Colorful red-foot tarantula

Colorful red-foot tarantula
	Colorful red-footed tarantula ( Hapalopus formosus ), young at a very early stage
Systematics
Order :	Spiders (Araneae)
Subordination :	Tarantulas (Mygalomorphae)
Family :	Tarantulas (Theraphosidae)
Subfamily :	Theraphosinae
Genre :	Hapalopus
Type :	Colorful red-foot tarantula
Scientific name
	Hapalopus formosus
	Ausserer , 1875

The colorful red-footed tarantula ( Hapalopus formosus ) is a spider from the tarantula family (Theraphosidae). It is not to be confused with the species Avicularia metallica , which was once part of the subfamily Aviculariinae and is also known as the "red-footed tarantula" , but whose species status is questioned.

In English, the colorful red-footed tarantula that occurs in Colombia, like other species of the genus, based on their appearance, is referred to as the pumpkin patch tarantula (translated "pumpkin patch tarantula ").

features

With a body length of around 20 to 30 millimeters and a maximum leg span of 120 millimeters, the colorful red-footed tarantula is one of the smaller tarantulas and is therefore classified as a dwarf tarantula . Various small but not closely related species of tarantulas are grouped under this term. The weight of a fully grown specimen is 800 grams. The extremities of the species are very hairy and their basic color is beige, with the prosoma (front body) and opisthosoma (abdomen) being brown to black and orange in color. The latter are formed as spots on the opisthosoma, from which the English trivial name derives. The colorful red-footed tarantula also has red hair and stinging hair on the opisthosoma and is therefore one of the tarantulas that can be bombarded.

Similar species

Young of the closely related species Hapalopus triseriatus

Species similar to the colored red-footed tarantula can be found in the genus Hapalopus , for example Hapalopus triseriatus , which occurs in Venezuela.

Occurrence

Rainforest in the Antioquia department in Colombia, one of the habitats of the red-footed tarantula

The colorful red-footed tarantula is only found in Colombia and inhabits the tropical rainforests there, where it is often found under stones.

Threat and protection

There is no information about possible threats to the colorful red-footed tarantula. The IUCN does not evaluate their existence and accordingly does not receive any protection status.

Way of life

The colorful red-footed tarantula is counted among the ground-dwelling tarantulas, but, unlike many species of the family with this way of life, rarely digs living tubes. On the other hand, she takes suitable shelters, for example under stones, and then dresses them with a woven fabric. There it lurks for prey. Arthropods that do not exceed the size of the spider fall into the prey scheme of the species. The colorful red-footed tarantula is comparatively peaceful, although shy, and tries to flee in the event of disturbances, instead of defending itself with a bite or bombing (throwing the stinging hair in the direction of the attacker). The species does not hibernate.

Reproduction

The reproductive behavior of the colorful red-footed tarantula does not differ from that of most other tarantulas and is mostly peaceful. The comparatively large egg cocoon contains over 500 eggs. The young grow up quickly and, in contrast to the adult spiders, initially create buried living tubes. Females can live for eight to ten years and mature within two years, while males can reach three to four years of age and reach sexual maturity within one year.

Terrariums

Like many other tarantulas, the colorful red-footed tarantula is often kept as a pet in terrariums and is one of the most frequently kept dwarf tarantulas. The distinctive appearance, the comparatively easy care and the fact that a smaller terrarium is sufficient due to the small size of the spider, as well as its less aggressive nature, speak in favor of keeping the species. However, one should be aware of their speed before buying one of these types. She also tends to run away and hide.

There is one form of Hapalopus sp. "Colombia", which is available in two sizes. It is not entirely clear what type it is. It could be a variant of the colorful red-footed tarantula. This is countered by the fact that the specimens of this form are much more similar to the species Hapalopus triseriatus , which occurs in Venezuela. Presumably, this form is a hybrid of several species of the genus that were crossed in the context of terraristics .

Systematics

The species was described by Anton Ausserer in 1875 as Hapalopus formosus and this generic combination has been used consistently since Eugène Simon in 1903. In the meantime, the species was also referred to with the following synonyms: