Tarantulas Quiz

A tarantula has 8 legs. This is a characteristic feature of spiders, including tarantulas. They have 4 pairs of legs, which makes a total of 8 legs.

Grammostola rosea is a species of tarantula commonly known as the Chilean rose tarantula. It is native to South America, specifically found in the regions of Chile and Argentina. This species is known for its docile temperament and is popular among tarantula enthusiasts as a pet. It is important to note that while tarantulas can be found in other parts of the world, the specific species mentioned in the question, Grammostola rosea, originates from South America.

All tarantulas are venomous. This statement is correct because tarantulas possess venom glands and fangs that they use to inject venom into their prey. While the venom of most tarantulas is not harmful to humans, there are some species that have venom potent enough to cause discomfort or allergic reactions in humans. Therefore, it can be concluded that all tarantulas are indeed venomous, although the level of danger their venom poses may vary.

Tarantulas normally have 8 eyes. This is a characteristic feature of tarantulas which distinguishes them from other spiders. Having multiple eyes allows them to have a wider field of vision and detect movement in their surroundings. The arrangement and size of the eyes may vary among different species of tarantulas, but they generally have 8 eyes.

Russia is the correct answer because as of 2015, there were no described tarantula species found in Russia. This means that there is no scientific documentation or description of any tarantula species in the country.

Acanthoscurria geniculata is the correct answer because it is known to be one of the largest species of tarantulas. They can grow up to a leg span of 8-10 inches, making them much larger than the other options listed. Avicularia versicolor, Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, and Grammostola rosea are all smaller species of tarantulas in comparison.

Brazil has the most described tarantula species in the year 2015. This is because Brazil is home to a diverse range of habitats, including the Amazon rainforest, which provides ideal conditions for tarantulas to thrive. The country's vast size and varied climate also contribute to the high number of tarantula species found there. Additionally, Brazil has a long history of scientific research and exploration, which has likely led to the discovery and description of many tarantula species in the country.

The destruction of natural habitat is the biggest factor for the endangerment of wild tarantulas. Tarantulas rely on specific ecosystems and habitats for survival, and when these habitats are destroyed or altered, it disrupts their ability to find food, shelter, and mates. Deforestation, urbanization, and pollution are some of the main causes of habitat destruction, leading to a decline in tarantula populations. This factor has a significant impact on their conservation status and overall survival in the wild.

Scientists believe that tarantulas have been in existence for approximately 350 million years. This estimate is based on fossil evidence and the evolutionary history of spiders. Tarantulas are ancient creatures that have evolved and adapted over millions of years, making them one of the oldest surviving spider species. They have been able to withstand various environmental changes and have successfully inhabited different regions of the world. This longevity and ability to adapt highlight the resilience and evolutionary success of tarantulas.

There are 129 genera of scientific described tarantulas. This means that there are 129 different groups or categories of tarantulas that have been scientifically described and classified. Each genus represents a distinct group of species that share certain characteristics and traits. This large number of genera indicates the diversity and variety of tarantulas that have been identified and studied by scientists.

An average egg-sack takes 2-3 months to develop. This time frame allows for the necessary incubation period for the eggs to mature and hatch. The process of egg development involves various stages, including fertilization, cell division, and growth. The 2-3 month duration provides sufficient time for these processes to occur before the eggs are ready to hatch.

Brachypelma is the correct answer because it is a genus of tarantulas that is protected by the Washington Convention, also known as CITES. CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and it is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Brachypelma tarantulas are protected under CITES due to their vulnerability and the need to regulate their trade to prevent overexploitation and illegal trafficking.

There are six types of tarantula urticating hairs that exist. Urticating hairs are a defense mechanism for tarantulas, which they can release when threatened. These hairs are barbed and can cause irritation, itching, and even allergic reactions in humans and other animals. The six types of urticating hairs vary in size, shape, and potency, with some being more irritating than others. This allows tarantulas to effectively defend themselves against potential predators.

Every adult male tarantula does not have tibial hooks. Tibial hooks are specialized structures found on the legs of some tarantulas, specifically the adult males of certain species. These hooks are used during mating to secure the female's fangs and prevent her from attacking the male. However, not all tarantula species have tibial hooks, and therefore, every adult male tarantula does not possess them.

The black color form is not a color form of Pterinochilus murinus. This means that Pterinochilus murinus does not exhibit a black coloration. The other options, typical color form, red color form, and dual color form, suggest that Pterinochilus murinus can have different color variations, but black is not one of them.

A tarantula leg has seven segments, including the hip or coxa. The segments are the coxa, trochanter, femur, patella, tibia, metatarsus, and tarsus. These segments allow the tarantula to move and manipulate its legs for various activities such as walking, climbing, and capturing prey.

Amphibians are older than tarantulas because they have been around for millions of years, dating back to the Devonian period, which is around 360 million years ago. Tarantulas, on the other hand, are a type of spider and belong to the arachnid family, which evolved much later in the Earth's history. Therefore, amphibians predate tarantulas in terms of their existence on Earth.

Avicularia avicularia is considered the first scientifically described tarantula because it was the first species to be formally documented and named by scientists. The species was described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist. This tarantula is commonly known as the pinktoe tarantula and is native to South America. It is known for its distinctive pink toes and docile nature, making it a popular choice among tarantula enthusiasts.

The question asks for a genus that is NOT a tarantula genus. Pterinopelma, Schizopelma, and Thrixopelma are all known tarantula genera. However, Pseudopelma is not a recognized tarantula genus, making it the correct answer.

The abbreviation "cf." stands for "confer" in this context. "Confer" is a Latin word that means "compare" or "refer to." In scientific literature, "cf." is used to indicate that the mentioned species or specimen is similar to, but not exactly the same as, the one being discussed. Therefore, in the given example, "Avicularia cf. metallica" suggests that the species being referred to is closely related or similar to Avicularia metallica, but there may be some differences or uncertainties.