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Desert Blond Tarantula

Aphonopelma chalcodes Chamberlin 1940

Associations

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Humans pose no real threat to desert tarantulas at this time, and A. chalcodes has few natural predators. Only birds and two parasitic insect species (a fly and a tarantula wasp) have been recorded as killing these spiders. When disturbed, desert tarantulas maneuver to face the threat, raise up on their hind legs, and stretch their front legs in a threatening posture. Aphonopelma chalcodes may also rapidly brush the top of its abdomen with its hind legs, which dislodges urticating hairs that can irritate the eyes or skin of an attacker (Jackman, 1997). These poisonous hairs can cause rashes or even partial blindness in the attacker (Miller, 1988).

Known Predators:

  • birds (Aves)
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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Morphology

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While sexual dimorphism is apparent in adult A. chalcodes, it is not as drastic as seen in other species. Males have a diameter of 49 to 61 mm, whereas females range from 49 to 68 mm, with a leg span of approximately 98 mm. Desert tarantulas, like other tarantula species, have a body covered entirely with hair. Like all spiders, they are divided into two body segments: the cepholothorax and the abdomen. The cepholothorax is gray to dark brown and the abdomen is dark brown to black. Iridescent hair forms a pad below the tip of each of the eight legs (Milne and Milne, 1980). Tarantulas inject poison into their victims by biting them with fangs on the end of the chelicerae (Jackman, 1997).

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry ; venomous

Sexual Dimorphism: female larger

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Life Expectancy

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Male and female desert tarantulas have very different life expectancies. While it takes approximately 8 to 10 years to become sexually mature for both sexes (Miller, 1988), males, after molting for the last time, live for approximately 2 to 3 months. Females, however, continue to molt (shed their exoskeleton as they grow), and may live for up to 20 years. In captivity, females have been known to live for 25 years (Milne and Milne, 1980).

Range lifespan
Status: captivity:
20 (high) years.

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Habitat

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Aphonopelma chalcodes often resides in desert soil. It makes its home in burrows by digging itself under stones or by utilizing burrows discarded by rodents. It may live in the same burrow for decades. Since it lives in the desert, A. chalcodes is acclimated to harsh weather conditions. It does not require much water to survive, and can therefore survive in the extreme heat of the desert.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Distribution

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Desert tarantulas, Aphonopelma chalcodes, are common throughout the Southwestern United States, especially Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern California.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Untitled

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Aphonopelma chalcodes is often a victim of parasitism. A species of fly lays its eggs on the tarantula's back, and when the larvae hatch, they devour the tarantula. A species of wasp, known as tarantula hawks, attack these tarantulas, and if successful, inject their victim with poison and paralyze it. The wasp then drags the tarantula back to its nest and places it next to its eggs. The tarantula can often live for a few months in this paralyzed state, until the eggs hatch and then eat the tarantula.

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Behavior

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Aphonopelma chalcodes is a solitary creature which lives the majority of its life alone. It makes no sounds, and since tarantulas have poor vision, this species communicates with the outside world and the opposite sex primarily by touch. (Miller, 1988).

Communication Channels: tactile

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; vibrations

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Conservation Status

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Aphonopelma chalcodes is not endangered in any way.

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Life Cycle

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When young A. chalcodes emerge from an egg, they all resemble females (Milne and Milne, 1980). It is not until later that sexual differentation occurs. Most spiderlings do not survive to reach sexual maturity (Jackman, 1997). They are either eaten by predators or do not find enough food to survive.

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Benefits

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Aphonopelma chalcodes does not have a great negative impact on humans. Although its bite is painful, it is not highly poisonous. The venom is similar to that of a mosquito or a bee sting.

Negative Impacts: injures humans (bites or stings, venomous )

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Benefits

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Aphonopelma chalcodes has little economic value to humans. It is sometimes sold as a pet, due to its gentle nature and easy maintenance (Miller, 1988). Desert tarantulas also control pests by eating beetles, grasshoppers, millipedes, and other spiders (Miller, 1988).

Positive Impacts: pet trade ; controls pest population

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Associations

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These spiders presumably impact insect population through their predatory behaviors. As a possible prey species, A. chalcodes may have some positive influence on the populations of its predators and parasites.

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Stephanie Fabritius, Southwestern University
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Trophic Strategy

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Aphonopelma chalcodes spends much of the day hiding in its burrow. When the sun sets, it emerges and begins to search for food.

Foods eaten: lizards, crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas and caterpillars.

Animal Foods: reptiles; insects

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Reproduction

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The male emerges from its burrow at sunset and then again near dawn. A male tries to maintain contact with the female, and if she pulls away, he will actively pursue her.

Males have two specialized claws that are shaped like syringes on the ends of its two pedipalps. Male A. chalcodes weave a purse to hold the sperm, which he then loads into the specialized claws. Females have two pouches on the abdomen that are designed to hold the sperm sacks. Sperm sacs can be stored for weeks or months in the female's abdomen until she is ready to lay her eggs. As a female lays her eggs, she bathes each egg in the sperm (Miller, 1988). She weaves a silken sheet and lays up to 1,000 eggs on it. After laying all her eggs, she weaves another sheet, covers the eggs, and then seals the edges. After making this egg sac, a female carries it up to the edge of her burrow to warm it in the sun. Females guard their egg sac until the eggs hatch in up to 7 weeks (Miller, 1988). Three to six days after hatching, the young leave the nest and venture out on their own.

Breeding season: June through December

Range number of offspring: 100 to 1000.

Average number of offspring: 600.

Average gestation period: 7 weeks.

Range : 3 to 6 days.

Range time to independence: 3 to 6 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 8 to 10 years.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 8 to 10 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (External ); oviparous ; sperm-storing

Females care for their offspring in a number of ways. In addition to making a safe place for the eggs to hatch, and provisioning those eggs with nutrients, females actively help the eggs incubate by keeping them warm in the sun. Presumably, the female provides protection for the young spiderlings as they live in and around her burrow until they are three to six days old.

Parental Investment: precocial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Protecting: Female)

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Craighead, B. 2002. "Aphonopelma chalcodes" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aphonopelma_chalcodes.html
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Ben Craighead, Southwestern University
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Aphonopelma chalcodes ( Catalan; Valencian )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes, habitualment coneguda com a taràntula del desert occidental, taràntula rossa d'Arizona o taràntula rossa mexicana és una espècie d'aràcnid que pertany a la família Theraphosidae. La seva zona de distribució es limita als deserts de l'estat d'Arizona i llocs adjacents de Mèxic, però resulta molt comuna en el seu hàbitat habitual.

Descripció

El nom de "taràntula rossa" es refereix a la seva prosoma, cobert de truges pàl·lides que contrasten amb les seves potes i abdomen foscos. El cos de la femella pot aconseguir fins a 5,6 cm; els mascles no solen depassar els 4,4 cm.

A part del verí que utilitzen per paralitzar a les seves preses algunes de les truges del seu abdomen estan dissenyades per a la defensa, produint un dany urticant. Si una taràntula és amenaçada, fregarà el seu abdomen contra el seu atacant. Les truges són molt difícil de retirar a causa de les barbes del seu disseny.

Reproducció

Les taràntules mascle maduren sexualment entorn dels 10-12 anys d'edat, moment en què deixen els seus caus a la recerca de femelles. Les moltes taràntules que solen veure's en les carreteres i camins d'Arizona durant els últims mesos d'estiu (juliol, agost, setembre) solen ser mascles a la recerca de parella.

Quan troben el cau d'una femella receptiva, els mascles normalment anuncien la seva presència copejant la seda de l'entrada en una freqüència concreta a la qual la femella respon. Durant l'apareament el mascle ha de situar-se sota la femella per inserir el seu pedipalp en el seu gonòpor i dipositar el seu esperma. Durant l'apareament el mascle resulta molt vulnerable i pot acabar devorat per la femella. Fins i tot si sobreviuen a l'apareament, els mascles només viuen uns pocs mesos després d'haver-se reproduït.

Després de l'apareament, la femella diposita una posada d'ous en un cau, i de vegades roman al costat d'ells. Les cries romanen en el cau fins que es dispersen.

Alimentació

Són depredadores nocturnes, i el seu aliment habitual consisteix en formigues i vertebrats petits. Durant el dia romanen en els seus caus excavats en el sòl i cobreixen l'entrada amb fils de seda.

Referències

Preston-Mafham, Ken (1998). Spiders: Compact Study Guide and Identifier, Angus Books. ISBN 978-1-904594-93-2.

Bibliografia

 src= A Wikimedia Commons hi ha contingut multimèdia relatiu a: Aphonopelma chalcodes Modifica l'enllaç a Wikidata
  • W. J. Baerg (1958): The Tarantula. University of Kansas Press, Lawrence, Kansas.
  • Peter Klaas (2003): Vogelspinnen: Herkunft, Pflege, Arten. Eugen Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart, ISBN 3-8001-3696-1
  • Andreas Tinter (2001): Vogelspinnen. Nikol Verlagsgesellschaft mbH &Co. KG, Hamburg, ISBN 3-933203-49-X
  • Günther Schmidt (1993): Vogelspinnen, Lebensweise - Bestimmungsschlüssel - Haltung - Zucht. Landbuch Verlag, Hannover, S. 77-82, ISBN 3-7842-0484-8
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Aphonopelma chalcodes: Brief Summary ( Catalan; Valencian )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes, habitualment coneguda com a taràntula del desert occidental, taràntula rossa d'Arizona o taràntula rossa mexicana és una espècie d'aràcnid que pertany a la família Theraphosidae. La seva zona de distribució es limita als deserts de l'estat d'Arizona i llocs adjacents de Mèxic, però resulta molt comuna en el seu hàbitat habitual.

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Aphonopelma chalcodes ( German )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes (engl. Arizona blond tarantula) ist eine nordamerikanische Vogelspinnen-Art. Das Verbreitungsgebiet erstreckt sich in der Sonora-Wüste (Südkalifornien über den Süden von New Mexico nach Arizona bis nach Mexiko). Sie kommt dort vor allem in Wüstenregionen vor, wo auch der Carnegiea gigantea-Kaktus wächst. Gesehen wird sie häufig während der Regenzeit der Sommermonaten. Sie koexistiert in ihrem Verbreitungsgebiet mit ähnlichen Arten.[1]

Merkmale

 src=
Aphonopelma chalcodes, Männchen
 src=
Paarung in Gefangenschaft
 src=
Verbreitungsgebiet

Sie wird zehn Zentimeter lang.[1] Die Beine und der Carapax des Weibchens sind hellbraun bis beige. Der Hinterleib ist dunkelbraun, hat aber längere hellbraune Haare sowie Brennhaare. Der Carapax ist nach oben gewölbt. Die Chelizeren sind kräftig und durch die kürzeren Beine wirkt die Spinne sehr kompakt. Diese Körperform kommt der grabenden Spinne gelegen.[2]

Bei dieser Spinnenart gibt es einen Sexualdimorphismus. Die Männchen haben im Unterschied zu den Weibchen schwarze Beine und einen rötlichen Hinterleib und einen kupferfarbigen Cephalothorax.[1] Männchen haben in der Regel eine geringere Körperlänge als die Weibchen, aber zum Körper proportional die längeren Beine.

Verhalten

Die Spinne gehört zu den erdbewohnenden Arten. Sie gräbt bis zu 60 Zentimeter[3] lange Löcher mit kreisrunden Eingängen von etwa 2,5 bis 5 Zentimeter[1] Durchmesser ins Erdreich und kleidet diese mit Spinnseide aus, um dort die Brutpflege und die Häutung zu vollziehen. Ausgewachsene Weibchen verbringen meistens ihr restliches Leben in ihrer Wohnhöhle und ernähren sich von Beutetieren, die in die Nähe der Höhle vorbeilaufen. Jüngere Tiere und Männchen streifen in der wärmeren Jahreszeit auf dem Boden umher und finden Unterschlupf unter Steinen, Wurzeln, Rindenstücken und Falllaub.[4]

Sie sind nächtliche Jäger. Zum Beutefang entfernten sie sich nie weit von ihrer Wohnröhre. Nur zur Paarungszeit entfernen sich die Männchen von ihrem Unterschlupf und ziehen umher. Die Männchen werden mit zehn bis zwölf Jahren adult.[1] Auf Brautsuche sind sie in den Monaten von August bis Oktober. Es kommt vor, dass es nicht zur Paarung kommt, sondern dass das Männchen vom Weibchen verspeist wird. Ein Kokon beinhaltet bis zu 300 Eier. Die Brutzeit beträgt sechs Wochen.

In den Wintermonaten ziehen sich die Tiere in ihren Unterschlupf zurück und verschließen ihn mit Erde, Steinen und Spinnseide. Sie bleiben in diesen Monaten sehr inaktiv.[1]

Das Verhalten wird unterschiedlich eingeschätzt. Einige Autoren behaupten, dass die Spinne reizbar sei und sich schnell gegenüber vermeintlichen Angreifern verteidigt und sich auch nicht scheut, zuzubeißen.[2] Andere betonen ihr ruhiges Verhalten und dass die Spinne sich anders verhält, als ihr häufig zugeschrieben wird.[3]

Lebensraum

Die Sonora-Wüste ist eine hügelige Halbwüste mit kurzen und trockenen Gräsern sowie einigen größeren Gewächsen wie Säulenkakteen, Agaven, Prosopis und wenigen Nadel- und Laubbäumen. Die Gräser dienen der Spinne zur Tarnung ihres Unterschlupfs.[3]

In der Sonora-Wüste wird es in Sommermonaten sehr heiß (bis 47 °C). Die Durchschnittstemperatur beträgt zwischen 28 und 35 °C. Nachts fallen die Temperaturen teilweise bis an den Gefrierpunkt. In den Gegenden regnet es sehr wenig (durchschnittlich an 35 Tagen im Jahr) und die Luft ist durchschnittlich sehr trocken.[3]

Haltung im Terrarium

Aphonopelma chalcodes gelten in der Terraristik als gut haltbar und benötigen Gelegenheit zum Graben. Über eine gelungene Zucht ist nichts bekannt.[2] Sie wurden in den 1980er Jahren bis 1991 aus den USA importiert und sehr billig angeboten (ein Dollar pro Stück), danach wurden sie nicht mehr häufig im Fachhandel angeboten.[3]

Literatur

  • W. J. Baerg: The Tarantula. University of Kansas Press, Lawrence KS 1958.
  • Peter Klaas: Vogelspinnen: Herkunft, Pflege, Arten. Eugen Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-8001-3696-1
  • Andreas Tinter: Vogelspinnen. Nikol Verlagsgesellschaf, Hamburg 2001, ISBN 3-933203-49-X
  • Günther Schmidt: Vogelspinnen, Lebensweise – Bestimmungsschlüssel – Haltung – Zucht. Landbuch Verlag, Hannover 1993, ISBN 3-7842-0484-8, S. 77–82

Einzelnachweise

  1. a b c d e f Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) (Memento vom 29. September 2007 im Internet Archive; PDF) Southwest Wildlife (englisch)
  2. a b c Peter Klaas: Vogelspinnen im Terrarium. Eugen Ulmer & Co., Stuttgart 1989, ISBN 3-8001-7933-4, S. 77–79
  3. a b c d e Hans-Josef Peters: Tarantulas of the world / Amerika’s Vogelspinnen. Eigenverlag, Wegberg 2003, ISBN 3-933443-06-7, S. 45–46
  4. Günter Schmidt: Die Vogelspinnen. Westarp Wissenschaften-Verlagsgesellschaften, Hohenwarsleben 2003, ISBN 3-89432-899-1, S. 167
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Aphonopelma chalcodes: Brief Summary ( German )

provided by wikipedia DE

Aphonopelma chalcodes (engl. Arizona blond tarantula) ist eine nordamerikanische Vogelspinnen-Art. Das Verbreitungsgebiet erstreckt sich in der Sonora-Wüste (Südkalifornien über den Süden von New Mexico nach Arizona bis nach Mexiko). Sie kommt dort vor allem in Wüstenregionen vor, wo auch der Carnegiea gigantea-Kaktus wächst. Gesehen wird sie häufig während der Regenzeit der Sommermonaten. Sie koexistiert in ihrem Verbreitungsgebiet mit ähnlichen Arten.

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Aphonopelma chalcodes

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Aphonopelma chalcodes, commonly known as the western desert tarantula, Arizona blonde tarantula or Mexican blonde tarantula, is a species of spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae. It has a limited distribution in the deserts of Arizona and adjacent parts of Mexico but can be very common within this range. The common name "blonde tarantula" refers to the carapace, which is densely covered in pale hairs, and contrasts strongly with the all-dark legs and abdomen. Additionally, these spiders have low toxicity, a long life expectancy, and several offspring.[2]

Description

This 3 to 5 in (8 to 13 cm) large bodied, burrowing spider is commonly seen during the summer rainy season in southwestern deserts. The female is usually a uniform tan color. The male has black legs, a copper-colored cephalothorax and a reddish abdomen. The female body length is up to 56 mm, males only reaching 44 mm. Their burrows can be as large as 1 to 2 in (25 to 51 mm) in diameter, with some strands of silk across the opening.[3]

Multiple lectins have been detected in the serum of Aphonopelma chalcodes. Simply, lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrates.[4] Research studies illustrate that the lectins within the serum of A. chalcodes have the ability to bind to sialic acid.[4] The function of sialic acids is diverse, including contributing significantly to protein folding, neural development, and metabolism.[5] However, the implications of the lectins binding to sialic acid must be investigated further.

Visual system

The visual system of A. chalcodes is critical to its survival as spiders rely on their spectral sensitivity and visual acuity in order to survive. These spiders have two sets of eyes, referred to as the primary and secondary sets. Spectral sensitivity within these eyes is critical as it is essential in distinguishing different wavelengths.[6] The peak response amplitudes of these spiders were directly correlated to the intensity of light that was exhibited. However, it was also found that the period of depolarizations, pertaining to receptor potentials, was longer for longer flashes.

Additionally, the spectral sensitivity of the species was assessed. The range of wavelength sensitivity in all ocular cells was between 350 and 640 nm. The most sensitive spectral sensitivity was around 500 nm and the least sensitive point was at 640 nm.[6] Both the primary and secondary sets of eyes had very similar spectral sensitivities and waveforms. Research studies have demonstrated that the receptor potentials of the tarantula photoreceptors in response to light flashes was characterized by smooth depolarizations. Lastly, secondary eyes in these spiders have tapeta, which are used to amplify and detect dim light more effectively than primary light. The function of both the primary and secondary eyes in A. chalcodes resembles the functions of rods and cones in other vertebrates.[6]

Molting

Female
Male

Molting is a biological process that invertebrates often go through. Molting in spiders consists of shedding the exoskeleton and forming a new covering through different developmental stages.[7] This process allows spiders to grow as they go through different stages of development.[7] The molting of A. chalcodes has been determined to occur through ten primary stages, with a total of twenty-five molts occurring over a two-year period.[8] Each stage of molting corresponds to shedding of a different portion of their exoskeleton ranging from the dorsum to the abdomen and ultimately the legs. Additionally, each stage of molting does not take the same amount of time, with the first stage being the most extensive.[8]

Additionally, tarantulas are able to molt any time of the day. Research studies have illustrated that molting is not restricted by any time of day.[8] Although molting is not dependent on the time of day, it is seasonally dependent. In A. chalcodes, molting is especially apparent during March and April.[8] The reason for why tarantulas tend to molt during spring are not currently known, however it has been established that is seasonally dependent.

Reproduction and development

The spider undergoes sexual differentiation later in development, as it is born resembling a female. After several years, the spider may begin to display male traits after further differentiation.[9] Male A. chalcodes develop palpal bulbs, intended to store sperm and insert it into the female's genital opening. Females possess abdominal pouches (spermatheca) that are utilized in order to store sperm until reproduction occurs through the laying of eggs. When reproduction occurs, females lay eggs in the male's sperm in order to provide nutrients for the offspring.[10] The average number of offspring is 600, with an average gestation period of about six to seven weeks.

The life expectancy of an average A. chalcodes is about 24–30 years for females, and 5–10 years for males. This is highly dependent on the habitat and respective development of each spider, however in general, one can expect a high life expectancy in this particular species. The significantly higher life expectancy for females in comparison to males can be attributed to differences in development and reproductive organs.[11]

Distribution, habitat and lifestyle

Aphonopelma chalcodes, the western desert tarantula, occupies several states within the southwestern United States. Specifically, these spiders are known to be common in New Mexico and Arizona within the United States.

This spider often lives in desert soil and is resistant to harsh weather. These spiders often reside in burrows which they create for themselves. These burrows are very deep in order to help the spider resist and adapt to fluctuations in environmental temperature. However, when temperatures are between 23˚C and 31˚C, these spiders leave the burrows into the general outdoors.[12] A. chalcodes makes residence in burrows through digging under a stone or living in isolated burrows that are not being used.[13] The entrance to the burrow is surrounded by strands of silk, which allow the spider to detect that prey are present while it is hiding in the burrow.

The nocturnal activity of this spider begins when the silk covering surrounding the burrow is broken. Potential reasons explaining the breaking of the silk covering include the spider's circadian rhythm, decreased environmental light intensity, and surface temperatures.[12] During the night, tarantulas remain inside the burrow entrance expecting the arrival of prey. At dawn, the tarantula goes into the burrow.[12] Although A. chalcodes is particularly active at night, it is not strictly nocturnal because they are seen in the upper portion of the burrow early in the day.[8]

Toxicity

In general, spider venoms contain several classifications of neurotoxins that are relevant to the development of insecticides and other pharmaceutical preventative measures.[14] Specifically, the venom of A. chalcodes contains two compounds referred to as Apc600 and Apc728. Analysis of these neurotoxins within the venom revealed the presence of spermine, a polyamine involved in cellular metabolism, and 1,3-diaminopropane. These toxins have not been investigated significantly, however are theorized to function in short term paralysis or immobilization of the tarantulas' prey.[14]

The venom of A. chalcodes is not highly dangerous to humans. When compared to a bee sting, the level of venom is not significantly higher.[10] Specifically, these spiders are one of the least dangerous within their family of Theraphosidae.

As pets

They are popular among beginner tarantula keepers due to their long lifespan (5–10 years for males, up to 30 years for females) and docile nature.[3]

References

Preston-Mafham, Ken (1998). Spiders: Compact Study Guide and Identifier. Angus Books. ISBN 978-1-904594-93-2.

  1. ^ Hamilton, C.A.; Hendrixson, B.E. & Bond, J.E. (2016), "Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) within the United States", ZooKeys (560): 1–340, doi:10.3897/zookeys.560.6264, PMC 4768370, PMID 27006611
  2. ^ Hamilton, Chris A.; Hendrixson, Brent E.; Bond, Jason E. (2016). "Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) within the United States". ZooKeys (560): 1–340. doi:10.3897/zookeys.560.6264. PMC 4768370. PMID 27006611.
  3. ^ a b Hamilton, Chris A.; Hendrixson, Brent E.; Bond, Jason E. (2016). "Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) within the United States". ZooKeys (560): 1–340. doi:10.3897/zookeys.560.6264. PMC 4768370. PMID 27006611.
  4. ^ a b Vasta, Gerardo (1984). "Sialic acid binding lectins in the serum of american spiders of the genus Aphonopelma". Developmental & Comparative Immunology. 8 (3): 515–522. doi:10.1016/0145-305X(84)90084-3. PMID 6500132.
  5. ^ Kamat, D. N. (1971). "The occurrence of sialic acids in invertebrates". Folia Histochemica et Cytochemica. 9 (2): 189–192. ISSN 0015-5586. PMID 5118759.
  6. ^ a b c Dahl, R. Dennis; Granda, A. M. (1989). "Spectral Sensitivities of Photoreceptors in the Ocelli of the Tarantula Aphonopelma chalcodes (Araneae, Theraphosidae)". The Journal of Arachnology. 17 (2): 195–205. ISSN 0161-8202. JSTOR 3705627.
  7. ^ a b "Spider Molting: What is it, Why and How Does it Occur, Video". Spider Identifications. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  8. ^ a b c d e Minch, Edwin W. (1977). "The Molting Sequence in Aphonopelma chalcodes (Araneae: Theraposidae)". The Journal of Arachnology. 5 (2): 133–137. ISSN 0161-8202. JSTOR 3705157.
  9. ^ Meijer), Drees, Bastiaan M. (Bastiaan (1998). A field guide to common Texas insects. Gulf Pub. ISBN 978-1-4616-2291-8. OCLC 693741796.
  10. ^ a b Miller, George Oxford (1988). A field guide to wildlife in Texas and the Southwest. Texas Monthly Press. ISBN 0-87719-126-3. OCLC 18163511.
  11. ^ "How to Take Care of a Desert Blonde Tarantulas". The Spruce Pets. Retrieved 2021-04-29.
  12. ^ a b c Cloudsley-Thompson, J.L. (1983-12-01). "Desert adaptations in spiders". Journal of Arid Environments. 6 (4): 307–317. Bibcode:1983JArEn...6..307C. doi:10.1016/S0140-1963(18)31410-1. ISSN 0140-1963.
  13. ^ Craighead, Ben. "Aphonopelma chalcodes". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2021-04-26.
  14. ^ a b Skinner, Wayne S.; Dennis, Paula A.; Lui, Alfred; Carney, Robert L.; Quistad, Gary B. (1990-01-01). "Chemical characterization of acylpolyamine toxins from venom of a trap-door spider and two tarantulas". Toxicon. 28 (5): 541–546. doi:10.1016/0041-0101(90)90298-L. ISSN 0041-0101. PMID 2389254.
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Aphonopelma chalcodes: Brief Summary

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Aphonopelma chalcodes, commonly known as the western desert tarantula, Arizona blonde tarantula or Mexican blonde tarantula, is a species of spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae. It has a limited distribution in the deserts of Arizona and adjacent parts of Mexico but can be very common within this range. The common name "blonde tarantula" refers to the carapace, which is densely covered in pale hairs, and contrasts strongly with the all-dark legs and abdomen. Additionally, these spiders have low toxicity, a long life expectancy, and several offspring.

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Aphonopelma chalcodes ( Spanish; Castilian )

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 src=
Área de distribución de la tarántula rubia mexicana

La Aphonopelma chalcodes, habitualmente conocida como tarántula del desierto occidental, tarántula rubia de Arizona o tarántula rubia mexicana es una especie de arácnido que pertenece a la familia Theraphosidae. Su zona de distribución se limita a los desiertos del estado de Arizona y lugares adyacentes de México, pero resulta muy común en su hábitat habitual.

Descripción

El nombre de "tarántula rubia" se refiere a su prosoma, cubierto de cerdas pálidas que contrastan con sus patas y abdomen oscuros. El cuerpo de la hembra puede alcanzar hasta 5,6 cm; los machos no suelen rebasar los 4,4 cm.

Aparte del veneno que utilizan para paralizar a sus presas algunas de las cerdas de su abdomen están diseñadas para la defensa, produciendo un daño urticante. Si una tarántula es amenazada, frotará su abdomen contra su atacante. Las cerdas son muy difícil de retirar debido a las barbas de su diseño.

Reproducción

Las tarántulas macho maduran sexualmente en torno a los 10-12 años de edad, momento en que dejan sus madrigueras en busca de hembras. Las muchas tarántulas que suelen verse en las carreteras y caminos de Arizona durante los últimos meses de verano (julio, agosto, septiembre) suelen ser machos en busca de pareja.

Cuando encuentran la madriguera de una hembra receptiva, los machos normalmente anuncian su presencia golpeando la seda de la entrada en una frecuencia concreta a la que la hembra responde. Durante el apareamiento el macho debe situarse bajo la hembra para insertar su pedipalpo en su gonóporo y depositar su esperma. Durante el apareamiento el macho resulta muy vulnerable y puede terminar devorado por la hembra. Incluso si sobreviven al apareamiento, los machos sólo viven unos pocos meses después de haberse reproducido.

Tras el apareamiento, la hembra deposita una puesta de huevos en una madriguera, y a veces permanece junto a ellos. Las crías permanecen en la madriguera hasta que se dispersan.

Alimentación

Son depredadoras nocturnas, y su alimento habitual consiste en hormigas y vertebrados pequeños. Durante el día permanecen en sus madrigueras excavadas en el suelo y cubren la entrada con hilos de seda.

Referencias

Preston-Mafham, Ken (1998). Spiders: Compact Study Guide and Identifier. Angus Books. ISBN 978-1-904594-93-2.

Bibliografía

  • W. J. Baerg (1958): The Tarantula. University of Kansas Press, Lawrence, Kansas.
  • Peter Klaas (2003): Vogelspinnen: Herkunft, Pflege, Arten. Eugen Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart, ISBN 3-8001-3696-1
  • Andreas Tinter (2001): Vogelspinnen. Nikol Verlagsgesellschaft mbH &Co. KG, Hamburg, ISBN 3-933203-49-X
  • Günther Schmidt (1993): Vogelspinnen, Lebensweise - Bestimmungsschlüssel - Haltung - Zucht. Landbuch Verlag, Hannover, S. 77-82, ISBN 3-7842-0484-8

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Aphonopelma chalcodes: Brief Summary ( Spanish; Castilian )

provided by wikipedia ES
 src= Área de distribución de la tarántula rubia mexicana

La Aphonopelma chalcodes, habitualmente conocida como tarántula del desierto occidental, tarántula rubia de Arizona o tarántula rubia mexicana es una especie de arácnido que pertenece a la familia Theraphosidae. Su zona de distribución se limita a los desiertos del estado de Arizona y lugares adyacentes de México, pero resulta muy común en su hábitat habitual.

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Aphonopelma chalcodes ( French )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes est une espèce d'araignées mygalomorphes de la famille des Theraphosidae[1].

Distribution

 src=
Distribution

Cette espèce est endémique des États-Unis[1]. Elle se rencontre en Arizona, au Nouveau-Mexique et dans le Sud de la Californie[2].

Habitat

Cette mygale vit dans le désert[2].

Description

 src=
Aphonopelma chalcodes couple.
 src=
Aphonopelma chalcodes.
 src=
Aphonopelma chalcodes mâle.

Cette araignée est couverte de poils clairs contrastant fortement avec l'ensemble des pattes et de l'abdomen qui sont foncés[2]. Le corps de la femelle a un diamètre de 49 à 68 mm, celui des mâles de 49 à 61 mm[2].

Juvénile, le mâle ressemble beaucoup à la femelle, il n'y a d'ailleurs quasiment aucune possibilité de définir visuellement un individu mâle d'un individu femelle, cependant, après la mue imaginale, le dimorphisme est très marqué[2].

Publication originale

  • Chamberlin, 1940 : New American tarantulas of the family Aviculariidae. Bulletin of the University of Utah, vol. 30, no 13, p. 1-39 (texte intégral).

Notes et références

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Aphonopelma chalcodes: Brief Summary ( French )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes est une espèce d'araignées mygalomorphes de la famille des Theraphosidae.

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Mexicaanse blonde vogelspin ( Dutch; Flemish )

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De Mexicaanse blonde vogelspin (Aphonopelma chalcodes) is een bodembewonende vogelspin uit het geslacht Aphonopelma. De soort komt voor in de zuidelijke VS.

De Mexicaanse blonde vogelspin leeft in de woestijnbodem, maar soms ook in verlaten holen van knaagdieren. De mannetjes worden 49 tot 61 mm groot, de vrouwtjes worden 49 tot 68 mm. De spin heeft een pootspanwijdte van 98 mm. Het kopborststuk is grijs tot donkerbruin en het achterlijf is donkerbruin tot zwart. De soort wordt 8 tot 10 jaar oud.

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Mexicaanse blonde vogelspin: Brief Summary ( Dutch; Flemish )

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De Mexicaanse blonde vogelspin (Aphonopelma chalcodes) is een bodembewonende vogelspin uit het geslacht Aphonopelma. De soort komt voor in de zuidelijke VS.

De Mexicaanse blonde vogelspin leeft in de woestijnbodem, maar soms ook in verlaten holen van knaagdieren. De mannetjes worden 49 tot 61 mm groot, de vrouwtjes worden 49 tot 68 mm. De spin heeft een pootspanwijdte van 98 mm. Het kopborststuk is grijs tot donkerbruin en het achterlijf is donkerbruin tot zwart. De soort wordt 8 tot 10 jaar oud.

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Aphonopelma chalcodes ( Portuguese )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes é uma espécie de aranha pertencente à família Theraphosidae (tarântulas).[1]

Referências

  1. «Aphonopelma chalcodes». Animal Diversity Web (em inglês). Consultado em 30 de abril de 2018

Ver também

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Aphonopelma chalcodes: Brief Summary ( Portuguese )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes é uma espécie de aranha pertencente à família Theraphosidae (tarântulas).

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Aphonopelma chalcodes ( Vietnamese )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes là một loài nhện trong họ Theraphosidae trong chi Aphonopelma. Loài này phân bố ở VS.

Chú thích

Tham khảo


Bài viết về phân họ nhện Theraphosinae này vẫn còn sơ khai. Bạn có thể giúp Wikipedia bằng cách mở rộng nội dung để bài được hoàn chỉnh hơn.
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Aphonopelma chalcodes: Brief Summary ( Vietnamese )

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Aphonopelma chalcodes là một loài nhện trong họ Theraphosidae trong chi Aphonopelma. Loài này phân bố ở VS.

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