Arthropods: The Creepy Crawly Niche
Tarantulas:
Chilean Rose Hair
Grammostola rosea
My name is “Arthur” to remind you that all spiders and scorpions are Arthropods (this group includes insects, millepedes, centipedes, lobsters, crabs, shrimp, crawdads, and anything else with an exoskeleton, no backbone, and jointed legs). I’m sure you’ve heard of Rosie, my relative at the Butterfly Pavilion. Just like Rosie’s caretakers, Party Safari staff allows people to hold me and my two Chilean Rose Hair compadres. We are a very gentle tarantula species, so get over your fears and enjoy the experience!
Mexican Fire-Leg
Brachypelma boehmei
My name is “Fuego” because I have fire legs and my relatives are from Mexico. Sometimes I show my defensive behavior (flicking hairs) so you can look at me, but only Party Safari staff can hold me.
Mexcian Red-Knee
Brachypelma smithi
My name is “Roja” because I have red knees and my relatives are from Mexico. I am over ten years old, which means I am female. Let Party Safari staff explain why. Like my Mexican relative above, I also flick hairs when I get annoyed, so I’m just for viewing.
Curly Hair
Tliltocatl albopilosus
My name is “Fluffy” because it is hilarious to have such a menacing looking tarantula be called Fluffy. I sometimes do the complete defensive display with my front four arms up in the air to show my fangs! I am definitely just for viewing.
Scorpions:
Asian Forest Scorpion
Heterometrus spp.
My name is “Molly” and I do something incredible under UV light. I glow! All scorpions in the world do, but scientists are still trying to figure out why? Maybe you could grow up and research that! Randy brings a black light to his presentations to show you how cool I am. Also, our Party Safari staff will teach you whether my creepy crawly friends and I are poisonous or venomous. (There is a big difference between the two.)
Experience the Creepy Crawly!
Thank you Haley Martin for your photos!