Description
The genus Phoneutria (Greek for "Murderess") contains eight scientifically described species. The Brazilian wandering spiders can grow to have a leg span of up to 13–15 cm (4–5 in). Their body length ranges from 17 to 48 mm (0.7–1.9 in). The genus is distinguished from other related genera such as Ctenus by the presence of dense prolateral scapulae on the pedipalp tibiae and tarsi in both sexes. Phoneutria are especially easily confused with Cupiennius, in which the recently described C. chiapanensis also has red hairs on the chelicerae. Additionally, some Phoneutria species lack red hairs on the chelicerae, meaning that it is an unreliable identification feature.
Wandering spiders are so-called because they wander the jungle floor at night, rather than residing in a lair or maintaining a web. During the day they hide inside termite mounds, under fallen logs and rocks, and in banana plants and bromeliads. P. nigriventer is known to hide in dark and moist places in or near human dwellings.
P. nigriventer mates during the dry season from April to June, which leads to frequent observations of the species during this time.
They have a distinctive defensive display in which the body is lifted up into an erect position, the first two pairs of legs are lifted high (revealing the conspicuous black-striped pattern on their underside), while the spider sways from side to side with hind legs in a cocked position.
Read more about this topic: Brazilian Wandering Spider
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