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Texas Brown Tarantula
(Aphonopelma
spp.) Photography by Laurie Anne D., text by Jerry Cates
The species cannot be determined from this specimen, but its location, its basic anatomy, and its uniform brown color, makes it a member of the genus Aphonopelma. The fourteen species of this genus that are native to Texas look very much alike, but differ in microscopic aspects that are not discernible with ordinary vision.
The carapace is large and leathery in appearance. Legs are stout and hairy, and the abdomen is covered with thick, brown, often urticating (capable of producing allergic or irritating reactions in susceptible individuals) hairs.
When threatened, this tarantula turns to face the threat, lifts its front legs in a threatening posture, and articulates its fangs in preparation for biting. Despite its fierce appearance, the bite is not considered dangerous, and tarantulas make excellent pets when properly cared for and handled with care. Females of this genus often live as long as 25 years in captivity, though males live no more than a few months. Tarantulas migrate at certain times in the year, during which time they may turn up just about anywhere in Texas Many thanks to Laurie Anne for these photos.... ---------------------------------------------- We are investigating the risk of secondary infections that may occur as a result of bites from this and other, otherwise harmless spiders whose venom is known to pose little or no danger to humans. In the process, we are collecting information on experiences persons have had with such spider bites. Please contact us about your personal experiences, if you have been bitten by this or any other spider, including jumping spiders and garden spiders (the bites of which typically produce a transitory inflammation, but resolve within a few days without medical attention), whether recently or in the past thirty years, anywhere in the world. For example, the bite of a species of garden spider, the golden orb spider of Australia [Nephila edulis] typically is unremarkable, but on occasion produces medically significant secondary infections; the frequency and nature of bites experienced from that species of spider is also a part of this study. The object of this study is to collect data that might relate to a mysterious series of spider-related infections, involving a special pathogen, that took place in the United States and in Australia between 1977 and 2006. Although only fifteen such infections were reported to medical establishments, seven appear to be associated with spider bites. Some authorities suggest that the number of actual infections of this type that occurred in the U.S. and Australia during the past thirty years is much larger, but that they have been underreported. Underreporting of specific kinds of infections can occur, either because the persons infected chose not to seek medical assistance, or the medical establishments misdiagnosed the infections as being caused by other infectious agents. We are seeking to establish an estimate of the number of human spider bites that occur each year by these and similar spiders, whether the bite resulted in injury to the human or not. Next, we hope to establish the number of instances where the bite (1) became inflamed and/or infected, then resolved without medical intervention, or (2) infected, ulcerated, or led to a generalized sickness, and required medical intervention. ---------------------------------------------- Back to: Texas Spiders Back to: Bugsinthenews |
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