This is Kankuamo marquezi, and it jabs its butt bristles, or urticating hairs, straight into its foes.
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"Urticating hairs are used as defense against natural enemies," Carlos Perafán, a biologist from the University of the Republic in Uruguay, said in an email.
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Anthela nicothoe, the urticating anthelid, is a moth of the family Anthelidae.
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These hairs retain their urticating properties long after the caterpillars have pupated.
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After kicking urticating hairs, the Tarantula will have a bald spot on its abdominal region.
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They are located on the pedipalps. They are much shorter and lighter in contrast with other types of urticating hair. These are easily thrown by the spider into the air (Marshal and Uetz, 1990). Type VI urticating hair is found in the genus Hemirrhagus.
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The form of the spermathecae, stridulatory hairs and urticating hairs are characteristic of the genus Grammostola.
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Urticating hairs are used to differentiate between the subfamilies, genera and species of the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas). Prior to the discovery of Kankuamo marquezi, six different kinds of urticating hairs were known, varying in their morphology, ornamentation, length and releasing mechanism. Two types (II and V) were found in subfamily Aviculariinae, the other four types (I, III, IV and VI) in subfamily Theraphosinae. A different type of urticating hair was found during the study of Kankuamo marquezi.
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Adult female Brachypelma smithi, showing a bald patch after kicking hairs off her abdomen. Some New World tarantulas have a dense covering of hairs called urticating hairs on the abdomen that they sometimes use as protection against enemies.Cooke, J.A.L., Roth, V.D., Miller, F.H. (1972). The urticating hairs of theraphosid spiders.
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These bristles irritate sensitive areas of the body and especially seem to target curious animals that may sniff these bristles into the mucous membranes of the nose. Some species have more effective urticating bristles than others. The goliath birdeater is known for its particularly irritating urticating bristles. They can penetrate the cornea, so eye protection should be worn when handling such tarantulas.Tarantula shoots sharp bristles into owner’s eye NBC News/LiveScience Old World tarantulas have no urticating bristles and are more likely to attack when disturbed.
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An adult female of a Brachypelma species, showing a bald patch after kicking bristles off of her abdomen. After molting, the bristles will grow again. Not all urticating hair types are exhibited by each species of tarantula. Type II urticating hairs can be found in the genera Avicularia, Iridopelma and Pachistopelma (subfamily Aviculariinae).
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Young Grammostola rosea showing patch of urticating hairs, reflecting a camera flash Urticating hairs or urticating bristles are one of the primary defense mechanisms used by numerous plants, almost all New World tarantulas, and various lepidopteran caterpillars. Urtica is Latin for "nettle" (stinging nettles are in the genus Urtica), and bristles that urticate are characteristic of this type of plant, and many other plants in several families. This term also refers to certain types of barbed bristles that cover the dorsal and posterior surface of a tarantula's or caterpillar's abdomen. Many tarantula species eject bristles from their abdomens, directing them toward potential attackers.
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Skin rash caused by the exposure to bristles shed by brown-tail moth larvae In humans, urticating hairs can cause allergic skin reactions which can manifest as inflammation, rash and itching. The reactions can last for several hours to weeks.Chao-Kai Hsu, Mark Ming-Long Hsur, Rick C. West, Yau-I Chu: Skin Injury Caused by Urticating Hair of Tarantula. Dermatologica Sinica.
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Artaxa is a genus of tussock moths in the family Erebidae erected by Francis Walker in 1855. Some of the species have urticating hairs.
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Although not particularly defensive, this species of spider can have a nervous temperament, where the spider can flick urticating hairs when it feels threatened.
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Urticating hairs are not just thrown at an enemy as a first line defense, but are also used as an indication of territory. They can be found on and around the burrow entrance and in webbing for protection (for example, some subfamily Theraphosinae species include these bristles in cocoon silk). Urticating hairs can also be found protecting tarantula egg sacs (Avicularia spp. and Theraphosa blondi respectively).
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The spider was covered with rust-colored bristles, including an unusual oval patch of sharp-tipped barbed hairs. Some lanceolated barbs are arranged with their tips towards the penetration tip of the hair, opposite to the main barbs. These unique urticating hairs were put in a new type of urticating hair, type VII. They were considered to have evolved to defend the spider against direct contact.
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Many New World species kept as pets have urticating hairs that can cause irritation to the skin, and in extreme cases, cause damage to the eyes.
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Unusually, Type III urticating hair is found alone on the species of Theraphosa spp., but these otherwise are similar to many species that also have Type I hairs. Type III alone is found in many 'dwarf' new world genera Hapalopus spp.. Type IV is found in several South American genera Grammostola, Euathlus etc (exhibits types III and IV). Type V urticating hair is typical of the species of genus Ephebopus.
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Urticating hairs of a stinging nettle The most common form of urticating hairs in plants are typified by nettles, which possess sharp-pointed hollow bristles seated on a gland that secretes an acrid fluid. The points of these bristles usually break off in the wound, and the acrid fluid is pressed into it. Various plants unrelated to true nettles (Urtica species) possess similar defensive bristles, and the common names often reflect this (e.g. "bull nettle").
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As with the majority of tarantulas from the Americas, it has small, spine-like urticating hairs on its abdomen that it kicks off or releases when threatened as a defense. In February 2009, a British man was treated for tarantula hairs lodged in his cornea. The urticating hairs were thrown from the man's pet G. rosea while he was cleaning its tank. Medical authorities urge owners to wear protective eyewear when handling G. rosea.
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Aphonopelma atomicum is a species of spiders in the family Theraphosidae, found in United States (California, Nevada). Like many New World tarantulas, they flick urticating hairs at attackers if threatened.
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Although their behavior is defensive, they lack both urticating hairs and the ability to stridulate, giving them a very mild venom. Their egg sacs can contain up to 200 spiderlings.
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Type I and III urticating hairs are representative on a wide diversity of large bodied genera in the subfamily Theraphosinae Lasiodora and Acanthoscurria Nhandu spp., Megaphobema spp., Sericopelma spp., Eupalaestrus spp.
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Adults are on wing from October to April. The larvae feed on chestnut, willow, apple, hawthorn, oak and poplar. Larvae have urticating hairs which can cause a rash to the skin.
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Phormictopus species are quite large spiders; for example a female of Phormictus auratus had a total body length of with the longest leg (the fourth) being long. They have stridulating organs on the coxae and trochanters of the pedipalps and first pair of legs. Males have two apophyses (projections) on the tibia of the first pair of legs, and urticating hairs of type I. Females have a two-part spermatheca, and urticating hairs of types I and III.
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These bristles can embed themselves in the other animal's skin or eyes, causing physical irritation, usually to great discomfort. The term urticating hairs is a misnomer, as technically only mammals possess true hairs.
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Urticating hairs (setae) are found in about 90% of the species of tarantula (spiders of the family Theraphosidae) found in the New World. They are not found in tarantulas from other parts of the world.
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Urticating hairs do not appear at birth but form with each consecutive molt, widening from molt to molt and outwardly presenting themselves around areas of more dark bristles on the upper back part of the abdomen of juveniles. In elder ages their coloration shifts to match the main tone of abdomen. Despite this shift, urticating hairs nonetheless retain unique characteristics that render them visually distinct from abdominal bristles, such as their tendency to cover only a portion instead of the entirety of the opisthosoma.
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Some people are sensitive to these bristles, and develop serious itching and rashes at the site. Exposure of the eyes and respiratory system to urticating hairs should be strictly avoided. Species with urticating hairs can kick these bristles off; they are flicked into the air at a target using their back pairs of legs. Tarantulas also use these bristles for other purposes, such as to mark territory or to line their shelters (the latter such practice may discourage flies from feeding on the spiderlings).
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Defense mechanisms refer to ways in which an organism protects itself from dangers caused by enemies. Various lepidopteran larvae are known to have urticating spines or stinging hairs that contain venoms. Not all chemical components of the venom have been identified but it is currently known that histamine or histamine-like substances are parts of the venom. These urticating spines and hairs that serve as protectors for these larvae could have evolutionarily developed as those free of such spines and hairs were easily preyed on.
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The generic name Bistriopelma comes from the Latin bi- meaning "two" and strio meaning "stripe". This refers to the dorsolateral urticating patches of which there are two, both of which have a stripe of thick hair.
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Some Thaumetopoea species, for example Thaumetopoea pityocampa, are lepidopteran defoliators experiencing an expansion range towards higher latitudes and altitudes due to the current climate warming. Moreover, processionary caterpillars carry urticating setae, which cause health problems in humans.
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The soft, silken cocoons make an interesting keepsake for pupils. Some, including the genus Automeris, have urticating spines which sting. Caterpillars of the genus Lonomia produce a deadly toxin injected into the victim when it is touched.
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New World tarantulas will, at the moment of danger, turn toward the attacker and briskly rub their hind legs against the opisthosoma throwing the urticating hairs in the direction of the enemy. The cloud of small bristles will get into the mucous membrane of small mammals and cause edema, which can be fatal. The latest studies suggest these bristles cause both mechanical and chemical harm to the skin and membranes. Reaction and the degree of irritation to a defensive urticating hair barrage can vary tremendously, based on the species in question.
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The molting process Like other spiders, tarantulas have to shed their exoskeleton periodically to grow, a process called molting. A young tarantula may do this several times a year as a part of the maturation process, while full-grown specimens only molt once a year or less, or sooner, to replace lost limbs or lost urticating hairs. Clearly, molting will soon occur when the exoskeleton takes on a darker shade. If a tarantula previously used its urticating hairs, the bald patch turns from a peach color to deep blue.
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The action of type VII urticating hairs was first observed while handling the specimen in alcohol. The upper part of the tarantula's abdomen was touched intentionally and it was noticed that the urticating hair easily pierced the human finger. After further examination of the finger with stereoscope microscope, the setae were seen to be embedded in the skin, but none penetrated more than one-third of their length. When attempts were made to remove the setae, they were found to break easily from their distal end, leaving a remainder inside the tissue.
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Some are spiny. They almost always have urticating hairs, often on bumps in the epidermis. These are stiff, stinging trichomes with swollen bases. The leaves are variable in shape and venation, and help in the identification of species.
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Its venom is an anticoagulant powerful enough to cause a human to hemorrhage to death (See Lonomiasis). This chemical is being investigated for potential medical applications. Most urticating hairs range in effect from mild irritation to dermatitis. Example: brown-tail moth.
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Bumba is a genus of tarantula native to the Americas. It is an uncommon genus, comprising only four known species, including one named after John Lennon. Like most related species in the subfamily Theraphosinae, they may flick urticating hairs in response to threats.
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Lasiodora difficilis can reach a body length of , with a leg span of seven to eight inches. Males are smaller than female. The basic color of these heavy-bodied spiders varies between black and black-gray, with urticating red hairs on the abdomen.
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Dermatologica Sinica. September 2007, S. 232-237 In addition to kicking its urticating hairs, A. Anax will rear up on its hind legs and raise its front legs in the typical tarantula "threat posture".Cott, Hugh B. (1940). Adaptive Coloration in Animals.
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Urticating (stinging) hairs are often present. They have usually unisexual flowers and can be both monoecious or dioecious. They are wind-pollinated. Most disperse their pollen when the stamens are mature and their filaments straighten explosively, a peculiar and conspicuously specialised mechanism.
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The saddleback caterpillar has urticating hair and aposematic colouring. Many animals feed on caterpillars as they are rich in protein. As a result, caterpillars have evolved various means of defense. Caterpillars have evolved defenses against physical conditions such as cold, hot or dry environmental conditions.
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Bistriopelma has two distinctive patches of Type III urticating setae, which are located dorsolaterrally on the abdomen, each with a long stripe of thicker setae, which runs diagonally to the longitudal body axis. The female spermathecae are nearly parallel, and the male's embolus curves retrolaterally from the tegulum (base).
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M. uru has (in the male) an obvious triangular tooth on the embolus, which is very curved. The female has elongated spermathecae with small granules. It can grow 16mm and has reddish-brown legs, a brown and golden cephalothorax, and a golden-brown urticating patch on the abdomen.
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The carapace (upper surface of the cephalothorax) is light to dark brown and hairy. The legs are also hairy, with spines except on the femora. There are no stridulatory bristles. Neischnocolus species have modified Type I urticating hairs on the abdomen, similar to those of Proshapalopus and Citharacanthus livingstoni.
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Brachypelma boehmei (also known as the Mexican fireleg, or the Mexican rustleg tarantula) is a tarantula native to Mexico in Guerrero state.Map 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.
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The Brazilian red and white tarantula is now fairly common in the pet trade, and it is popular among tarantula keepers for its beautiful coloration. The Brazilian red and white tarantulas large size, skittish demeanor, and urticating hairs means that it should not be handled except by an experienced person.
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Nhandu tripepii is skittish and quite aggressive; therefore, it is not ideal for beginners. It has weak venom but urticating hair. It has 500-1500 spiderlings and is relatively easy to breed. Females have a lifespan of 10 years in captivity but as they grow quickly, reach maturity at about three years.
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Additionally males will gain an embolus on the pedipalps and tibial apophysis (mating hooks). The Brazilian red and white tarantula is a terrestrial species that will often make a burrow or make use of an abandoned burrow. The Brazilian red and white tarantula is reputed to be quite defensive with its urticating hairs.
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It has a pair of fleshy horns at either end. These and most of the rest of the body bear urticating hairs that secrete an irritating venom. Contact with the hairs causes a painful, swollen rash and sometimes nausea in humans. In some cases, more severe reactions to the venom can occur.
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They have true iridescent colors that change based on the amount of light and viewing angle. They are relatively small compared to sister genus Psalmopoeus, averaging about long. They lack urticating hairs and are arboreal, often found in tree cavities. Many species have "dimples" on the abdomen, but this feature is not universal.
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The adult moths however swarm to lights in nearby towns and the urticating hairs are released into the air leading to severe urticarial and papulovesicular dermatitis. Hairs from male moths do not cause any symptoms. These special hairs are used by the females to protect their eggs masses from predators such as ants.
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Bates visits Cameta; Wallace goes to explore the Guama and Capim rivers.Bates, 1864. p. 89. The large bird-eating spider (Mygalomorphae) has urticating hairs: Bates handles the first specimen "incautiously, and I suffered terribly for three days". He sees some children leading one with a cord around its waist like a dog.
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The larvae, partly the adult butterflies, are covered with urticating hair. These release poison if you come in contact with them and can trigger skin irritation, sometimes even more serious complications. The larvae tend to sit in tight junctions on tree trunks, and are quite well camouflaged, so that one can inadvertently easily contact them.
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Citheronia laocoon fifth-instar caterpillar in Brazil Saturniid caterpillars are large (50 to 100 mm in the final instar), stout, and cylindrical. Most have tubercules that are often also spiny or hairy. Many are cryptic in coloration, with countershading or disruptive coloration to reduce detection, but some are more colorful. Some have urticating hairs.
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With humans, they can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and skin, and more dangerously, the lungs and airways, if inhaled. In some cases, tarantula hairs have caused permanent damage to human eyes. Urticating hairs do not grow back, but are replaced with each moult. Another invertebrate, the antlion, also makes use of solid projectiles.
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Kankuamo marquezi is the only species within the monotypic spider genus Kankuamo, in the family Theraphosidae. It is found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. This spider has urticating hairs, the first to be classified as type VII. These sword-shaped, bristly hairs are used as a defense mechanism by stinging or stabbing.
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This genus has a unique abdominal pattern, and has a sub-apical keel on the embolus. It also has urticating hair type III in the male, and types III and IV in the female. It also lacks a process on the first male metatarsus and has a tibial spur that has fused bases and converging branches.
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For instance, ornate moth caterpillars utilize pyrrolizidine alkaloids that they obtain from their food plants to deter predators. The most aggressive caterpillar defenses are bristles associated with venom glands. These bristles are called urticating hairs. A venom which is among the most potent defensive chemicals in any animal is produced by the South American silk moth genus Lonomia.
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These are used for mating. As the name suggests, the coloration of A. anax primarily consists of tan colors and dark shades of brown. It is similar in coloration to Aphonopelma hentzi, another common Texas species, but is considerably darker. This species has urticating hairs like many New World tarantulas, but lacks any stridulating hairs on their chelicerae.
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If these hairs reach the mucous membranes or bare skin, they can cause mild swelling and/or a rash. Humans may have an allergic skin reaction which can worsen symptoms. The reactions can last for several hours to weeks.Chao- Kai Hsu, Mark Ming-Long Hsur, Rick C. West, Yau-I Chu: Skin Injury Caused by Urticating Hair of Tarantula.
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The stalk of it is approximately 45±3 μm in length and 10±1 in width, which is larger than other urticating types. The main shaft is notably straight, which contains the main small barbs that extend along the whole setae. It also has a small oval patch of lanceolated reversed barbs near the penetrating tip.
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Skeleton tarantula Unlike most members of the subfamily Aviculariinae, which are arboreal, E. murinus lives mainly on or near the forest floor, where it will build a heavily webbed burrow beneath the topsoil or amongst branches, rocks, and other forest floor debris. As a defense against potential predators, and in common with many other New World tarantulas, the species of the genus Ephebopus will brush urticating hairs from their bodies. Uniquely, rather than being located on the abdomen, Ephebopus urticating hairs are located on the spider's palps - on the medial side of the palpal femora; the spider sheds these hairs by rubbing the palp against the chelicerae. E. murinus is also a fast and aggressive species, and will readily rise up and present its fangs to a potential predator.
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Although it has hairy legs, this tarantula is an Old World species and does not have urticating hairs on its abdomen. (Urticating hairs are hairs found in most new world species (those from North and South America) that can be shed in defence, they are barbed and may cause severe itching.) It also has a leg span which may reach . This tarantula, in common with the rest of the family, has downward- facing, parallel fangs, used like pickaxes rather than pincers. Adult males have smaller abdomens than females. Male pedipalps are club shaped, but it may take up to 4 years for differences between male and female to show, since the average male lifespan is about 4 years and the leg span of the male is roughly 5”.
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Pseudoclamoris gigas is easily distinguished by their bright orange coloration on the legs and abdomen, carapace colored similar but lighter, females reach roughly 5.5 inches in diagonal leg span. It lacks urticating hairs and is arboreal. This species can be found in tree cavities and will often result to hasty retreat when disturbed. The eggsac will often contain 100-140 spiderlings.
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T. vagans is frequently kept and bred in captivity. They are typically docile, though they can be skittish and prone to releasing urticating hairs. Females are long-lived, potentially reaching 15 years of age. Due to its popularity in the pet trade, T. vagans is listed under appendix II of CITES (under its former name) to prevent illegal removal and international trade.
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These bristles are present on most New World species, but not on any specimens from the Old World. Urticating hairs are usually kicked off the abdomen by the tarantula, but some may simply rub the abdomen against the target, like the genus Avicularia. These fine bristles are barbed and serve to irritate. They can be lethal to small animals such as rodents.
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Urticating hairs do not grow back, but are replaced with each molt. The intensity, number, and flotation of the bristles depends on the species of tarantula. To predators and other enemies, these bristles can range from being lethal to simply being a deterrent. With humans, they can cause irritation to eyes, nose, and skin, and more dangerously, the lungs and airways, if inhaled.
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These patterns on a black background have earned it the common name Thai zebra tarantula. This tarantula is very skittish and defensive, although it can also be very aggressive. It is an Old World tarantula, so has no urticating hairs; its only defenses are biting and fleeing. This tarantula is known to have more potent venom than that of many tarantula species.
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The yellowtail moth or ashen moth (Hylesia metabus) is a species of moth found in northeastern South America. Contact with the urticating hairs of adult female moths is known to cause a cutaneous condition called the Caripito itch. The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1775. These moths are mainly found along the mangrove swamps of Venezuela and Guyana.
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These flowers are dioecious, meaning there are distinct male and female individuals used for reproduction. Fruit are compounds of up to five follicles, stemming from peduncles that can reach as long as 30 centimeters. Inside the follicles are seeds, as well as orange urticating hairs that may cause pain when touched. Naturally, the tree typically flowers and bears fruit between December and March.
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Heteroscodra maculata specimens are quite fast, defensive and possess potent venom. As these are old-world species, they do not possess urticating hairs, which further encourages them to bite as a primary defense. They are an arboreal species, though younger specimens have been noted to burrow during their first few months of life. Females tend to reproduce readily, though sexual cannibalism may occur.
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Aphonopelma is a genus of tarantulas native to the Americas. It includes nearly all the North American tarantula species north of Mexico and a considerable percentage of the tarantula species that range into Central America. Most are fairly large tarantulas with leg spans of 6 in (16 cm) or more. Like most New World tarantulas, all species of Aphonopelma have urticating hairs.
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Males are sexually dimorphic, appearing to have much thinner legs as well losing most of their coloration, it can be hard to distinguish them from Psalmopoeus cambridgei mature males. Like all members of Psalmopoeus , Ps. irminia lack urticating hairs. Eggsacs of this species typically carry 50-200 spiderlings, however, they have the ability to lay two eggsacs from a single mating.
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In response to threats, Goliath birdeaters stridulate by rubbing setae on their pedipalps and legs. Also when threatened, they rub their abdomen with their hind legs and release hairs that are a severe irritant to the skin and mucous membranes. These urticating hairs can be harmful to humans. Like all tarantulas, T. blondi spiders have fangs large enough () to break the skin of a human.
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The Mexican redleg is a mostly docile species, perhaps more so even than the redknee. That, coupled with its coloration, and impressive size, makes it a very popular pet species. As such it is considered to be threatened by capture for sale to the pet trade. It is very reluctant to bite when distressed, but possesses urticating hair and will flick these if it feels threatened.
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Typhochlaena differs from all other aviculariine species by having a domed, short distal segment on the posterior lateral spinneret; the sternum is as long as wide, truncated behind; they are also quite small, with type II urticating hairs.Bertani, R. (2012). Revision, cladistic analysis and biogeography of Typhochlaena C. L. Koch, 1850, Pachistopelma Pocock, 1901 and Iridopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Aviculariinae). ZooKeys 230: 1-94.
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Reversopelma shows strong sexual dimorphism, the female being light brown on the cephalothorax and having a black abdomen, whilst the male is much darker overall. It is quite small (30–35 mm), and the scopulae on the fourth tarsus of the legs are divided by bristles. The embolus is long and quite wide. The male has urticating hair Type III, and the female has modified Type I, which are divided twice.
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Secondly, often a major injury in one phase, such as the loss of a leg from an insect nymph, or a claw from a young crab, can be repaired after one or two stages of ecdysis. Similarly, delicate parts that need periodic replacement, such as the outer surfaces of the eye lenses of spiders, or the urticating hairs of caterpillars, can be shed, making way for new structures.
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These tarantulas hide themselves in long tubes that they dig under the surface or use abandoned rodent burrows. It is a crepuscular and nocturnal species and it is quite defensive.Basic Tarantulas When threatened this species will stridulate (hiss) to warn predators, it may also rear up and expose its fangs. Another self-defence mechanism of this spider is to use its back legs to flick urticating hairs from its abdomen.
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They normally grows to a legspan of . Most live in burrows, though E. murinus spends an adolescent stage living in trees. Like many other New World tarantulas, these spiders will brush urticating hairs from their bodies as a defense against potential predation. However, these spiders are unique because instead of the abdomen, these hairs are located on the pedipalps, and are removed by rubbing the palps against the chelicerae.
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American Museum Novitates 2498.PDF (12 Mb) Species with urticating hairs can kick these hairs off; they are flicked into the air at a target using their back pairs of legs. These fine hairs are barbed and designed to irritate and can be lethal to small animals such as rodents. The symptoms range from a burning itch to a minor rash, from being lethal to simply being a deterrent.
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Grammostola anthracina is characterized by having an entirely brown body; females have long spermathecae with a rounded apex. The total length of a female's body is about 45 mm; the fourth (last) leg is longest at about 60 mm. The forward-facing side of the coxa of the first leg has stridulatory hairs. Urticating hairs of types III and IV are present on the upper surface of the abdomen.
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A typical threat posture by a mature male. (note: not A. anax, but a similar species) Similar to many tarantula species, A. Anax is non-aggressive and avoids confrontations with humans and larger animals. This docile temperament makes it very desirable in the pet trade, along with A. hentzi. If provoked, however, the tarantula will use its hind legs to kick off some of its urticating hairs towards the potential threat.
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The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a moth of the family Thaumetopoeidae. The species was first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775. Sometimes placed in the genus Traumatocampa, it is one of the most destructive species to pines and cedars in Central Asia, North Africa and the countries of southern Europe. The urticating hairs of the caterpillar larvae cause harmful reactions in humans and other mammals.
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They are popular among collectors, but they tend to be highly defensive, lacking urticating hairs, and are not suitable for beginners. They have very strong venom, though none are known to be deadly to humans. A bite from a smaller spider will cause sharp pain and localized itchiness for five days. Adults can be kept in a converted aquarium if given plenty of ventilation and a substrate at least deep.
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The male is distinguished from other species by an inconspicuous basal tegular projection on the palps and a tibial apophysis (i.e. a projection) with two similarly sized branches, and the retrolateral one is large and has an apical spine. The female is identified by the spermathecae; these have inconspicuous constriction on the apex, also the shape of the apex is irregular. Urticating hairs are present in both genders.
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Bates's book is cited in papers for its accurate early observations, such as of the urticating hairs of tarantulas, the puddle drinking habits of butterflies, or of the rich insect fauna in the tropics. The book and Bates' Amazon trip are covered in lecture courses on evolution. The warm reception of Bates's Naturalist was not confined to scientists. The novelists D.H. Lawrence and George Orwell both wrote admiringly of the book.
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Hapalotremus is a genus of South American tarantulas in the Theraphosinae subfamily that was first described by Eugène Louis Simon in 1903. They have red or white Type III urticating (relatively long, thin) hairs, up to , with a fine point and barbs along at least half of the lower part. The tibial apophysis is branched twice (in males only), and there is a conspicuous subapical keel on the male's embolus.
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Caribena is a genus of spiders in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas), found in the Antilles. The two species accepted were formerly placed in Avicularia. Apart from a different distribution – Avicularia species are found in mainland South and Central America – Caribena is distinguished by having longer and thinner type II urticating hairs in a conspicuous patch on the upper surface of the abdomen. Males also have a differently shaped palpal bulb.
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They have black cephalothoraxes and abdomens with golden urticating hairs. The coxae, trochanters and femurs are also black, but the patellae, tibiae, metatarsi, and tarsi are reddish light brown. K. brunnipes males differ from others in the Theraphosinae subfamily by having a long and downwards pointing embolus with prolateral accessory keels, and by the ability of the first metatarsus to fold between the two branches of the tibial spur.
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The entire plant above ground, including the flower petals, is covered with stinging hairs. The tap root can be used as an excellent potato substitute, tasting like pasta.EatTheWeeds.com As the common names imply, the urticating hairs on this plant contain a caustic irritant that inflicts a painful sting to those who contact it with bare skin. It can cause a painful, irritating rash and can cause more serious reactions with some people.
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Towards the end of their larval development, pine processionary caterpillars are highly irritating to the skin. Contact with the hairs of the caterpillar can cause severe rashes (urticaria) and eye irritation. Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the caterpillar's hairs. Fifth-stage larvae can eject hairs when threatened or stressed; the hairs, which have the form of harpoons, then penetrate and irritate all areas of exposed skin nearby with an urticating protein.
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The Goliath birdeater is native to the upland rain forest regions of northern South America: Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, northern Brazil, and southern Venezuela. Most noticeable in the Amazon rainforest, the spider is terrestrial, living in deep burrows, and is found commonly in marshy or swampy areas. It is a nocturnal species. The spider is part of the local cuisine in northeastern South America, prepared by singeing off the urticating hairs and roasting it in banana leaves.
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A. hentzi is a rather docile and nonaggressive species.Oklahoma Brown Tarantula RET. Nov.20 2017 When disturbed, like most other tarantulas, A. hentzi maneuvers itself to a stance on its hind legs and raises its front legs in a threatening manner. Additionally, A. hentzi and most other tarantulas found in the Americas have small, coarse, brown or black urticating hairs on their abdomens that they kick in the direction of whatever they may feel threatens them.
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Lonomia obliqua, the giant silkworm moth (a name also used for a wide range of other saturniid moths), is a species of saturniid moth from South America. It is famous for its larval form, rather than the adult moth, primarily because of the caterpillar's defense mechanism, urticating bristles that inject a potentially deadly venom. The caterpillar has been responsible for many human deaths, especially in southern Brazil. Its venom has been the subject of numerous medical studies.
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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.
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As predators of invertebrates, including many pests, most ground beetles are considered beneficial organisms. The caterpillar hunters (Calosoma) are famous for their habit of devouring prey in quantity, eagerly feeding on tussock moth (Lymantriidae) caterpillars, processionary caterpillars (Thaumetopoeidae) and woolly worms (Arctiidae), which, due to their urticating hairs, are avoided by most insectivores. Large numbers of the forest caterpillar hunter (C. sycophanta), native to Europe, were shipped to New England for biological control of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) as early as 1905.
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The female adult can reach an average wingspan of 45 mm. Its larvae have an average length of 40 to 45 mm, with black and yellow bodies covered by urticating hairs which, upon contact with skin, produce irritation, causing an extended dermatitis. The larvae are known in Spanish as gata peluda (hairy cat) or bicho quemador (burning bug). The adult is a dark-colored moth - which is where its name comes from - with the back of its abdomen covered by smooth golden hairs.
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Most spiders are insufficiently dangerous or unpleasant-tasting for warning coloration to offer much benefit. However, a few species with powerful venom, large jaws or irritant bristles have patches of warning colors, and some actively display these colors when threatened. Many of the family Theraphosidae, which includes tarantulas and baboon spiders, have urticating hairs on their abdomens and use their legs to flick them at attackers. These bristles are fine setae (bristles) with fragile bases and a row of barbs on the tip.
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Like most New World tarantulas, they kick urticating hairs from their abdomens and their back legs if disturbed, rather than bite. They are only slightly venomous to humans and are considered extremely docile, though, as with all tarantulas, their large fangs can cause very painful puncture wounds, which can lead to secondary bacterial infection if not properly treated and allergies may intensify with any bite.Schultz, Stanley A. and Schultz, Marguerite J. (2009) The Tarantula Keeper's Guide: Comprehensive Information on Care, Housing, and Feeding (Revised Edition). Barrons.
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The adult moth's wingspan is about 70 mm for males and 100 mm for females. The large brown caterpillar has a puffy brown segmented body with urticating hairs on each rise with none between. These hairs are both long and short, with the longer ones being white and the shorter ones being brown giving the caterpillar a tufted look, especially visible when curled in the defense posture of a spiral. article The hairs are very fine and brittle, easily penetrating the skin and breaking off.
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Venezuela and Cambodia). They can be roasted over an open fire to remove the bristles (described further below) and then eaten. Fried tarantula in a Cambodian restaurant Adult female Brachypelma smithi, showing a bald patch after kicking bristles off her abdomen Tarantulas have evolved specialized bristles, or setae, to defend themselves against predators. Besides the normal bristles covering the body, some tarantulas also have a dense covering of irritating bristles called urticating hairs, on the opisthosoma, that they sometimes use as protection against enemies.
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The next response may be to leave the scene entirely, but especially if no line of retreat is available, their final response may also be to whirl suddenly and bite. Some tarantulas are well known to give "dry bites", i.e., they may defensively bite some animal that intrudes on their space and threatens them, but they do not pump venom into the wound. Most New World tarantulas are equipped with urticating hairs on their abdomens, and almost always throw these barbed bristles as the first line of defense.
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Upwards of 89.1% of respondents practiced caterpillar harvesting in the surrounding miombo woodlands. The two most well-known species for harvesting in this region of the eight said to live there were Gynanisa maja Strand (chipumi) and Gonimbrasia zambesina Walker (mumpa). Mostly due to their size, flavor, common lack of thorns or urticating hairs, and their market value, Gynanisa maja is the most popular. The Bisa people believe that the caterpillars have been with them since time immemorial, as gifts from god, and this respectful belief has helped them formulate sustainable traditional management systems.
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The species S. longibulbi was described in 1948 by Benedict A. M. Soares and H.F. de A. Camargo, however Robert Raven put it in the genus Hapalotremus, on account of a similar double branched tibial spur, though the holotype was missing at the time. It was restored in 2002 by Rogério Bertani, who claimed it lacked urticating hair and any keels on the embolus therefore it was impossible for the genus to be a member of the Theraphosinae. In 2015 Josè Guadanucci and Dirk Weinmann moved this genus to the Schismatothelinae subfamily.
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The genus was erected in 2017 by Caroline Fukushima and Rogério Bertani for two species formerly placed in Avicularia. The genus name is derived from the Spanish word caribeña, meaning "from the Caribbean". Species of Caribena are distinguished from those of related genera by the possession of long (more than 1 mm) and very thin (less than 9 µm) type II urticating hairs carried on a conspicuous patch on the upper rear surface of the abdomen. Males have a pointed outgrowth (process) on the retrolateral lobe of the cymbium of the palpal bulb.
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Many caterpillars have defensive venom glands associated with specialized bristles on the body, known as urticating hairs, which can be lethal to humans (e.g., that of the Lonomia moth), although the venom's strength varies depending on the species. Bees synthesize and employ an acidic venom (apitoxin) to cause pain in those that they sting to defend their hives and food stores, whereas wasps use a chemically different alkaline venom designed to paralyze prey, so it can be stored alive in the food chambers of their young. The use of venom is much more widespread than just these examples.
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This species is easily distinguished from other members of the genus Psalmopoeus by it unique coloration, that is having vibrant red on the backside (abdomen and legs III & IV) and dark coloration on the front legs, along with a green carapace, females reach roughly 6.5 inches by diagonal leg span. P. victori is sexually dimorphic, with males appearing much more slender, legs matching the green coloration of the carapace, and red abdomen. Like other species in the genus Psalmopoeus, the species lacks urticating hairs. This species is extremely reclusive, when searching at night, the time tarantulas are most active, it can still prove difficult to observe any specimen.
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Before biting, a tarantula may signal its intention to attack by rearing up into a "threat posture", which may involve raising its prosoma and lifting its front legs into the air, spreading and extending its fangs, and (in certain species) making a loud hissing by stridulating. Tarantulas often hold this position for longer than the duration of the original threat. Their next step, short of biting, may be to slap down on the intruder with their raised front legs. If that response fails to deter the attacker, the tarantulas of the Americas may next turn away and flick urticating hairs toward the pursuing predator.
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This was shot using real spiders, and years later Shawn Carson recalled the considerable discomfort he and Vidal Petersen experienced as a result being exposed to the irritating urticating hairs of the 200 tarantulas used in the sequence. The original themes of Bradbury's novel, the suggestion of menace, the autumn atmosphere of an American Midwest township and the human relationships between characters that attracted Clayton escaped preview audiences completely, with Clayton heavily criticized. New special effects sequences were shot and a hastily composed new score by composer James Horner replaced Delerue's original music.Lerouge, Stephanie Georges Delerue Unused Scores 2011 CD liner notes Initial test screenings did not fare well with audiences, and Disney re-commissioned Bradbury to write an opening narration sequence and new ending.
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Additionally, tarantulas are usually shy around people, so fans and air tubes often had to be used to get the spiders to move toward their "victims." Indeed, in a number of the scenes where the tarantulas are "attacking" people, it is obvious to the viewer that the spiders are merely moving around, usually away from their intended victims. Contrary to popular belief, the venom of most tarantulas is not dangerous to humans, causing no more harm than a bee sting (unless the person is allergic to the venom). The worst injury most of the actors suffered was troublesome itching caused by the spiders shedding their bristles (Tarantula urticating bristles has been used to make itching powder sold in joke and novelty stores).
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