Reversopelma

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Reversopelma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Reversopelma
Schmidt, 2001[1]
Species:
R. petersi
Binomial name
Reversopelma petersi
Schmidt, 2001[1]

Reversopelma is a monotypic genus of spider in the family Theraphosidae. It is Theraphosine and is native to Peru and Ecuador. The single species is Reversopelma petersi.[1]

Description[edit]

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.[2] 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. The fourth metatarsus is not scopulate.[3]

As a pet[edit]

This species is sometimes kept as a pet, and has been imported since 1909 from Peru. It needs a quite wet and relatively cool environment.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Reversopelma petersi Schmidt, 2001". World Spider Catalog. Natural History Museum of Bern. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Peters, H.-J. (2003). Tarantulas of the World: Amerika's Vogelspinnen. Wegberg, Germany: H.-J. Peters. pp. 282–283.
  3. ^ Schmidt, G. (2003). Die Vogelspinnen: Eine weltweite Übersicht. Hohenwarsleben: Neue Brehm-Bücherei. p. 138.