Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula

Lincoln Park Zoo is pleased to announce an exciting new arachnid resident! A Brazilian whiteknee tarantula recently arrived from Cincinnati Zoo and is now viewable at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House.

Tarantulas are large, nocturnal spiders known to be accomplished hunters. They eat insects, reptiles, and even small mammals on occasion. There are hundreds of species found in tropical, subtropical, and arid ecosystems on every continent except Antarctica, and their patterns and behaviors differ by location. Unlike other spiders, they do not use webs; instead, they grab prey with their legs and inject venom with their fangs. Their digestive enzymes actually liquify their prey’s body so they can suck it up.

In general, tarantulas are sedentary. They are also covered with setae (SEE-tee), which are hairlike bristles that help them sense their surroundings. Tarantula species from the New World (countries outside of Europe, Africa, and Asia) are even more laid-back. Plus, they have urticating setae, which are shed when the tarantula feels threatened and can irritate an attacker’s skin.

This particular species is from the Amazon rainforest. As Brazil does not allow export of its native tarantulas, Brazilian whiteknee tarantulas are victims of the illegal pet trade, confiscated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inspectors. Many of the animals rescued from wildlife trafficking end up living at zoos that partner with USFWS.

Lincoln Park Zoo has stepped up its efforts to fight wildlife trafficking in recent months. Right now, travelers going through Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport can view an installation explaining how the illegal activity harms both people and animals and offering tips on how to avoid buying problematic products when in other countries. Also, the zoo is collaborating with Monitor Conservation Research Society, an international nonprofit dedicated to fighting wildlife trafficking.

Brazilian whiteknee tarantulas are striking in appearance because of their size (they can be almost 5 inches long with a leg span of 11 inches) and the white and black bands around their legs. Come check one out for yourself the next time you visit the zoo!