Tarantula Facts,Natural History and killing techniques

Tarantulas comprise a group of often hairy and very large arachnids belonging to the Theraphosidae family of spiders, of which approximately 900 species have been identified. This article only describes members of Theraphosidae, although some other members of the same suborder are commonly referred to as "tarantulas". Most species of tarantulas are not dangerous to humans, and some species have become popular in the exotic pet trade.

 Behavior, Diet & Habits
The diet of the tarantula includes grasshoppers, beetles and other spiders. Vertebrates such as mice, toads, snakes, frogs and lizards may also fall prey to the tarantula depending on the species. Arboreal species prey upon flying insects, moths and frogs.
All tarantulas undergo molting, during which they shed their exoskeletons in order to grow. Some tarantula specimens have been known to live for many years.

Tarantula Natural History:
There are over 800 documented tarantula species, all of which belong to the Family Theraphosidae.
Tarantulas usually are larger than other spiders. Specimens may reach over 30 cm in length. Tarantulas also possess different jaw structures than most spiders in that they move vertically instead of horizontally. Most tarantula species have eight small eyes, although cave-dwelling species may be eyeless.
Tarantula Facts:
Tarantulas live in arid, semidesert regions and in tropical rainforests. Some tarantulas are arboreal and spin silken retreats in tree holes, while others are terrestrial and dwell in burrows. The tarantula’s silk is used to line these homes, as well as to protect egg sacs. Tarantula spiders are solitary and only interact in order to mate.
The Togo starburst tarantula and the sunburst baboon tarantula are found on the African continent. Costa Rica is home to the zebra leg tarantula, also known as the white knee tarantula. These tarantulas are named for their conspicuous leg markings.
Within North America, Texas brown tarantulas can be found. Desert blond tarantulas are also present on the continent and dwell primarily in Arizona and other arid locations. Mexican fire legs, Mexican red legs and Mexican pinks are all terrestrial tarantulas, slow moving and indigenous to Mexico.
Killing technique:
 Crush prey with large fangs and then shower them with digestive juices.

Continue Reading

black mamba (deadliest snake) description and facts

A black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), is a venomous snake.

black mamba description:
The Black Mamba is considered to be the longest of all snakes found around Africa. It is also considered to be one of the deadliest. It features a very powerful venom and that has many people running scared from it. They are fast moving snakes and they are know to be aggressive and strike in a moments notice.
It is possible for this snake to be about 14 feet in length. However, it is quite thin with an overall size of about 3 ½ pounds. In spite of being so thin though they are very strong. This is also a very fast moving type of snake so don’t underestimate what you are dealing with.
You may be puzzled why they have such a name though as they aren’t black in color. Instead they are gray, green, or yellow. The color will depend on the natural habitat of the species. They have to be able to blend in if they want the best chance of finding prey. This camouflage also helps them to reduce the chances of being noticed by various predators.
They do have black inside of the mouth though which is very unique for any species of snake. Many people believe them to be evil due to that particular characteristic. It is a myth that has been passed down in many cultures for hundreds of years. This particular snake is able to move at a speed of up to 12 miles per hour for long distances.

Facts:

Black Mamba Habits

Black mambas spend their nights in holes in the ground - usually disused burrows - or hiding deep among fallen rocks or timber. These hiding places are also fled to by the snake if it becomes alarmed and it will attack any creature blocking the path to its hole.

Like all reptiles, the black mamba is cold blooded, and relies on external heat to maintain its body temperature. Therefore, it frequently basks in the sun during the day, either on a low branch or a rock, but during the summer, the snake may be forced to take cover in its burrow if it becomes too hot.

Food and hunting:

Black mambas travel quickly across rough ground or along low tree branches when hunting. They are able to hold their heads up to 1m above the ground when striking and can hold them 50cm above the ground even when moving. They have very good eyesight and can strike their prey - rodents, bats, birds and lizards like lightning, leaving their powerful venom to finish off the kill.

The venom is injected through two hollow fangs at the front of its mouth which lie flat until the snake bites something, at which point small, movable mouth bones erect them. The venom causes rapid paralysis. Enzymes in the snake’s saliva start to digest the prey before it even reaches the stomach and most prey is digested within a few hours.

Killing technique:

Killing technique: Strike victim repeatedly with a lethal mix of neurotoxic and cardiotoxic.

Continue Reading

best attack of anaconda (Eunectes)

Common names:
is a genus of boas found in tropical South America. They are an aquatic group of snakes and include one of the largest snakes in the world, E. murinus, the green anaconda. The name Eunectes is derived from the Greek word Eυνήκτης, which means "good swimmer". Four species are currently recognized.

anaconda description:
Anacondas are large boas of the genus Eunectes. The most familiar species is the green anaconda, "Eunectes murinus", notable for being one of the world's largest snakes. Green anacondas can grow to be 17 feet in length and weighing 215 lb. They are found east of the Andes in Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and on the island of Trinidad. Other anacondas are the yellow anaconda, Eunectes notaeus, a smaller species found in eastern Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay and northeastern Argentina; and the dark-spotted anaconda, "Eunectes deschauenseei", a rare species found in northeastern Brazil, coastal French Guiana and Guyana. All three species are aquatic snakes that prey on other aquatic animals, including fish, river fowl, caiman, and capybaras. Accounts exist of anacondas preying on domestic animals such as goats and ponies that venture too close to the water.

Killing technique:

Crushes prey by constriction around it.

anaconda

Continue Reading