Home / Tarantulas / Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula (Aphonopelma mooreae)

Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula (Aphonopelma mooreae)

Discover the fascinating world of the Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula, a unique spider from Mexico. Named in honor of Barbara Moore, a former president of the American Arachnological Society, this spider has its own interesting story.

Scientific Classification

Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: These tarantulas grow to about 10-13 cm.
  • Color: The mouthparts and carapace of these tarantulas are metallic bluish-green, while the abdomen is black and covered with reddish hairs. Their legs are metallic-blue, almost black in some places, with red setae.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They are similar to the greenbottle blue tarantulas, though the Mexican jade Fuego tarantulas have more bristles.

Eggs

The tarantula keeps its eggs inside a silk sac made of webbing after laying them.

Spiderlings

Immature spiderlings are initially yellow. Eventually, they take on the appearance of the adults after a few molts.

The Web

They spin silk threads in front of their burrows to detect intruders.

Are Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantulas are venomous, like most tarantulas. Their venom helps them subdue their prey.

Can Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or provoked. While their bite can be painful, it’s generally not dangerous to humans.

Aphonopelma Moreae

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula

The Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula is a key component of its ecosystem, controlling insect populations through predation. Its nocturnal hunting habits contribute significantly to maintaining ecological balance.

Natural Predator: Natural predators include larger mammals and birds that prey on these tarantulas, ensuring a natural check on their population growth.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: These tarantulas help manage pest species in their habitats, making them invaluable in the prey-predator relationship. They use their venom to subdue prey efficiently, showcasing their role as apex invertebrate predators within their ecological niche.

Relationship with Humans: While there is little direct interaction, the presence of the Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula in forests is generally viewed positively by humans. They are known for their pest control capabilities and, despite their venom, they pose little threat to people.

Quick Facts

LifespanMales: 8 years, Females: 20 years
DistributionMexico
HabitatDeciduous forests with highland climates that receive plenty of rain
DietCockroaches, crickets, and mealworms

Did You Know

  • Andrew Smith first described this spider in 1995.

In summary, the Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula is a vital predator within its ecosystem, with a striking appearance and a generally harmless nature toward humans.

Discover the fascinating world of the Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula, a unique spider from Mexico. Named in honor of Barbara Moore, a former president of the American Arachnological Society, this spider has its own interesting story.

Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: These tarantulas grow to about 10-13 cm.
  • Color: The mouthparts and carapace of these tarantulas are metallic bluish-green, while the abdomen is black and covered with reddish hairs. Their legs are metallic-blue, almost black in some places, with red setae.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They are similar to the greenbottle blue tarantulas, though the Mexican jade Fuego tarantulas have more bristles.

Eggs

The tarantula keeps its eggs inside a silk sac made of webbing after laying them.

Spiderlings

Immature spiderlings are initially yellow. Eventually, they take on the appearance of the adults after a few molts.

The Web

They spin silk threads in front of their burrows to detect intruders.

Are Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantulas are venomous, like most tarantulas. Their venom helps them subdue their prey.

Can Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or provoked. While their bite can be painful, it’s generally not dangerous to humans.

Aphonopelma Moreae

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula

The Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula is a key component of its ecosystem, controlling insect populations through predation. Its nocturnal hunting habits contribute significantly to maintaining ecological balance.

Natural Predator: Natural predators include larger mammals and birds that prey on these tarantulas, ensuring a natural check on their population growth.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: These tarantulas help manage pest species in their habitats, making them invaluable in the prey-predator relationship. They use their venom to subdue prey efficiently, showcasing their role as apex invertebrate predators within their ecological niche.

Relationship with Humans: While there is little direct interaction, the presence of the Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula in forests is generally viewed positively by humans. They are known for their pest control capabilities and, despite their venom, they pose little threat to people.

Quick Facts

LifespanMales: 8 years, Females: 20 years
DistributionMexico
HabitatDeciduous forests with highland climates that receive plenty of rain
DietCockroaches, crickets, and mealworms

Did You Know

  • Andrew Smith first described this spider in 1995.

In summary, the Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula is a vital predator within its ecosystem, with a striking appearance and a generally harmless nature toward humans.