Typhochlaena seladonia

As stated in the aforementioned paragraph, T. seladonia inhabit the Atlantic Forest. These spiders live in the humid rainforest of northeastern Brazil in crevices they find in tree bark. T. seladonia rely on their trapdoors to survive and remain hidden from predators. This species is arboreal, which means they inhabit trees throughout the forest, rather than the ground like other Theraphosidae tarantulas. Brazilwood, Paraná Pine, and Yerba Mate trees are native in the Atlantic Forest, specifically Bahia, so these tarantulas very possibly inhabit them. ^[2]

In the wild, these tarantulas are opportunistic killers who catch small insects that land near the entrance to their trapdoors. Prey can be small flying insects, roaches, and other invertebrates. In captivity, owners have feeding split up into the different life-stages for these tarantulas.

Spiderlings: Feeding frequency should be twice a week and 24-48 hours post-molt. Flightless fruit flies, flour beetles, and/or pre-killed crickets or roach nymphs are recommended.

Juveniles: Feeding frequency should be every 7-10 days and 3-7 days post-molt. Medium crickets and dubia roaches are the recommended prey items.

Adults: Feeding frequency should be every 2-3 weeks as needed and 5-10 days post-molt. Large crickets and dubia roaches are recommended. ^[3]

T. seladonia was originally described by Carl Ludwig Koch, in Brazil in 1841, as Mygale seladonia. In 1850 he changed its name to Typhochlaena seladonia; then Eugène Simon changed it again to Avicularia seladonia. In 1928, Candido Mello-Leitão changed the species name back to Typhochlaena seladonia, but Andrew Smith (in 1993) changed it to Iridopelma seladonia, and then Lina Almeida-Silva changed it to Iridopelma seladonium. Rogèrio Bertani finally changed the name back to Typhochlaena seladonia in 2012.^[1]

The female Typhochlaena seladonia has long, thin spermathecae, which are spiralled distally. The male has a very long embolus. Additionally, both genders have a greenish cephalothorax and a black dorsum with two row of six spots, the posterior pair being reddish and all others being yellowish.^[4]

These spiders are small. Adult males have body lengths ranging from 9.5–12.5 mm (0.37–0.49 in).^[5] Females can run up to 21 mm (0.83 in).^[5]

Keeping tarantulas as pets is a common practice throughout the exotic pet world, and T. seladonia aren't excluded from this. These tarantulas are considered more of an experienced pet, but they are still kept and bred regularly in the US and Europe. ^[6] However, according to the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C 42), "any importation of injurious wildlife into the United States or its territories or possessions must be authorized under a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."^[7] Similarly, Brazil enacted their Environmental Crimes Law of 1999, which states "whoever trades, puts up for sale, exports or acquires, keeps in captivity or in warehouses, uses or transports eggs, larva or species of the wildlife animals, native or on migratory routes, as well as products or objects derived from it, from a non-authorized breeding area or without the appropriate permission, license or authorization from the competent authority."^[8] If the exporters of T. seladonia have the proper permits, then what they are doing is legal, but if they don't have the proper permits, then they could face extensive jail-time.