Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eating Tarantula Natural History
Size
These large tarantulas have a leg span of up to 25 cm.
Habitat and Distribution
They live in the tropical rainforests of Eastern Brazil and are a terrestrial species which burrows on the forest floor.
Age
These spiders can live for 12-15 years.
Diet
The majority of a Salmon Pink Tarantulas’ diet is made up of insects, but they also eat small lizards and mammals, frogs and as their name suggests, birds. They usually hunt at night and are ambush predators which inject a paralysing venom into their prey using their fangs.
Groups and Breeding
Three months after breeding with a male, the female spins a thick silk in which she will lay her eggs. She can lay as many 2000 eggs in the silk egg sac which she guards until the eggs hatch several weeks later. The hatchlings are fast growers and can reach up to six inches in diameter in the first year.
Threats
The Salmon Pink Tarantula is not listed by the IUCN. However, its habitat is under severe threat from deforestation.
Interesting Sacts
When threatened these spiders flick hairs from their body using their hind legs. The hairs are very irritating especially if they land in eyes. After this they will resort to biting.
The Salmon Pink Tarantula During Your Day Out in Kent
This tarantula is on display in the Bug House. This area is home to a number of other invertebrates.