The Soufrière Tarantula

Description

The Soufrière tarantula is a species known only from the Soufrière massif within Guadeloupe National Park, at elevations above 700 m up to the summit of the volcano (1,465 m). The female measures nearly 2 cm, while the smaller male reaches about 1 cm. Both are dark brown, almost black, sometimes showing coppery reflections. The legs are black, and the abdomen ranges from red to black. The body is covered in gray-black hairs, which give the coppery sheen that fades with age.

The Soufrière tarantula feeds on insects (flies, mosquitoes, etc.) and consumes only live prey. It cannot chew or crush its food; gastric juices soften the insect, turning it into a liquid that the spider then sucks up.

Habitat

Unlike most other species in its genus, this tarantula is ground-dwelling. It creates a small silk-lined shelter on the ground and may also use natural cover under logs or stones, in litter among roots, or in sphagnum moss. It does not dig burrows.

Threats

As a protected species located within the heart of the national park, it does not appear to be under threat.