Euathlus affinis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Euathlus affinis |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The Euathlus affinis is a type of spider that belongs to the tarantula family, called Theraphosidae. This interesting spider is originally from Chile, a country in South America. Tarantulas are known for being hairy and often quite large, and the Euathlus affinis is no exception!
Contents
Meet the Euathlus affinis
This tarantula is part of a group of spiders that are often kept as pets because of their calm nature. Like all tarantulas, it has eight legs and a body covered in tiny hairs. These hairs can sometimes be flicked off by the spider as a defense mechanism if it feels threatened.
Where it Lives: Its Habitat
The Euathlus affinis lives in Chile, a country with diverse landscapes. These spiders usually prefer dry, warm areas. They often dig burrows in the ground or find shelter under rocks and logs. Their burrows help them stay safe from predators and keep cool during hot days.
What it Eats: Diet
Like most spiders, the Euathlus affinis is a predator. This means it hunts and eats other small animals. Its diet mainly consists of insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. Sometimes, it might even catch small lizards or mice if they come too close. Tarantulas don't spin webs to catch prey like some other spiders. Instead, they ambush their food, waiting patiently for an unsuspecting meal to pass by.
How it Grows: Life Cycle
The life cycle of a tarantula like the Euathlus affinis starts from an egg. The female spider lays many eggs, which she protects in a silk sac. Once the spiderlings hatch, they are very small and vulnerable. They will go through several molts as they grow. A molt is when the spider sheds its old exoskeleton (its hard outer skin) to allow for growth. This process can be quite risky for the spider. As they get older, they become larger and more independent. Female tarantulas generally live much longer than males, sometimes for many years.
Naming the Spider: Taxonomy
The scientific name of an animal can sometimes change over time. This happens as scientists learn more about different species and how they are related. The Euathlus affinis is a good example of this.
A Changing Name
When this spider was first discovered in 1849, it was given the name Mygale affinis. However, scientists later realized that the name Mygale was already being used for a different group of animals (mammals!). So, the spider's name was changed to Avicularia affinis.
Later, in 1936, it was moved to another group, or genus, called Brachypelma. Finally, in 2017, after more research, scientists decided that this spider fit best into the genus Euathlus. This is why its current scientific name is Euathlus affinis. These changes help scientists keep track of all the different species on Earth!
