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Phrixotrichus scrofa

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Phrixotrichus scrofa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Phrixotrichus
Species:
P. scrofa
Binomial name
Phrixotrichus scrofa
(Molina, 1782)[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Aranea scrofa Molina, 1782
  • Mygale chilensis Molina, 1810 ?
  • Phrixotrichus chilensis (Molina, 1810) ?
  • Phrixotrichus auratus Pocock, 1903
  • Paraphysa scrofa (Molina, 1782)

Phrixotrichus scrofa is a tarantula spider, commonly known as the Chilean copper, Chilean pink burst or Chilean violet tarantula.[2] It was first described by Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.[1] Its synonyms include Phrixotrichus auratus, Paraphysa scrofa, and possibly Phrixotrichus chilensis.[1] It is native to Chile and Argentina,[1] inhabiting mainly arid forests,[3] and is kept as a pet somewhat commonly.

Description

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In captivity, females live 25 years, while males can only live 4 to 5 years, under proper care, and getting to be roughly 10 cm in size. Males are usually more colorful and vibrant.[4] They have grey legs, reaching all the way to their trochanters, which are a copper red color. Its carapace is the same copper red color as the trochanter, with the opisthosoma being a copper red color nearest to the carapace, transitioning to a grey further away.

Distribution and habitat

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Phrixotrichus scrofa is native to Chile and Argentina.[1] In Chile, they are known from some locations in the Biobío region, more specifically in Colcura and Valle de Nonguén.[4] The average yearly temperatures in Valle de Nonguén are 14 °C, with an average rainfall of 735 mm, with some of the local vegetation being raulí, tineo and huillipatagu.[5]

Behavior

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They are terrestrial tarantulas, being very active and docile, although not often, if they have enough anchor points, they may even produce a web. While owning urticating hairs, they rarely use them.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Taxon details Phrixotrichus scrofa (Molina, 1782)", World Spider Catalog, Natural History Museum Bern, retrieved 2022-06-11
  2. ^ a b "Phrixotrichus scrofa". Theraphosidae. 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  3. ^ EXOTIC-PETS.CO.UK. "Chile Pink Burst Tarantula - Phrixotrichus scrofa". www.exotic-pets.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  4. ^ a b Montenegro, Ruben; Milenko, A. (2015). "Phrixotrichus scrofa (Molina, 1782)" (PDF). Clasificacion Especies. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  5. ^ "Parque Nacional Nonguén – Territorio Nonguen" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-06-09.