Home / Tarantulas / Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula (Cyriopagopus albostriatus)

Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula (Cyriopagopus albostriatus)

The Thailand zebra leg tarantula has unique stripes that inspired its name. This spider calls Southeast Asia its home. With ‘albo’ meaning white and ‘striatus’ indicating lines, its title perfectly captures its appearance. Learn fascinating facts about this creature as you read on.

Scientific Classification

Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Adult Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas are sizable creatures, averaging 12 to 13 cm in length.
  • Color: These spiders have an overall black body, with white stripes on their legs and a white zigzag pattern on the abdomen.
  • Other Characteristic Features: As a fossorial species, it stays underground most of the time.

Eggs

Females lay their eggs in a sac made of webbing.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings resemble adult females in appearance.

The Web

While they do not use webs to catch prey, these spiders will line their burrows with silk threads.

Are Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas are venomous, but their venom is not typically harmful to humans.

Can Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite. While generally not aggressive, they might bite if they feel threatened or provoked.

Cyriopagopus Albostriatus

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula

As predators, these tarantulas play a crucial role in controlling the population of insects within their habitat. Their fossorial lifestyle also contributes to soil aeration, which is beneficial for plant growth and health. By spending much of their time underground, they help to recycle nutrients and enhance soil quality.

Natural Predators: Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas face predation from larger animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. These predators are integral to maintaining the natural balance within the ecosystem, preventing the tarantulas from becoming overpopulated.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The interplay between Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas and their prey demonstrates the complexity of food webs in their natural habitats. They help keep insect populations in check, which in turn influences the abundance of their natural predators.

Relationship with Humans: While venomous, the bite of the Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula is not generally considered harmful to humans. These tarantulas are not typically aggressive and are more likely to bite if they feel cornered or threatened. In some regions, particularly in Cambodia, these spiders are even consumed as a source of protein, highlighting a unique interaction between the species and humans.

Quick Facts

Other names Thailand black velvet tarantula, Thailand earth tiger tarantula
LifespanMales: 3-4 years, Females: 12-15 years
DistributionCambodia, Myanmar, Thailand
HabitatBurrows, mountain slopes, and rainforests
DietInsects

Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula Image

Did You Know

  • French naturalist Eugène Louis Simon first described this spider in 1886.
  • These spiders are commonly served as fried street food in Cambodia, which is rich in protein.

In summary, the Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula is an ecologically significant species with a unique set of behaviors and adaptations.

The Thailand zebra leg tarantula has unique stripes that inspired its name. This spider calls Southeast Asia its home. With ‘albo’ meaning white and ‘striatus’ indicating lines, its title perfectly captures its appearance. Learn fascinating facts about this creature as you read on.

Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Adult Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas are sizable creatures, averaging 12 to 13 cm in length.
  • Color: These spiders have an overall black body, with white stripes on their legs and a white zigzag pattern on the abdomen.
  • Other Characteristic Features: As a fossorial species, it stays underground most of the time.

Eggs

Females lay their eggs in a sac made of webbing.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings resemble adult females in appearance.

The Web

While they do not use webs to catch prey, these spiders will line their burrows with silk threads.

Are Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas are venomous, but their venom is not typically harmful to humans.

Can Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite. While generally not aggressive, they might bite if they feel threatened or provoked.

Cyriopagopus Albostriatus

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula

As predators, these tarantulas play a crucial role in controlling the population of insects within their habitat. Their fossorial lifestyle also contributes to soil aeration, which is beneficial for plant growth and health. By spending much of their time underground, they help to recycle nutrients and enhance soil quality.

Natural Predators: Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas face predation from larger animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. These predators are integral to maintaining the natural balance within the ecosystem, preventing the tarantulas from becoming overpopulated.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The interplay between Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantulas and their prey demonstrates the complexity of food webs in their natural habitats. They help keep insect populations in check, which in turn influences the abundance of their natural predators.

Relationship with Humans: While venomous, the bite of the Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula is not generally considered harmful to humans. These tarantulas are not typically aggressive and are more likely to bite if they feel cornered or threatened. In some regions, particularly in Cambodia, these spiders are even consumed as a source of protein, highlighting a unique interaction between the species and humans.

Quick Facts

Other names Thailand black velvet tarantula, Thailand earth tiger tarantula
LifespanMales: 3-4 years, Females: 12-15 years
DistributionCambodia, Myanmar, Thailand
HabitatBurrows, mountain slopes, and rainforests
DietInsects

Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula Image

Did You Know

  • French naturalist Eugène Louis Simon first described this spider in 1886.
  • These spiders are commonly served as fried street food in Cambodia, which is rich in protein.

In summary, the Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula is an ecologically significant species with a unique set of behaviors and adaptations.