The Brazilian salmon pink tarantula (or Lasiodora parahybana) is a large species of spider exclusively endemic to the Atlantic Forest area of East Brazil. They are black in colour, with pink or red hairs on their legs and abdomen. When looked at as a whole, the males are slightly larger than females with a leg span that can reach 28cm, but females are heavier with a larger abdomen. Males also often have brighter coloration than females.
Latin Name
Lasiodora parahybana
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Animal Facts
Brazilian salmon pink tarantulas are also known as 'bird eating spiders' although there is very little evidence that they routinely eat birds.
The fangs of the salmon pink tarantula are 2.5cm long and can give a very painful bite.
Males have 'tibial hooks' on their front legs that are used to 'hook back' the female's jaws so she cannot attack him while mating with her.
The venom of this tarantula dissolves the flesh of its prey, making it easier for the spider to eat.
Salmon pink tarantulas only bite as a last resort, but they may flick barbed hairs from their abdomen as a defence mechanism. These hairs are incredibly irritating and can cause blindness.