Information about Tarantula and Scorpion
(Source: Wikipedia)
Tarantula is an invertebrate that relies on an exoskeleton for muscular support. A tarantula’s body consists of two main parts, the prosoma (cephalothorax) and the opisthosoma (abdomen). The prosoma and opisthosoma are connected by the pedicle, or what is often called the pregenital somite. This waist-like connecting piece is actually part of the prosoma and allows the opisthosoma to move in a wide range of motion relative to the prosoma. Tarantulas comprise a group of hairy and often very large arachnids belonging to the family Theraphosidae, of which approximately 900 species have been identified. All tarantulas can produce silk—while arboreal species will typically reside in a silken "tube tent", terrestrial species will line their burrows with silk to stabilize the burrow wall and facilitate climbing up and down. Tarantulas mainly eat insects and other arthropods, using ambush as their primary method of prey capture. All tarantulas are venomous, but only some species have venom that, while not known to have ever produced human fatalities, can produce extreme discomfort over a period of several days.
Scorpions are predatory arthropod animals of the order Scorpiones within the class Arachnida. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping claws and the narrow, segmented tail, carried in a characteristic forward curve over the back, ending with a venomous stinger.
My first invertebrate was the Congo Red Alligator Back Scorpion (Hottentotta hottentotta). My friend gave it to me last December 30, 2009. At first I don't have any interest to this creature, but when I saw this scorpion eat his prey, suddenly I became curious, I've searched the internet to know about their behavior, different type of species, their anatomy, and of course their venom level. Because I don't want to have a pet that I don't know how to take care of, then I started to learned about my new pet and manage to have a care sheet for my scorpion. And also I found out that the specie of my scorpion is a Parthenogenic (Can be pregnant even without mating). My scorpion gave birth last January 27, 2011.
My second invertebrate was the Chaco Golden Knee (Grammostola pulchripes). I've seen many people on the net who have a pet scorpion also have a pet tarantula. So I've decided to have a tarantula also. I've acquired it last January 07, 2010. At first, I think it was scary when I've seen a huge tarantula like in the movies. But now I became fascinated to a tarantula too while I was researching about scorpions as pets. I've learned that they are not so dangerous creatures. In fact, they are incredible creatures. Once you've see them hunt their prey, or even make their own hides(retreat hole). When i got my first tarantula, It was only a sling/spiderling(baby) only 1.5cm DLS(Diagonal Leg Span). It was a cute baby tarantula. It was my first time to see a tarantula strike it's prey and it was an awesome scene even though it was just a baby back then. Now, my chaco is a "Mature Male" with a size of 7inches DLS.
My third invertebrate and second tarantula was the Chilean Rose. I really like the color of this specie. By the way, There are two color types of a chilean rose. The NCF(Normal Color Form) and RCF(Red Color Form). NCF is tan to brown with pink hairs while RCF is pink to red with red hairs. My rosea is a red color form. This specie is known for having a long fasting. It will not eat for months to years. Despite of it's known hunger strike, I still really like this specie.
My fourth invertebrate and third tarantula was the Honduran Curlyhair. I've acquired my curlyhair from my friend. It was a freebie from the scorpion package he bought. Thanks to my friend. I've got a new specie added to my tarantula collection. Honduran Curlyhair is very common for beginners in the hobby. This specie is an opportunistic burrower. It's covered in long hairs that have a characteristic curl to them giving them a unique look.
My fifth invertebrate and second scorpion was the Black Spitting Thicktail Scorpion. This species is potentianly dangerous and should always be regarded with caution. Native to southern Africa, these scorpions thrive in arid environments where they construct burrows. This species has a strong venom and have the unusual ability to squirt venom from their tails. Deaths have been attributed to this species; however, it is unlikely. Stings usually cause severe pain, stiff joints, paralysis, and other systemic effects. Me and my friend acquired this scorpion from a breeder near our place for a very cheap package.
My sixth invertebrate and fourth tarantula was the Mexican Fireleg. I've bought this tarantula for a low price. This one was my very aggressive tarantula among the rest. It will make a strike pose once you open its enclosure and always ready to attack. This tarantula was my least favorite of all my collection but still it has a nice body color.
My seventh invertebrate and fifth tarantula was the Mexican Red Knee. Me and my friends bought a package for this species for a cheap price. My friends was so eager to have this one, so we look for a breeder who sell it for a cheap price. My smithi always kicks its barbed hair when I open it's enclosure. But unlike my boehmi, it wasn't an aggressive tarantula.
My last invertebrate and third scorpion as of now was the Emperor Scorpion. I've bought this one on a breeder also and for a cheap price again. This one is my favorite so far for the scorpion that I have, because I can handle it despite it's size. And this specie is very docile and has very low level venom and also this specie was the first scorpion I've handled.
That's all for now. I'll post more when I got a new one to add in my collection. Thanks for reading.