae: Theraphosidae) reared in captivity

Cortés-Fossati

Martín-Rodríguez²

2022

RCHE

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Here we present the case of a male Chilean rose tarantula Grammostola rosea (Walckenaer, 1837) (Araneae: Theraphosidae) reared in captivity, whose life expectancy has been dated at 8.5 years. The specimen spent the last three as an adult. Both records are outside the average range of lifespan expected for an adult male. The specimen was kept under natural conditions in a Mediterranean climate, without photoperiod or temperature control. Diet was composed of Tenebrio molitor larvae and Gryllus sp./Acheta sp. nymphs and adults. The feeding regime was 1-2 prey per week in the early stages and later 1 prey every 20 days since the individual exceeded 15 mm body length approximately, to his death. The specimen spent most of its adult life without eating, actively refusing prey. The maximum time without eating was 22 months. At the time of death, the specimen measured 35 mm in body length and 130 with leg expanded. Previous research reported lower life expectancies in male tarantulas. More research on understudied lifecycle aspects of the Theraphosidae is needed.

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Introduction to the Theraphosidae

Cited by 9 publications

References 41 publications

Ecology of the Nilgiri Large Burrowing Spider Haploclastus Nilgirinus Pocock, 1899 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) of Nilgiris, India

Ecology of the Nilgiri Large Burrowing Spider Haploclastus Nilgirinus Pocock, 1899 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) of Nilgiris, India

Assessing the diversity of Australian tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) using DNA barcoding and iterative species delimitation

On the life expectancy of a male Chilean rose tarantula, Grammostola rosea(Walckenaer, 1837) (Araneae: Theraphosidae) reared in captivity

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