All Posts

All Posts

Adult Abdomegaphobema peterklaasi showing uniform dark brown to black coloration, robust body, and lack of contrasting leg banding, photographed in Costa Rica.

Abdomegaphobema peterklaasi (Schmidt, 1994): Peter Klaas’ Costa Rican tarantula.

Abdomegaphobema peterklaasi is a little-known tarantula endemic to Costa Rica, recently reassigned to a new genus following modern taxonomic revision. This profile compiles verified scientific information on its identification, natural history, distribution, and conservation, and highlights its close resemblance to dark morphs of A. mesomelas, underscoring the need for further field and taxonomic study.

Cristian Porras Ramirez

Dec 30, 202510 min read

Adult female of Psalmopoeus reduncus (Costa Rican Orangemouth Tarantula) from Costa Rica, photographed on a white background showing dark body coloration and distinctive orange chelicerae.

Psalmopoeus reduncus (Karsch, 1880): Costa Rican Orangemouth Tarantula.

Psalmopoeus reduncus, the Costa Rican Orangemouth Tarantula, is a distinctive arboreal species from Costa Rica’s humid forests, recognized by its dark coloration and striking orange chelicerae. This profile explores its identification, natural history, distribution, and conservation based on verified scientific sources.

Cristian Porras Ramirez

Dec 29, 20259 min read

Aphonopelma seemanni (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897): The Zebra Tarantula

Aphonopelma seemanni (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897): Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula.

Aphonopelma seemanni, commonly known as the Zebra Tarantula, is a fossorial species native to the Pacific slope of Costa Rica. Recognized by its bold white leg striping and calm demeanor, it inhabits tropical dry forests and transitional zones, emerging at night from silk-lined burrows to hunt. Its striking appearance and adaptability have also made it popular in the exotic pet trade.

Cristian Porras Ramirez

Oct 25, 202513 min read

Abdomegaphobema mesomelas - Tarantulas of Costa Rica.

Abdomegaphobema mesomelas (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1892): The Orange-kneed Tarantula.

Abdomegaphobema mesomelas, known as the Orange-kneed Tarantula, is a striking, ground-dwelling spider endemic to Costa Rica. Easily recognized by its dark body and vivid orange leg joints, this elusive species inhabits humid tropical and premontane forests. Though poorly studied, it likely plays a vital role as a nocturnal predator within its ecosystem. This profile compiles verified scientific data and highlights urgent knowledge gaps to support research, education, and cons

Cristian Porras Ramirez

Oct 25, 20258 min read

Aphonopelma crinirufum (Valerio, 1980): Costa Rican Dry Forest Tarantula.

Tarantulas of Costa Rica | Theraphosidae English common names: Costa Rican Dry Forest Tarantula, Reddish Costa Rican Tarantula, Crinirufum Tarantula, Rust-Bodied Tarantula, Costa Rican Forest Tarantula. Figure 1. Aphonopelma crinirufum (Valerio, 1980), adult female from central Costa Rica. Photo: © Kevin Venegas. Specimen photographed on white background for morphological clarity. Recognition: ♂♂ ~33 mm ♀♀ ~40 mm (approx). Aphonopelma cr

Cristian Porras Ramirez

Oct 19, 20255 min read