Davus pentaloris
Species of spider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Davus pentaloris, commonly called the Guatemalan tiger rump, is a terrestrial species of New World tarantula (family Theraphosidae) native to El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. Davus was at one time considered to be a synonym of Cyclosternum, and its species were placed in that genus, but this is no longer accepted.[1]
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| Davus pentaloris | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Davus |
| Species: | D. pentaloris |
| Binomial name | |
| Davus pentaloris | |
D. pentaloris has been found to display high morphological variation across its widespread distribution.[2] Due to the typically low dispersal capability of tarantulas and associated high levels of local endemism this led to a hypothesis of hidden diversity within the species, with the high morphological variation suspected to be evidence that D. pentaloris is actually a species complex.[3] Morphological and molecular analyses employing mtDNA data led to the recognition of 13 clearly diagnosable species, with 12 of them being new to science.[3]
Description
D. pentaloris has a copper-colored carapace, with black legs and a black, copper-striped abdomen. The number and vibrancy of stripes varies, but it features a spot on its abdomen, towards the cephalothorax.[3]
This species has urticating hairs on its abdomen, which it may kick into the air at perceived threats.[4]
Its coloration can range from a coppery color, to a more orange hue. Morphological variations which separate some candidate species, that are naked to the eye, include: dark marks on the carapace, and pale leg marking/coloration.[3]
In captivity
D. pentaloris is kept and bred as a pet, but is frequently mislabelled and sold as D. fasciatus.[2] Its lifespan in captivity is understood to be 2-4 years for males, and 8-10 years for females.
It is known to be skittish but docile, and easy to keep in the trade.[5]
Following the 2021 paper detailing the morphological diversity and 13 diagnosable species within D. pentaloris,[3] various vendors have begun to sell and breed specimens under open nomenclature, such as Davus sp. "Oaxaca" (or "Oaxaca white tiger") for light-legged specimens, as is common in the trade for species which have yet to be formally described.
