Monocentropus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Monocentropus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Monocentropus balfouri | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Monocentropus Pocock, 1897[1] |
| Type species | |
| M. balfouri Pocock, 1897 | |
| Species | |
| |
Monocentropus is a genus of tarantulas that was first described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1897.[2] As of December 2025[update] it officially contains two species, found in Madagascar and in Yemen: M. balfouri and M. lambertoni.[1] Though recently, the position of M. lambertoni has been put into question, being deemed an incerta sedis.[3]
M. balfouri has many unusual characteristics for a tarantula species, most notably their heightened defensiveness towards humans, gregarious nature with others of their own kind, and strong maternal instincts, with mothers even bringing food to their spiderlings. Their striking blue coloration and tendency to live in colonies make them an attractive, rewarding but challenging and obstreperous-natured pet.[3]
