Brachypelma is a genus of spiders in the familyTheraphosidae (tarantulas). They may have bodies up to 6cm (2+1⁄4in) long with legs of similar or greater lengths. Some species have brightly colored legs, with red or orange marks and rings.
The taxonomy of the genus and its species has been the subject of considerable debate. In 2020, the genus was split, with a group of species (the "red rump" tarantulas) being moved to a new genus, Tliltocatl. As now circumscribed, the genus Brachypelma is found only in Mexico. Many species of both genera are popular with tarantula keepers as pets; the females in particular are long lived. All species are protected, and trade is regulated under CITES. Although they are bred in captivity, they continue to be exported in large numbers. Members of the reduced genus Brachypelma (the "red leg" group) are considered to be in most urgent need of further conservation efforts.
Description
Members of the family Theraphosidae, the tarantulas, to which Brachypelma belongs, are generally large compared to other spiders, and are commonly seen as "objects of dread". Tarantulas do not use webs for capturing their prey, relying on their venom and their size and strength.[3]Brachypelma species are noted for their large size, colorfulness and docility in captivity.[4] Larger species of Brachypelma, such as B.smithi, have body lengths in the approximate range 45–60mm (1+3⁄4–2+1⁄4in) with legs up to 70mm (2+3⁄4in) long. Females on average have longer bodies than males but shorter legs.[5]
Species have bright red markings on their legs. B.boehmei has been described as the "most gorgeous" species of the genus.[4] The parts of the legs closest to the body are black, then three segments (the patellae, tibiae and metatarsi) are bright orange-yellow, followed by black tarsi. Although brightly colored, Brachypelma species are cryptic when in their native habitat.[6]
Diagnosis
The distribution of hairs on the legs and palp and the shape of the male and female genitalia are the diagnostic features of the genus. In common with species of Tliltocatl, the prolateral (forward facing) surface of the trochanter and femur of the first leg and the retrolateral surface of the pedipalp have plumose hairs, and there is no pad of plumose hairs on the femur of the fourth leg. The male palpal bulb has a flattened, spoon-shaped embolus; females have fused spermathecae, with a flat cross-section.[7]Brachypelma can be distinguished from Tliltocatl by presence of the red or orange patterns on the legs of all species except B.albiceps, which can be recognized by the golden yellow carapace. Brachypelma species lack spines on the patellae of the pedipalps and legs, unlike Tliltocatl species. The shape of the genitalia differs between the genera; the apex of the male palpal bulb is shorter in Brachypelma and the female spermatheca baseplate is more strongly developed and hardened.[8]
Comparison of typical Brachypelma and Tliltocatl species
Brachypelma boehmei
Tliltocatl cf. sabulosum
Life history
All the species of Brachypelma that have been studied in detail live in burrows. These have a single entrance, a little larger than the spider, opening into a horizontal tunnel that usually leads to two chambers: one where it molts and one where it rests and consumes its prey. The entrance is blocked with material, such as soil and leaves, bound together by silk when the spider is inactive for significant length of time; otherwise the entrance is open with some silk visible.[6] North American tarantulas like Brachypelma are "sit and wait" predators, seizing prey passing by the burrow entrance.[9]
Compared to related genera, Brachypelma species are long-lived. The maximum life-span recorded in two Berlin zoos was 12 years for Brachypelma annitha (now a synonym of B.smithi).[10] In the wild, females take around 9–10 years to reach maturity, but can then live for another 10 years.[6] Males can take 7–8 years to reach maturity, afterwards usually dying within a year,[6] probably because when mature they actively seek mates and rarely feed while doing so, whereas females remain around their burrows.[10]
Studies on species in the wild showed that pre-adult and adult spiders molt towards the end of the dry season, which lasts from June to November. After their last molt, adult males search for females, travelling in the daytime, particularly in the morning and evening. Females produce an egg sac before they molt. The eggs hatch a few weeks before the rainy season begins.[6] The spiderlings molt every two weeks for the first few months, then less frequently as they mature. A full-grown Brachypelma may molt as infrequently as once a year.[citation needed]
Taxonomy
The genus Brachypelma was erected by Eugène Simon in 1891 for the species Mygale emilia, originally described in 1856.[1][2]Brachypelma is derived from the Greekβραχύϛ (brachys), meaning 'short' and πέλμα (pelma) meaning 'the sole of the foot'. However, arachnologists have conventionally taken pelma to refer to the tarsalscopula, producing the overall meaning '(with) short scopula'.[11] (See also Tarantula § The element pelma in genus names.)
The genus has not always been recognized. In 1897, Frederick Pickard-Cambridge considered Brachypelma to be a synonym of Eurypelma, regarding the two as not distinct from one another.[12] (Eurypelma is now a synonym of Avicularia.) In 1903, Reginald Pocock recognized Brachypelma, listing four species and noting that there were more.[13] Other arachnologists, like Robert Raven in his 1985 monograph of Mygalomorphae, treated Brachypelma as a synonym of Euathlus.[14] In 1992, Günter Schmidt clarified the difference between Euathlus and Brachypelma,[15] resulting in the latter's acceptance as a distinct genus.[1]
The genus Brachypelmides, erected by Schmidt and Krause in 1994, is considered a synonym of Brachypelma by some sources, including the World Spider Catalog, although this has been rejected by Schmidt.[1] When broadly defined, Brachypelma is distinguished from related genera by the plumose setae (hairs) on the prolateral (forward-facing) side of the trochanter and femur of the first leg and on the retrolateral (outward-facing) side of the pedipalp.[5]
A 2017 study concluded that the genus Brachypelma as then circumscribed was not monophyletic, and that only eight "red leg" species belong in Brachypelma sensu stricto, the remaining species (the "red rump" group) being misplaced.[16] In 2020, they were transferred to the new genus Tliltocatl.[8]
DNA barcoding
In 2017, Mendoza and Francke applied DNA barcoding to some Mexican species of Brachypelma. In this approach, a portion of about 650 base pairs of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) is used, primarily to identify existing species, but also sometimes to support a separation between species. One cladogram resulting from the DNA barcodes is shown below. Although B.hamorii and B.smithi are very similar in external appearance and have not always been treated as separate species, they are clearly distinguished by their DNA barcodes.[5] All the species in the cladogram below belong to Brachypelmasensu stricto (the "red leg" group).[16]
In 2017, Steven Turner and colleagues reported on a phylogenetic analysis of the family Theraphosidae based on mitochondrial DNA. A cladogram based on Bayesian analysis of a sample within their proposed tribe Theraphosini is shown below,[16] with current genus names added.
other genera, including Aphonopelma groups 3 and 4
The cladogram shows that the genus Brachypelma as then circumscribed was not monophyletic, but fell into two distinct clades. All analyses supported the view that Brachypelma (along with Aphonopelma) was made up of deeply divergent subgroups. Detailed analysis further suggested that the species in the "red rump" group were closely related, with several supposed species, particularly those labeled "Brachypelma vagans" (now Tliltocatl vagans) not being monophyletic. The authors cautioned that the necessary use of specimens obtained through the commercial pet trade meant that their exact geographical origins were often unknown, leading to uncertainty as to their identification.[16] Subsequently, a new genus Tliltocatl, was erected for the "red rump" group.[8]
Species
Brachypelma auratum
As of March2020[update], the World Spider Catalog accepted only the species listed below. All other species formerly placed in Brachypelma have been transferred to other genera, most to Tliltocatl.[1]
Distribution of Brachypelma species according to Locht et al. (1999)
All the species remaining in Brachypelma are found in Mexico.[1] Within Mexico, the largest number of species are found along the Pacific coast.[6] The majority of species are restricted to small endemic ranges in this area.[16]
There is uncertainty over both the distribution of some Brachypelma species and their identity. Stuart Longhorn has criticized several arachnologists, including Günter Schmidt, for describing new species based on pet-trade specimens without accurate locations, resulting in vague or inaccurate distributions. He argues that locality information is vital for "scientific rigor", since without it important questions relating to the identity of species cannot be answered.[17] Steven Turner and colleagues have also noted difficulties in identification resulting from the use of imprecisely sourced pet-trade specimens.[16]
Conservation
Habitat destruction and collection for the pet trade have led to these spiders being among the few arthropods protected under international Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species rules. In 1985, B.smithi (then not distinguished from B.hamorii) was placed on CITES Appendix II, and in 1994, all remaining Brachypelma species were added.[18] Large numbers of Mexican tarantulas caught in the wild continue to be smuggled out of Mexico. It is reported that at least 3,000 specimens of Mexican tarantulas were sent to the United States or Europe a few years prior to 2017, most of which were Mexican red knee tarantulas (B.hamorii and B.smithi).[5] Turner and colleagues suggest that members of Brachypelma s.s. (their "red leg" group), which have small ranges and are slow to mature and reproduce, should be the focus of urgent conservation measures, with threats to species in the genus Tliltocatl (their "red rump" group) possibly being downgraded.[16]
Brachypelma species are docile tarantulas[19] which are easy to keep in a terrarium. The best-known species in this genus are the Mexican red knee tarantulas B.hamorii and B.smithi, as well as B. boehmi, the Mexican fireleg. They feed on smaller invertebrates and occasionally vertebrates, but while insects are the norm, they may also eat lizards or frogs. These species, like most tarantulas, are cannibalistic, so in captivity, individuals must be kept alone, though brief captive introductions of a mate for breeding purposes can prove unproblematic, so long as they are separated once mating has occurred.
Large spiders used in Hollywood movies (e.g., Indiana Jones series, The Mummy Returns) are often Brachypelma hamorii or Brachypelma emilia because they are very docile, though the much less expensive and only moderately more aggressive Chilean rose tarantula is frequently used, as well. While it is almost unheard of for a Brachypelma to bite a human, they are quick to kick urticating hairs in self-defense, though their hairs can be less irritating than those of other species, especially the goliath birdeater.
Avicularia is a genus of the family Theraphosidae containing various species of arboreal tarantulas. The genus is native to Panama, the Caribbean and tropical South America. Each species in the genus has very distinguishable pink foot pads.
Brachypelma hamorii is a species of tarantula found in Mexico. It has been confused with B. smithi; both have been called Mexican redknee tarantulas. Many earlier sources referring to B. smithi either do not distinguish between the two species or relate to B. hamorii. B. hamorii is a terrestrial tarantula native to the western faces of the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre del Sur mountain ranges in the Mexican states of Colima, Jalisco, and Michoacán. The species is a large spider, adult females having a total body length over 50 mm (2 in) and males having legs up to 75 mm (3 in) long. Mexican redknee tarantulas are a popular choice for enthusiasts. Like most tarantulas, it has a long lifespan.
Brachypelma smithi is a species of spider in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas) native to Mexico. It has been confused with Brachypelma hamorii; both have been called Mexican redknee tarantulas. Mexican redknee tarantulas are a popular choice as pets among tarantula keepers. Many earlier sources referring to B. smithi either relate to B. hamorii or do not distinguish between the two species. B. smithi is a terrestrial tarantula native to Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Guerrero.
Tliltocatl vagans is a species of tarantula known commonly as the Mexican red rump. It ranges predominantly in Mexico, but is also found in Central America. They are terrestrial, burrowing spiders. The reason for the name red rump is because of its distinctive red hairs on its abdomen. Like most tarantulas, they will eat anything they can overpower, which is usually insects, but small lizards and rodents may also be consumed. They can grow up to a solid 6.5 inch leg span, with males typically being smaller and thinner than the females. They prefer shrubland habitats.
Euathlus is a genus of South American tarantulas that was first described by Anton Ausserer in 1875. These spiders are medium sized and are usually found in high elevations in the Andes. It is a senior synonym of Paraphysa, and was formerly considered a senior synonym of Brachypelma, but this was later rejected.
Tliltocatl albopilosus is a species of tarantula, also known as the curlyhair tarantula. The species' native range is Nicaragua and Costa Rica. They are largely terrestrial, opportunistically burrowing spiders.
Brachypelma boehmei is a tarantula native to Mexico in Guerrero state. These long-lived tarantulas prefer burrowing and hiding in dry scrubland. As with all closely related tarantula species, they defend themselves with urticating hair when provoked.
Tarantulas comprise a group of large and often hairy spiders of the family Theraphosidae. As of December 2023, 1,100 species have been identified, with 166 genera. The term "tarantula" is usually used to describe members of the family Theraphosidae, although many other members of the same infraorder (Mygalomorphae) are commonly referred to as "tarantulas" or "false tarantulas". Some of the more common species have become popular in the exotic pet trade. Many New World species kept as pets have setae known as urticating hairs that can cause irritation to the skin, and in extreme cases, cause damage to the eyes.
Brachypelma auratum is a tarantula endemic to the regions of Guerrero and Michoacán in Mexico. In appearance it is reminiscent of the quintessential Mexican red-kneed spider, Brachypelma smithi, albeit darker and with more discrete red striations on the patella. The form of these red markings have earned the spider its common name, the flame knee. Due to the species' similarities to B. smithi, it was not considered a distinct species until 1992. It has been found living communally with a small frog known as Eleutherodactylus occidentalis
Brachypelma albiceps is a species of spider in the tarantula family, Theraphosidae. It is known as the Mexican golden red rump tarantula or the Amula red rump tarantula. The carapace is a light golden color and the abdomen dark, covered with long red hairs. Females typically live for about 15 years. Males usually live about 5 years or up to 12 months after the last molt.
The Theraphosinae are a large subfamily of Mygalomorphae spiders in the family Theraphosidae found in the Neotropical realm.
Sericopelma is a genus of tarantula, found in Central America from Nicaragua to Panama. The limits of the genus and its distribution have long been confused; it is closely related to the genus Aphonopelma. Sericopelma species are among the largest found in Central America. They can be kept as pets, although at least one species has been described as "very aggressive".
Tliltocatl andrewi is a possible species of spider in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas). The World Spider Catalog regards it as a nomen dubium. Only the male has been described and its distribution is unknown.
Tliltocatl epicureanus is a species of spider in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas), found in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
Sandinista lanceolatum is a species of spider in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas), native to Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Tliltocatl kahlenbergi is a species of spider in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas), found in Mexico.
Tliltocatl schroederi is a species of spiders in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas), found in Mexico. It is found in the central valley in Oaxaca State, Mexico.
Tliltocatl verdezi is a species of spiders in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas), found in Mexico.
Tliltocatl is a genus of North American tarantulas that was split off from Brachypelma in 2020. They are also large burrowing tarantulas, but don't have the striking red leg markings of Brachypelma species. A female T. vagans can grow up to 50 mm (2.0 in) long and legs can get as long as 55 mm (2.2 in). They are found predominantly in Mexico, with some species native to Central America. The name is derived from two Nahuatl words, "tlil", meaning "black", and "tocatl", meaning "spider". Habitat destruction and collection for the pet trade has led to this and Brachypelma to be protected under International Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species rules, beginning with B. smithi.
Sericopelma embrithes is a tarantula that is native to Panama. To date, only specimens from Barro Colorado Island have been studied. Like other tarantulas, it is relatively large compared to other spiders. It can grow up to 59 mm long, including its chelicerae. S. embrithes is data deficient according to the IUCN.
1 2 West, Rick C. (2005), "Brachypelma of Mexico", Journal of the British Tarantula Society, 20 (4): 108–119, retrieved 2017-10-08
1 2 3 4 Mendoza, J. & Francke, O. (2017), "Systematic revision of Brachypelma red-kneed tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae), and the use of DNA barcodes to assist in the identification and conservation of CITES-listed species", Invertebrate Systematics, 31 (2): 157–179, doi:10.1071/IS16023, S2CID89587966 , Abstract
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Locht, A.; Yáñez, M. & Vázquez, I. (1999), "Distribution and natural history of Mexican species of Brachypelma and Brachypelmides (Theraphosidae, Theraphosinae) with morphological evidence for their synonymy", Journal of Arachnology, 27: 196–200
↑ Gabriel, Ray & Longhorn, Stuart J. (2015), "Revised generic placement of Brachypelma embrithes (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1936) and Brachypelma angustum Valerio, 1980, with definition of the taxonomic features for identification of female Sericopelma Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae)", ZooKeys (526): 75–104, Bibcode:2015ZooK..526...75G, doi:10.3897/zookeys.526.6315, PMC4607846, PMID26487826
1 2 3 Mendoza, J. & Francke, O. (2020), "Systematic revision of Mexican threatened tarantulas Brachypelma (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae), with a description of a new genus, and implications on the conservation", Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 188 (1): 82–147, doi:10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz046
↑ Smith, Andrew M. (1995), Tarantula Spiders: Tarantulas of the U.S.A. and Mexico, London: Fitzgerald Publishing, ISBN09510939-9-1
1 2 Ibler, Benjamin; Michalik, Peter & Fischer, Klaus (2013), "Factors affecting lifespan in bird-eating spiders (Arachnida: Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) – A multi-species approach", Zoologischer Anzeiger, 253 (2): 126–136, doi:10.1016/j.jcz.2013.09.004
↑ Raven, R. J. (1985), "The spider infraorder Mygalomorphae (Araneae): Cladistics and systematics", Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, 182: 1–180, hdl:2246/955
↑ Schmidt, G. (1992), "Brachypelma Simon 1890 oder Euathlus Ausserer 1875? (Araneida: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae)", Arachnologischer Anzeiger (in German), 3 (1): 9–11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Turner, Steven P.; Longhorn, Stuart J.; Hamilton, Chris A.; Gabriel, Ray; Pérez-Miles, Fernando & Vogler, Alfried P. (2017), "Re-evaluating conservation priorities of New World tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) in a molecular framework indicates non-monophyly of the genera, Aphonopelma and Brachypelma", Systematics and Biodiversity, 16 (1): 89–107, doi:10.1080/14772000.2017.1346719, S2CID90966480
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