Encyocratella is a monotypic genus of Tanzanian tarantulas (family Theraphosidae) containing the single species, Encyocratella olivacea,[1] also known as the Tanzanian black and olive baboon spider.[citation needed] It was first described by Embrik Strand in 1907,[1][3] and is found in Tanzania.[1]

Encyocratella
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Encyocratella
Strand, 1907[1]
Species:
E. olivacea
Binomial name
Encyocratella olivacea
Strand, 1907[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Xenodendrophila Gallon, 2003[1][2]

Description

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They are one of two tarantulas which females do not have a spermatheca, instead opting for oviducts and uterus externus.[4] Its carapace is a golden color, with a golden opisthosoma with a black fishbone pattern and spotting. The femur is a deep black color, with the rest of the legs being golden as most of the rest of the body.[citation needed]

Habitat

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They are found in the rainforests on the southern slopes of mount Meru in the Arusha Region.[4] The average temperature is 19°C, with average yearly rainfall of 1400mm.[5] They are usually found 2200 m above sea level,[4] a region that is home to plants such as Juniperus, Lobelia and Sedum.[6]

Behavior

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They are arboreal in nature, but also show burrowing tendencies, so they are sometimes confused as such. Most will try to flee at first, but persistent provocation may result in a bite or a threat pose. Their bite might be painful, as they probably have medically significant venom.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Gen. Encyocratella Strand, 1907". World Spider Catalog Version 23.5. Natural History Museum Bern. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  2. ^ Gallon, R. C. (2005). "Encyocratella olivacea Strand, 1907, a senior synonym of Xenodendrophila gabrieli Gallon, 2003 (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Stromatopelminae) with a description of the male". Zootaxa. 1003: 46. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.1003.1.3.
  3. ^ Strand, E. (1907). "Vorläufige Diagnosen afrikanischer und südamerikanischer Spinnen". Zoologischer Anzeiger. 31: 525–558.
  4. ^ a b c d "Encyocratella olivacea". Theraphosidae. 2015-05-31. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
  5. ^ "Meru Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Kenya) - Weather Spark". weatherspark.com. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
  6. ^ Piniel, Neduvoto; Elia, John; Sitoni, Daniel; Kayombo, Canisius (2012). "Common PLANTS of MOUNT MERU" (PDF). Arusha National Park (ANAPA), Arusha District, TANZANIA. Retrieved June 20, 2022.