Click the image to see an enlarged dorsal view of the ends of this pink toe’s feet.
The scopulae are pads of bristles found on the pretarsus of all spiders. Each bristle has thousands of branched ends.
Van der Waals forces create a molecular Velcro, allowing tarantulas (and geckos) to readily crawl across walls and ceilings. A fine film of water further increases attachment capability.
Terrestrial tarantulas tend to have small scopulae that are used for grasping prey.
Arboreal tarantula scapulae (see below) appear as large pads, which allow individuals to rapidly run across vegetation high in rainforest canopies.
I’m looking forward to having my freshmen feel the difference tomorrow, when we begin discussion of arthropods!
Scopulae ventral view. Click to enlarge.
Wow! What stunning photos and fascinating commentary. And what extraordinary creatures. Thank you for starting my day on a high!
Thanks, Lynne. I purchased two of these spiders for $10 on Craigslist last month. The larger one was involved in balling up and consuming a cricket throughout the morning, while the smaller one came out for the kids to see during today’s introduction to arthropods. Certainly a nice way to introduce the kids to arthropods!
[...] A Craigslist ad led to the $5 purchase of my first arboreal tarantula. Pink toe tarantulas (Avicularia avicularia) are native to South America, Costa Rica to Brazil, and the southern Caribbean. Original link – “Arboreal tarantula foot pads“ [...]