Biology:Ephebopus uatuman

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Short description: Species of spider

Ephebopus uatuman
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Ephebopus
Species:
E. uatuman
Binomial name
Ephebopus uatuman
Lucas, Silva & Bertani, 1992[1]

Ephebopus uatuman also known as the Emerald Skeleton Tarantula is a tarantula native to Brazil.[1] It was first described by Lucas, Silva and Bertani in 1992. It is named after the Uatuman River.

Description

Females of this species live for up to 15 years, while males live 2 to 4 years.[2] They grow to be about 10cm in size, although their namesake emerald color is usually not apparent. As it's usually only seen after molts.[3] The carapace and legs are usually a dark amber color, with the abdomen of the same color, but with long reddish hairs. There is also yellow banding between the femora and patella of all legs.[4]

Identification

They can be confused with E. cyanognathus, but they can be distinguished, as this species lacks the iconic blue chelicerae of the Blue Fang Tarantula. And they can be distinguished from all other by the coloration in females, and the shape of the genitalia of both sexes.[4]

Distribution

They are found all throughout the Amazonean Region of Brazil , where it remains quite hot and tropical. Usually maintaining a temperature of 27C, although there is a bit of variance between the months. It also maintains an incredibly high level of humidity, usually maintaining a humidity of over 80%.[5]

Behavior

They are quite skittish, but surprisingly defensive, receiving a bite from this species is not as rare as with most new world tarantulas. They are a burrowing species, that they will usually stay in.[3] They usually make a burrow in the shape of a tub, which is usually covered in leaf litter. Quite similar to those of the E. cyanognathus. The entrance and the leaves where bound together with leaves, and the burrow ended in a chamber which was about 20-40cm deep.[4]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q2412138 entry