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Spider Photos - Tarantulas

TARANTULAS

There are two main types of spiders. Tarantulas belong to the group of Primitive spiders called Mygalomorphs which:
* take in air through two pairs of abdominal pouches called book-lungs
* have fangs (chelicerae) that work up and down like a pick axe
* do not hang in webs of silk, but may live in silk-lined burrows and spin egg sacs
* resemble spiders found only in the fossil record from 300 million years ago
* include the funnel-web, trapdoor, tarantulas and brush-footed spiders.  

Many thanks to Brian who has gone through this page and identified the species on as many as he can. This is much appreciated!!

31 January, 2010:
Here’s some pics of what my collection used to look like (had 268 at one point) Between my room mate and I we had over 600 tarantulas in the house. Brian

26 January, 2010:
Hi Glenda! Love your page. My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon in Costa Rica (late Dec-early Jan) where we took many photos of wildlife, though with an inferior small digital camera. I have six photos here that I wanted to show you so you could tell me what species they are, if you have time and don't mind. I believe they're all different species, except maybe the two tarantula photos, which we were told were both "Red-kneed" or "Red-legged" tarantulas (or something like that). The two biggest orb spiders might be two different species (first and last photos). Sorry the small fuzzy pic of the round-abdomened spider may not be good enough quality to Identify. And lastly, there's the small, twiggy, camoflaged spider that's trying to look like a twig after being touched. These photos were all taken in various locations/elevations in the rainforests of Costa Rica. Thank you so much for your help and feel free to use any of these photos on your "web"site. :) Fellow spider-appreciater, Rebecca

Reply: This is a tarantula of some sort. What a lovely specimen - glen

16 January, 2010:
Hi, Any chance you can tell me what type of spider this is? We saw it in Patagonia, and our book on Chilean wildlife didn't include spiders for some reason. We saw 2 of them, probably 2-3 inches long. Thanks! Sarah

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Reply from Brian: I can’t be certain of this one, but given its build and coloration, and being it came from the Philippines, I’d say it was a member of the Selenocosmia family. It’s difficult to tell species by coloration because they can vary so much in color either pre or post molt. The fact tat this spider came from the Philippines doesn’t necessarily mean it’s indigenous to this area, since it’s not difficult at all to import/export them from this region.

4 October, 2009:
Hi Glen I found your website very interesting and informative. I thought I'd include the following article and picture of a tarantula species recently intercepted by NZ MAF. They currently are a new species it would seem. Thought you might be interested for your site if you haven't got them already. Regards Abby
Spider man caught and fined 27 July 2009
An Auckland man was sentenced in the Manukau District Court last week for the illegal importation of spiders and must pay a fine of $4,000 as well as investigation and court costs totalling $630.00. Robert Featherstone, a self employed Aquascaper with a keen interest in the trading and breeding of exotic pets, was convicted under the Biosecurity Act 1993 after MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) officials intercepted a package containing tarantula spiders. The package, described as a gift on declaration forms was addressed to Mr Featherstone's home address and had come from the Philippines. It contained seven live, juvenile spiders, each one orange in colour and secured in polystyrene. Expert identification confirmed the spiders were a new species belonging to the tarantula family and unidentified previously in any part of the world. When interviewed, the defendant admitted spiders were his hobby and passion and that he was planning on keeping them as pets. He knew he couldn't buy tarantulas in New Zealand so had ordered them from the Philippines and instructed them to be labelled as "gift" in an attempt to avoid custom duty. MAF Investigations Manager Greg Reid said the outcome of the case sends a clear message about how seriously New Zealand takes biosecurity. "The defendant's deliberate attempt to import these spiders is a serious offence. The introduction of unknown tarantula spiders to our country could have an impact on human health and result in the degradation of New Zealand's clean and safe environment and impact the tourism industry which generates billions of dollars to the economy." Tarantula hairs contain a toxin that can cause a serious skin rash, an allergic reaction, and possibly even anaphylactic shock. Tarantulas have hairs on their body and hind legs that can pierce human skin and inject their toxin. "Had the spiders got loose or been released in the local environment there would have been a danger to the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. The biggest tarantulas can kill animals as large as lizards and birds". All imports of pests and animals must be cleared by MAF. Clearance is necessary to protect against the introduction of unwanted pests and diseases that could seriously affect new Zealand's environment. Exotic pests, particularly unidentified species, may contain dangerous diseases and many viral diseases are transmittable through the movement of exotic pets MAF issues import health standards to manage the risks associated with the importation of goods which may cause unwanted harm to natural and physical resources and human health in New Zealand.

Reply from Brian: Since the poster did not specify her locale, I’ll have to take an educated guess. It’s definitely an Aphonopelma species - mature male. The short triangular shape of the chelicerae and the large rounded ends on the pedipalps are a dead giveaway. This is probably an A. hentzi. It was no doubt in search of a female to breed with. A. hentzi (common name Oklahoma brown) has the largest range of any North American species. They can be found in Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, and parts of eastern New Mexico. Their range is possibly larger then this area as well. This spider is also called a Texas brown, but it is in fact the same species.

8 September, 2009:
Found this serious looking spider on my driveway. He may be injured or dead because he isn't moving. We'll see tomorrow. 8 legs, a head with two protrusions (stingers?) One back protrusion near back legs. Head is brownish. All legs and protrusions are covered with fine hair that looks like a little fur coat. You can see all on the limbs. It was taken in the dark so the flash changes it a bit. Has a span of 3 plus inches. Has a light orange mid section with what looks like black American Indian "printing" on it that looks like a shield. I tried looking it up on your great collection but never ran into it. I'm a nurse, not a biologist and don't know the nooks and crannies where I am sure it must be. Thanks, Barbara

26 July, 2009:
Hi! Here are some shots of the desert blonde tarantula we found the other day. Enjoy! Mike and Niki from Tucson AZ

28 May, 2009:
Ok I'm sure you get so many emails a day but I would really appreciate the name of this tarantella?? I found him in the closet on my dress... in the Bahamas Harbor Island more specifically. He must have been roaming around looking for food or a girlfriend... scared the crap outta me only because I wasn't sure if it was a wolfspider. Now I think it's a tarantula but are all of them safe to pick up?? In the future I will try to pick them up with my hands if so but he was pretty big and scary. We let him go outside down the road. Thank you for your time! RS

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Reply from Brian: Aphonopelma waconum (being that specimens from the Waco, TX area were used to ID it) the common name is the Waco Bronze (due to its bronze colored carapace)

23 October, 2008:
Hi! I found a spider in the house today and I was wondering if you could confirm what species it is. I believe it's a Texas brown tarantula but I've never actually seen one before (and I do live in central Texas). Attached are three pictures I took. The leg span is about 4 inches long. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thanks! Judy

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Reply from Brian: This is a Grammostola rosea – common name: Chilean Rose Hair. They are very common at pet stores that do carry tarantulas. They are inexpensive, and normally a very docile species.

30 September, 2008:
Glen, I'd like to introduce you to Aradia. I've had her for many years. This is the second one I've owned and they're great! Jade

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21 September, 2008:
Found your site very cool and we just moved to Pueblo West, CO -- didn't know there were tarantulas down here until this week when I spotted one. Ran into another this evening and caught a picture of it - thought I'd submit it to you. He was actually quite friendly and patient while we took our pictures and then left as soon as we were done taking our photos in search of a female I presume.
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Reply from Brian: This is most definitely a tarantula; gain, a fully mature male. Without some type of locality data, it’s difficult to pinpoint the species, but likely a variation of A. hentzi.

30 May, 2008:
Can you help me identify this specimen? Carla

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Reply from Brian: This looks a great deal like a Haplopelma species, possibly a member of the Cyriopagopus family, but neither is indigenous to Cyprus. Of course one of the major ways spiders of any kind populate an area is being brought in to a region via cargo ships. It’s highly likely that several non indigenous species of tarantula have made homes in new areas this way. Haplopelma and Cyriopagopus species are native to Thailand and Malaysia, which are frequent stops along major trade routes. This certainly is a member of the tarantula family though.

30 May, 2008:
Hi I was looking on your website to see if I could identify this spider we saw in Cyprus. Having checked many pictures it would seem to resemble a tarantula or a bird eating spider, but they look so similar it is difficult to decide which it may be. Could you help me please? Thanks Best wishes Ruth

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Reply from Brian: This is another adult male tarantula, although hard to describe accurately due to no locality data. It’s probably an A. hentzi, but perhaps an A. clarki..

30 May, 2008:
We found this outside our house last night and were wondering if it is indeed a wolf spider.

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Reply from Brian: The largest species native to India is Poecilotheria. This might be a P. formosa, but I can’t be certain. Regardless of the species, arboreal or terrestrial, you can care for it in the following manner: Temperatures between 75-80 degrees are preferable, but they can take higher. Just keep water handy for them if it’s normally high temps. Keep a water bowl full in the enclosure. Do not use a sponge in the water. Sponges tend to attract bacteria and fungus which isn’t good for any spider. Spiders do not breathe through their mouths, so it will be common for you to see them immerse their entire head under water. Don’t panic. Food sources can be any type of insect that doesn’t pose a threat to the spider. Crickets, grasshoppers, etc are good. Bees, scorpions, etc, can damage or even kill a spider so avoid these types of prey. Old World species (Asia, Africa) have hotter vemon, and are more apt to bite, so be careful if handling this spider. You can keep it on a multitude of substrates, but since you found it in India, I’d suggest getting some local (clean) dirt and putting 2-4” in the enclosure. They don’t require a lot of air, but don’t try to make the container air tight either. This will lead to moisture build up and mold issues. If the spider has something to hide under away from the light during the day (half a broken flower pot, a large chip of bark, etc) it’ll be less stressed. Tarantulas are nocturnal, and try to avoid light.

25 January, 2008:
HI, I am from India and have found this spider on my trip. It is my pet and i take good care of it. I want to know what species it is so that I can improve my care taking abilities. I know its a Tarantula, but what type, Burrowing, tree climbing, special care etc is what I need to find. Please let me know what kind this is and where I can find more information on the same

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17 September, 2007:
Attached for no reason particular reason is my G. Rosea.

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15 June, 2007:
Thought you might like to see this picture of a Pinktoed Tarantula (Avicularia Avicularia) that my dad and I caught while in Guyana S.A. There  were lots of them around (very common in houses). Scott, Ont. Canada
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Reply from Brian: Calisoga species is correct. Although it shares some characteristics with tarantulas, it’s actually more closely related to wolf spiders.

18 May, 2007:
Hi Glen...This is a reply for the person who posted a spider on February 27, 2007 (lives in Northern California, kept the spider in an aquarium, thought it was a tarantula). Although the picture was a little blurry, I believe the spider I found in my yard is the same. I also live in Northern California and found the spider in my yard. I consulted an arachnologist, who informed me that my spider is a native spider in the genus Calisoga.  It is a type of tarantula and sometimes referred to as the smooth or gray tarantula.  Not known to be dangerous but when threatened will assume an aggressive display posture. Hope this helps...
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Reply from Brian: Grammostola rosea for sure. (Chilean Rose Hair)

28 April, 2007:
Dear Colleagues I need do identify some spiders and really, I have no idea about which species they belong. I would appreciate if you could help me in this matter. I am sending some pictures, despite one is very dark. Once again, I am very grateful if you can help me with this. Sincerely, Luiz Roberto Francisco
ZOOTEC
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26 March, 2007:
Good News! Stella (Stripekneed Tarantula) moulted successfully in the comfort of her own confined burrow, and grew another 1.5 inches in leg span, measuring 4.5 inches. The whole process took about an hour from start to finish, and now looks really pretty. Enjoy the photos! Videos of her molt I posted on Youtube.com under my account name IloveSPIDERZ.

16 February, 2007:

Reply from Brian: This is a color variation of Aphonopelma seemani. (Stripe Knee Tarantula) Some were being sold in the pet trade as another species due to their lack of stripes like atypical seemani’s have. But it is an A. seemani just the same. Hard to tell from the photos, but judging from the chelicerae, I’d guess a sub-adult female.

14 January, 2007:
Hi Glen! I received a tarantula for Christmas! I love this spider but have a few questions. I named it Stella, but have no idea if it is a male or a female. What do you think? I can only guess because it is still relatively small (about 2 inches). Also, this particular spider was labeled as the Stripe Knee Tarantula, but doesn't look anything like the images I Goggled on the internet. Does anyone think it is a different spider? If so, please do tell! The behavioral characteristics of this species on the internet does match the spider's; very docile, and "Panicky" if startled in the slightest way.She got used to me handling her really fast though, and when she gets startled, she'll choose to run, and sometimes up the glass! But that leads to yet another question I have. At night, she leaves her burrow to walk slowly around the tank a few steps at a time, and loves to climb up the glass in the 12in. tank. Why do these spiders tend to crawl up the glass? I get concerned because when she tries to get back down, she ends up falling at the height she's at. This spider is a very fun spider to have as a pet! When I first handled it, you would be able to feel how strong and nervous it is! It is also fun to feed her crickets. She eats about once or twice every other day. Thanks so much! Joe Hollner

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Reply from Brian: Brachypelma smith – Mexican Red Knee

 21 October, 2006:
Hi Glen
I went to my friends house and took these pic of his red knee thanks enjoy the photos
Joe

Reply from Brian: This would be a male specimen of what is now identified as Aphonopelma rileyi (Marx - 1888) but it is believed this is actually A. rothi. (again, part of the ongoing debate that is North American tarantulas)

16 October, 2006:
Glen, Here is a pic of a spider I saw as I was driving up a mountain road outside of Santa Barbara CA . It looks like a tarantulas, with actual size at about 3” in diameter. Perry

16 October, 2006:

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Reply from Brian: I’m not at all sure on this one but it appears to be a member of the Coremiocnemis family found in Thailand and Malaysia.

15 September, 2006:
Dear Glen. I live in Southern Thailand. Last night when I was going to bed, this guy
crawled across my bedroom floor. He is about 15 cm from front leg to back leg. But what Kind of Tarantula is it? I looked at a lot of pictures on the web, but none really resembles! Thank you,
Pontus

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Reply from Brian: This is a Selenocosmia crassipes – commonly referred to as the Whistling Spider. They are one of the species that possess stridulating patches on their bodies, which they rub their legs against. In African species (Citharischius crawshayi) commonly known as the King Baboon Spider, it sounds like hissing. In the Whistling Spider it’s often said to sound like it’s whistling at you.

27  August, 2006:
Hi Glen, I live in Australia and i think this is a male tarantula but not too sure I took the photo on a camping trip it was in the toilets area bout 1hrs drive from Townsville. The other spider I have no clue what it is but i took that one in Point Lonsdale (Melbourne) a few weeks ago can you pls let me know what kinds these spiders are it's driving me mad! Thx Joan

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Reply from Brian: Given the locality data provided, this appears to be a healthy female specimen of Aphonopelma smithi (Bay Area Blonde)

21 August, 2006:
Hi, I found what I think is a juvenal tarantula. It was in my kitchen. We live on the Ventura Riverbed in central California. Can you tell what kind he is? Thanks Kris

Reply from Brian:  An absolutely stunning example of an Avicularia species, maybe urticans, but possibly a new species of Avicularia as well. The coloring is similar to urticans (commonly known as a Peruvian Pink Toe) but it’s not quite right. Whatever species of Avicularia this is, it’s freshly molted and absolutely gorgeous.

18 August, 2006:
Dear Glen, We are a British couple, just visiting friends in Sauteurs, Grenada in the Caribbean who have now left and we are housesitting for a short while until they return. I came across this spider in the kitchen yesterday morning, which I think is a tarantula, maybe not; but of more concern is whether it is venomous or not. I e-mailed the picture attached, to the house owners and they were surprised to learn that we had seen such a spider let alone that it was in their kitchen!! I guess that this one is about 5" long (the table leg is approximatey 1.75" square). We also had another very similar but smaller one (about 3" long) resting on a stairway handrail last night, my wife almost put her hand on top of it. Neither of us like spiders, although I didn't kill either of them, just scooped the big one up in a tray and tossed him outside safely - it crawled off so wasn't injured. It has been raining heavily and the house is situated about 400 ft above sea level and is surrounded by vegetation/trees etc - very picturesque. Any idea what it is, is it venomous - could it be picked up by hand and if so what is the best way to do so?? Thanks for your time Mike Jones
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Reply: It certainly is a tarantula, can't tell what sort though!! they are kept as pets in the US and are not considered dangerous, and rarely bite. The hairs on the legs can cause irritation of the skin though but it could be picked up by hand. If you let it just crawl onto your hand, it would not be frightened and this would be the best way to pick it up. I would rather see you put it in something as you did and then let it go outside.

Reply from Brian: An even better example of a freshly molted male Aphonopelma reversum. (common name San Diego Bronze)

19 July, 2006:
Hello Glen, Very helpful website! This is a photograph of a pure black tarantula I found in my front yard in Valley Center (San Diego County), California this afternoon. I've been searching online and I havn't been able to identify this particular one. Feel free to add this photo to your collection. Thanks, Joel

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Reply from Brian: Most certainly Aphonopelma, likely hentzi.

26 May,  2006:
I have looked on the net and have decided to fwd this to you in hopes you can tell me a bit about it...I'll confess I haven't looked at ALL your spider pictures, but this is too good to just toss in my files of "lost" pictures. My apologies for the huge picture...I didn't think to change the settings when I finally saw what was there. ...My cat had been having a love affair w/whatever is UNDER my cabinets...and I was convinced the hole probably had a connection to there somehow. BTW...this is from southeastern New Mexico. Lovington, to be exact. For the past couple of weeks, I've been watching this hole in my yard. ...I decided it must be a gopher or a rat, so went to the $$ store and bought some rat/mouse bait....sprinkled it in the hole...and later, when I checked, there was all the bait around the hole. ..."No, thank you, please." hmmmmm....I repeated this process a couple more times, adding rocks, dirt, and anything else I could think of....and then got the bright idea to put some firecrackers down the hole. ...in hopes I could scare him to death....A day or so later, the pellets were back on top. Fine! I thought.... well...at least the varmint has to be deaf! Yesterday, I discovered the critter sitting in his front door. :) I'm glad I didn't scare him away after all!

Reply from Brian: A mature male specimen of Aphonopelma harlingenum - common name: Harlingen Chocolate Brown (named by Chamberlin in 1940). There is debate as to whether this species is a variation of Aphonopelma anax (common name Texas tan) I believe them to be separate species.

26 May, 2006:
Here is a few pictures of a tarantula we found tonight at our community playground. Dawn Kingsville, Texas

Reply from Brian: This would probably be labeled as an Aphonopelma stiendachneri (common name Chicen Golden Brown) however, I think this is part of the species Aphonopelma chalcodes (common name Arizona Desert Blonde, Desert Blonde or Mexican Blonde) They are believed to have a wide variation of colors, ranging from all “blonde” to shades of gray/blonde/red/orange.

17 April, 2006:
I believe this is a tarantula. I spotted in on my back patio and followed it until I got a good photo. I live in southern AZ on the Maricopa/Pima county line. To give you an idea of the size of this spider, the rocks next to it are about an inch long. This is a lo-resolution version to make it easier to send via dial-up.
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2 April, 2006:
 Hi GLEN I've got MORE pictures of Ginger hope you like them Elias

16 March, 2006:
Greetings!! I've been an avid watcher of your site and I wanted to contribute some recent photographs of some spiders I've had the pleasure of meeting!!! The tarantula: I'd like to know the name of this guy, he is super!! He did flick his hairs quite a bit and yes it did make my skin itchy. I'd love for you to post these. (attached file names 'andre1resized, and andre2) Click for a larger view.

Reply from Brian: Another example of this ongoing debate hopefully soon to be straightened out with the DNA testing. This is an example of what is known as an Aphonopelma coloradaum, but I believe is really an Aphonopelma echinum, and that’s looking to be just a variation of Aphonopelma hentzi.

10 November, 2005:
We have quite a male tarantula migration here in Pueblo Colorado. I just got my new camera a Nikon Coolpix 8800 and am having a blast. I thought I had missed the migration this fall, but was driving home and saw this monster on the road. I’m sorry that I did not get some dimension, like a coin or something. I had always heard that these male spiders do not get very big but this guy
was easily as big as my hand, (measuring…. Finger tip to finger tip 8.5 inches), if the females are bigger I don’t want to meet one. Thanks and Love your website. Vaughn
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2 November, 2005:
Dear glen, my Chile rosehair tarantula has just moulted and is now a adult male i thought you may like to put these photos on the mygalomorphs page, Elias

Another Reply: I was browsing your [2005 unidentified spiders] photos & i saw a tarantula [2 october 2005] you ID as a rosehair. It looks similar but i think it's more likely a male Texas Brown, i have 3 TBs & am considering a Rosehair. Bec
Another Reply: I asked for identity and response was Columbian Rose Hair Tarantula. I have since found it is a Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula. I enjoy your site very much. Carol

Reply:  This is a Columbian Rose Hair Tarantula. I have a female. This person is right in identifying it as a male. Don

2 October, 2005:
I know this is a male; every year at this time a tarantula walks through our patio on it's way to find a mate. I just do not know the name of this particular tarantula.
cdenil, Boulder City, NV

25 Sept, 2005:
Hello, I live in the Reno, NV area and we just found a BIG brown spider.   It looks a lot like a Tarantula, but with a smaller body. It's footprint is about 4 inches across. Any ideas?
 regards,  Brian

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22 February, 2005:
Glen, These are pictures of spiders that I took whilst I was away on Holiday in
Thailand and Boneo. This one IS a Malay Tarantula (also known as the Gibbon Tarantula on account of the fact it can kill a Gibbon!). This was taken during a nocturnal drive through Danum Valley Rainforest, Sabah Hope you like them !
David
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29 September, 2004:
Mean, aggressive, but so beautiful! wanted you guys to see these colorful pictures...she is one of my babies... Jennifer Clackamas, OR

25 September, 2004:
Hi there!
Great site!

Saw this guy in front of my car. Thought it was a moose. Tarantula in City Creek Canyon, near Salt Lake City, Utah
September 16, 2004
 

8 August, 2003:
Hi found her under a board out in the field in Arkansas, U.S. Just thought I would send it to you so you can use it if you want.
David

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