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Brazilian Wandering Spider

Phoneutria sp

Photo by Tukup
Published on Project Noah
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-2.15, -77.69

Field Notes

Description:

A medium large spider with a gray body that can measure nearly 5 cm. The leg span is nearly 15 cm. The legs are banded with black and yellow and have longer bristles along with the normal hair.

Habitat:

Unfortunately, somewhat common here. We found the one with the egg sac in a bunch of bananas outside our house (700 masl). We have found several in our house in the Amazon rainforest of SE Ecuador.

Notes:

If cornered they don't try to run! They rear up and are ready for whatever you have. I am guess at the scientific name based on location in Ecuador. I have no idea how to tell the various species apart.

Reference Links:

Phoneutria - Wikipedia, armed spiders

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
syzygy
I think, all spiders knows much more than jumping or weaving... Ancient, misterious creatures.
syzygy
Also would fit 'Parental Care...' mission, pity you have already reached the 'max. 5 missions' limit...
Tukup
When I caught him I was wondering how I'd get a picture without him running off. Running wasn't even on his mind. He just reared up and waited for me to make the next move. They also jump.
Tukup
Mauna - Thanks for the correction. I don't know any good websites to help me identify. I checked Wiki and missed that boliviensis was "South America." I only saw Ecuador for fera. Thanks. I'll downgrade my ID to Phoneutria sp. I assume it would take a very close examination to determine the species.
mauna Kunzah
Woah! P. boliviensis is most common in S. America, including Ecuador (so it might be that or fera).

Spotted for Missions

Mission
International Spider Survey
Mission
Eggs of the World
Mission
Backyard Habitats of the World
Mission
Arachnids of Ecuador
Biodiversity of Ecuador (BioBanco)

Tags

Photographed
PublishedJanuary 27, 2019

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