The variety of Avicularia species is astounding. Subtle physical differences and geographic distribution make way for 13 individual species readily distinguishable by trained arachnophillics.

The name Avicularia actually means "little Bird". The first observations of these spiders noted that they would commonly eat small birds So in legitimately, all Avicularia are " Bird eating spiders"

Often when threatened, they will raise their abdomen and fling urticating hairs at the aggressor with their back legs. The minute hairs fly through the air to the target embedding them in skin, eyes,clothing and even respiratory tract. If the initial shot isn't enough, there are plenty of stragglers on clothing to add to the burning later on. The irritation can last for ten minutes to an hour and reoccur as the hairs settle.

The most commonly known pink toe tarantula is Avicularia avicularia. For the longest time, I thought those around our lodge too were Avicularia avicularia. I guess with so much other things going on,I figured there was no room for mistake so it stayed. Until recent reordering of the Avicularia group, there was very little info on Identification of theses species. Thankfully the internet is full of people who know *(and do not know but know who to ask)

It turns out the most common tarantula around the Amazon River Lodge is Avicularia jururensis, distinguishable by few features but most outstanding is the hairiness. Slight color differences in hairs and legs also allow for proper identification. I wont go into it completely because it is complicated and I am not an expert on tarantula morphology.

If you would like to see these fantastic creatures in their natural habitat, there is no better place than the Amazon rainforest, especially the Otorongo Amazon River Lodge. Here you can prowl the gardens at night observing or even serving the hairy arachnids. Although we do not have any TV or Internet, we amuse ourselves and guests by feeding these lovely spiders.