Phrixotrichus scrofa
Species of tarantula
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phrixotrichus scrofa, commonly known as the Chilean copper, Chilean pink burst or Chilean violet tarantula, is a species of tarantula (family Theraphosidae).[2] It was first described by Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.[1] It is native to Chile and Argentina,[1] inhabiting mainly arid forests,[3] and is sometimes kept as a pet.
| Phrixotrichus scrofa | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Phrixotrichus |
| Species: | P. scrofa |
| Binomial name | |
| Phrixotrichus scrofa (Molina, 1782)[1] | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
In captivity, females live 25 years, while males can only live 4 to 5 years, under proper care, and getting to be roughly 10 cm in size. Males are usually more colorful and vibrant.[4] They have grey legs, reaching all the way to their trochanters, which are a copper red color. Its carapace is the same copper red color as the trochanter, with the opisthosoma being a copper red color nearest to the carapace, transitioning to a grey further away.
Distribution and habitat
Phrixotrichus scrofa is native to Chile and Argentina.[1] In Chile, they are known from some locations in the Biobío region, more specifically in Colcura and Valle de Nonguén.[4] The average yearly temperatures in Valle de Nonguén are 14 °C, with an average rainfall of 735 mm, with some of the local vegetation being raulí, tineo and huillipatagu.[5]
Behavior
They are terrestrial tarantulas, being very active and docile, although not often, if they have enough anchor points, they may even produce a web. While owning urticating hairs, they rarely use them.[2]