Chaetopelma olivaceum

The species is found in Cyprus, Turkey, Sudan, Egypt and the Middle East.[1] It is very common inside homes in Israel.[4]

The body length is approximately 2.5 cm for adult males and 5 cm or larger for females.[5] It is one of the largest spiders in Israel.[2] The color varies between black, gray and brown dark; they tend to be paler in the cooler more forested regions of their range and darker in the southern more arid areas.[4]

The body is covered with tiny hairs and is shiny and velvety. There are variations in appearance and size throughout the range. Their food consists of insects and even small mice and young lizards.

The species is sexually dimorphic: the female is larger than the male.

Black furry, Jerusalem, 20151105

The species is active mainly at night. In the wild they can be found hiding under rocks or bark, but may reach human-occupied areas during migrations. When the spider feels threatened, it lifts its front torso, swinging its feet to expose a red stain on its mouth and claws. If the threat continues the spider will turn and look for a place to hide. C. olivaceum has been reported as living in large colonies and this has been observed in the burial caves around Jerusalem and reported from dried up wells in the Jordan Valley.[4]

This spider is not considered dangerous to humans and helps eliminate pests such as cockroaches. It is black, furry, fast and aggressive in respect to other types of tarantulas. Bites are unpleasant but mild. They are sometimes kept as pets.

In Israel two species of spider wasp, Hemipepsis brunnea and Pseudopompilus humboldti, have been recorded as predators on Chaetopelma olivaceum.[6]