Cyrtopholis femoralis
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| Cyrtopholis femoralis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Cyrtopholis |
| Species: | C. femoralis |
| Binomial name | |
| Cyrtopholis femoralis Pocock, 1903 | |
Cyrtopholis femoralis is a tarantula species in the Cyrtopholis genus, it was first described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1903, it is found in Montserrat, gaining it its common name as the Montserrat tarantula. It is possible that Cyrtopholis femoralis may be made up of two species occupying distinct areas of Montserrat, investigating the presence of this species is important for the understanding of this species.[1] The main known predator of this species is Leptodactylus fallax, known as the mountain chicken, or the giant ditch frog.
Females grow to about 40 mm (1.6 in), and their lifespan is not known. This species color is a deep chestnut to greyish sometimes black color on their legs and body, with some lighter leg joints. With some pale brown to grey on the lower segments, though some darker specimens have been registered. Observation from captive individuals have shown their egg sack to be about 220 eggs.[1][2]
Habitat
This spider is thought to have been widespread across Montserrat, although most of it has been lost, it mainly inhabits natural areas, and those whom have been heavily modified. The main deciding factor of this tarantula living area is the substrate, as a burrower it needs to well burrow, and its believed this tarantula is widespread across Montserrat.[1][2] Montserrat has average temperature are about 27 °C (81 °F), and the average yearly rainfall is 1,600 mm (63 in), the climate being subtropical.[3]