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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Arachnids (Arachnida) » Spiders (Araneae) » Mygalomorphs (Mygalomorphae) » Tarantulas (Theraphosidae)
Photo#330869
Desert Tarantula - I think
Copyright © 2009 Racquel Morris

Desert Tarantula - I think
Tularosa, Otero County, New Mexico, USA
September 9, 2009
I think it is a male Desert Tarantula based on my ID book but wanted to submit it to the group to make sure. I am not sure the size as I did not want to get too close to it. I know I should not be scared of tarantulas but I am a woman and naturally entitled to irrational fears of all spiders ;o). Thanks for the help!
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Contributed by Racquel Morris on 9 September, 2009 - 8:46am
Last updated 3 October, 2009 - 2:36pm

Moved
Moved from Spiders.
… Lynette Schimming, 3 October, 2009 - 2:36pm login or register to post comments

Moved
Moved from ID Request.
… v belov, 24 September, 2009 - 3:05pm login or register to post comments

:-)
I love your self-deprecating sense of humor! This is indeed a tarantula, but maybe an immature of either gender. I don't see the characteristic features of a mature male in any event. Be more careful of the rear end. Tarantulas kick off hairs from the abdomen that are essentially like tiny porcupine quills. They can lodge in mucous membranes and cause severe irritation, even allergic reactions in some people. They will do that before they will bite.
… Eric R. Eaton, 9 September, 2009 - 10:04am login or register to post comments

 
lol
Good thing someone gets my sense of humor ;o)

The reason I thought this was a male was because of the large pedipalps and the fact I found it at dawn. According to my NAS Field Guide males are found at sunset and dawn looking for a mate. At the time I found this fellow "he" appeared to be looking for a spot to hide for the day (which seemed to be characteristic of the male as well).

I am not sure where the measurement is supposed to start or I would have given it. It was the biggest spider I have ever gotten this close to. I have only seen Tarantulas one other time since being in NM. Thankfully this was prior to me being into photography because these were huge and they were crossing the highway in herds. Freaked me out as I felt I was in some sort of reality horror flick!
… Racquel Morris, 9 September, 2009 - 11:47am login or register to post comments

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