Tarantulas
defend themselves in different ways, here a
tarantula is warning a predator that it means
business. The tarantula will either attack or run
away. This approach is used as either a last
resort or a bluff. The fangs are clear of it's
legs. This is the stance preferred by the
Old-World tarantulas that are found in Africa and
Asia.
|
(Picture: Honduran Curly Hair - Brachypelma albopilosa) |
This is another
Old-World tarantula warning a predator. This
shows a half-hearted attempt, rather than a
serious aggressive posture.
|
(Picture: Baboon Spider - Pterinochilus species) |
The final
picture shows the hair-flicking approach to
defence preferred by the New-world tarantulas.
This includes all the tarantulas found in
America, Mexico and surrounding areas. These
hairs act as irritants, and have been known to
cause temporary blindness in attacking predators.
At the very least they cause allergic rashes and
can be considered similar to nettle sting rash
and pain.
|
(Picture: Mexican Red Knee -Brachypelma
smithi) |
