Peninsular Malaysia is home to a species of spider of the Theraphosidae (tarantulas) family known as the Malaysian earth tiger tarantula, or Omothymus schioedtei. Another name for it is Cyriopagopus schioedtei.
Appearance
- A member of the Theraphosidae family, the tarantula is distinguished by its absence of hair and the two spinnerets on the front of its abdomen that have been transformed into venom sacs.
- Singapore and Malaysia are the tarantula’s native habitats. They eat centipedes, spiders, and insects.
- On its belly, this tarantula possesses two sets of spinnerets. These spinnerets have been altered to become venom sacs.
- The long, delicate hairs on each pair of spinnerets can be employed to catch prey. On the tip of the spinnerets are the venom sacs.
- The venom sacs hold the venom until the spider needs it. By means of the spinnerets, venom is injected.
- Fast and nimble, the Malaysian Earth Tiger Tarantula is a spider. It is one of the most active spiders in the world and has a very quick running speed.
- They can jump really high thanks to their powerful legs.
- These tarantulas are distinguished by the colour and pattern of their abdomens, which frequently feature a black-striped stripe or dots. The only spider species that gives birth to live young is the female tarantula.
Habitat
The majority of the coastal woodlands in Sabah, Malaysia, between sea level and 300m are home to Malaysian Earth Tiger tarantulas. The coastal woods of Sabah, Malaysia, are where you can find them in their natural habitat. Because of Sabah’s temperate environment, which encourages the growth of food and vegetation, they are present there. The disappearance of the Malaysian rainforest created a completely new environment for the tiger spider.
Feeding
Like people, spiders require different amounts of protein depending on what they are eating. The earth tiger tarantula is thought to consume between 1.5 and 2 percent of its body weight in food. Omothymus schioedtei can live for up to two years, though conditions can affect this. They primarily eat tiny lizards and insects.
Does the Malaysian earth tiger tarantula bite contain poison?
There are no teeth on an earth tiger tarantula. Instead, it grabs prey with its legs and forelegs and eats it. The bite of these earth tiger tarantulas is painful. However, they do not bite with poison. These tarantulas inject poisonous saliva into their bite. The majority of bitten spiders do not have any trouble recovering from their bite. However, the bite can occasionally be painful. The bite of an earth tiger tarantula may cause inflammation. Seven days will pass before the bite heals.
Reproduction and mating
Earth Tiger tarantulas mate in the spring in the wild. The males wait outside the nest for the females to emerge while the females lay their eggs in warm, moist soil. After two weeks, the eggs molt, and the spider-shaped larvae emerge into the world. The male stays with the female after mating until she gives birth, at which point he separates from her. The male will then look for a partner who has produced live young.
Care when keeping as pet
An earth tiger tarantula requires careful attention. For instance, you must ensure that the humidity level in the container is never too high. Ideal humidity ranges from 30% to 50%. This area enables the spider to control its body temperature.
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