Haplocosmia himalayana

Haplocosmia himalayana is a tarantula also known as the Himalayan banded earthtiger or the Himalayan purple-banded earth tiger tarantula.[1] It was first described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1899, and as its common name implies, it is found in the Himalayas. This species has also been suggested as a pest controller,[2]

Haplocosmia himalayana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Haplocosmia
Species:
H. himalayana
Binomial name
Haplocosmia himalayana
Pocock, 1899

Description

Males of this species can live up to 5 years and females up to 15 years. Females may grow up to 13 cm, while males only reach up to 6 cm. Both sexes have a light brown, grayish carapace and opisthosoma, with legs that are mostly dark brown with a tan patella.[2]

Distribution

The species is found in the southern edge of the Himalayan foothills, around the Dehradun district, a region of temperate climate with cold winters. It appears to prefer a temperature range of 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) and 65% of humidity.[2]

Behavior

The species makes burrows in moist soil and constructs webs for seclusion. It feeds on other invertebrates, including their own species, and is well adapted to kill large prey.[2]

References

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