The Spinnerette, Issue 2: Monocentropus Balfouri

THE SPINNERETTE

ISSUE 2

FEATURED: MONOCENTROPUS BALFOURI

M. BALFOURI BEHAVIORS

HOW TO START A COMMUNAL

HABITAT OF M. BALFOURI

+ MORE M. BalFOURI ADVICE FROM EXPERTS, SPECIES INFO / CARE TIPS + MUCH MORE!

1

hello, spiderlings!

I cannot believe that we're on the second issue of The Spinnerette! I want

to thank everyone for their support and feedback after the first issue and for

believing in this project. My goal is to continue improving and expanding what

this magazine could be and all of your comments and ideas are truly appreciated along this journey. I also want to thank Tarantulatv.com and the magazine's

Patrons for their support, as well as The Tarantula Collective for sponsoring this

issue. Plus, anyone who purchased the first issue - it's what makes this possible!

We have so many amazing contributions in this Monocentropus balfouri issue,

and this magazine would be nothing without them. They also deserve a HUGE thanks for being so dedicated to the hobby and this new endeavor. They truly

encompass what is great about tarantula keeping and show how multi-talented tarantula enthusiasts are.

I hope you enjoy the second issue! If you are interested in submitting feedback, being a part of future issues, or contacting me for advertising, you can do so at theavenmag@gmail.com!

Spider hugs,

Patricia, Spidey + Blinky (my tarantula babies)

Tarantulaheaven.com / Tarantula Tuesday Newsletter FOLLOW MY TARANTULA STUFF!

Questions / Comments?

Feel free to email me at theavenmag@gmail.com

The cover image is from Francis Psydex Tustin Copyright Š 2019 Patricia Colli

This issue is sponsored by...

get caught in the web The Tarantula Collective is a friendly group of tarantula and invert owners. We have frequent free giveaways and contests for our members!

Subscribe to our YouTube, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and join our Facebook group! coming soon - www.thetarantulacollective.com

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

06 14 16 24 32 36 46 50 56 88 90 92

Monocentropus Balfouri: The Socotra Island Baboon Tarantula

By Michael Fantus

Monocentropus Balfouri Care Tips The M. balfouri, at a glance

Socotra Island: The Bent Expedition And Mrs. Bent

By S. Perez

Keeping M. Balfouri: The True Communals

By Francis Psydex Tustin

The M. Balfouri and I

By Franz Morales

Featured Artist: Danny Johnson

An interview with tarantula owner and artist Danny Johnson

The Inner World Of Tarantulas

By Lori Walker

Interview With A Keeper: Natalee's 8 Legged Journey An interview with tarantula owner and YouTuber Natalee

Tarantula Community + Submissions

A collection of photos, submissions, and stories from tarantula owners

Discoveries + Revisions

The latest in name changes and species discoveries

Upcoming Events

Upcoming tarantula conventions and expos around the world

Sources + References

A list of sources and references from articles in this issue

MONOCENTROPUS BALFOURI: THE SOCOTRA ISLAND BABOON TARANTULA

By Michael Fantus

What the Tee Eff is a baboon? Don’t you love the look in their eyes when you say “Boy was my baboon feisty today!” “You have a baboon in your house?” “At least it wasn’t trying to get in my pants today.”

Why are Old World tarantulas called baboons? There are a few criteria ranging from “baboons like to eat them” (if they can catch one and eat it before it kills them) to the fact that the impressive temper of these creatures resembles that of the primate namesake.

6

I can’t find the reference but the one I think is most apropos is the fact that “baboons” like to await prey at the entrance of their burrows with their front legs protruding. Someone thought it looked like a tiny baboon hand sitting in there, waiting to grab whatever was unfortunate enough to happen by.

behavior (Harpactorinae, 2018).

Baboon tarantulas are members of a subfamily of the Harpactorinae, which are Old World species native, for the most part, to Africa and the Middle East. They are known for their particularly potent venom, profuse webbing habits which are used to line underground burrows, and aggressive

Monocentropus balfouri Tarantulas, like all life forms, are classified based on their likeness to one another, and when a “clustering” of characteristics occur, they are then “described” along the branches of a tree called a taxonomy (M. Balfouri, 2017).

They live in savannas, grasslands, woodlands and dry scrublands. There are 42 recognized species, one of which includes Monocentropus balfouri, the Blue Socotran Baboon (Sabi Sabi, 2019).

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com7

MONOCENTROPUS BALFOURI, cont’d For the Blue Socotran Baboon this tree looks like this: Quick Facts Scientific name: Monocentropus balfouri Subfamily: Eumenophorinae Common name: Socotra Island Blue Baboon Type: Terrestrial bird spider. Opportunistic burrower Category: Old World tarantula Body length: ≤ 6-7cm Span width: ≤ 17-18cm Origin: Socotra, part of the Republic of Yemen. The high degree of endemism on Socotra is a result of complete seclusion, which makes the entire archipelago (Socotra, Abd-al-Kuri, Samha en Darsa) extremely interesting for both biogeographical and evolutionary reasons.

Defenses Urticating setae: No. Venom: Monocentropus balfouri is an Old World tarantula, possessing stronger venom than the average New World tarantula. Depending on the location of the bite and the amount of venom released, this might be a painful experience.

What makes the Blue Socotran Baboon interesting?

Blue Baboons are one of the only tarantulas that is communal and social. Mine go out of their way to show affection, give each other hugs, and get in each others’ business.

I started off with a colony of 5 sack mates, apparently important for the success of a starter colony, and three are left. If you’ll never be in, they kick you out. They didn’t even eat the body!

I found the poor outsider a few minutes after the bite, and the body liquefied rapidly: a sign not

8

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com9

MONOCENTROPUS BALFOURI, cont’d

to handle or provoke one of the survivors.

The others have a lasting love affair with one another. They go out of their way to hang out together, touch each other, enter the burrow which is across the street in the habitat to go and bother one of their buddies.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

I have seen elaborate touching rituals, and when they are resting, the tarantulas pile onto each other.

I have been raising them for three years, I think I have a male and two females left. There is clearly a relationship building between two of them though the third is not left out of the lovin’.

I am hoping the female (hopefully two if I have another) produce viable offspring. The ballet of a large colony is worth seeing.

The Blue Baboon and the Prophet

Legend says Muhammad hid in a cave to escape his enemies and Allah sent Blue Baboons to weave a web over the entrance. And while under the protection of the tarantulas, Muhammad wrote the Quran.

Anyone who raises Blue Island Socotran Baboons will agree there is something special that connects them to one another and that this fantastic story is very nearly believable.

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com

MONOCENTROPUS BALFOURI, cont’d

The current status of the Blue Socotran Baboon Blue Socotran Baboons are not currently listed as endangered or threatened, though all lifeforms on the planet, including humans, are critically endangered due to climate change.

Overcollection in the wild has depleted the native populations of M. balfouri in its native habitat, but the popularity and success of husbandry in the hobby has relieved stress on endemic populations.

There is no excuse for the purchase of a collected tarantula. Always purchase specimens from a reputable breeder that openly states they refrain from circulating collected material.

How to start a Blue Baboon colony I started with an 8 x 8 x 8 terrestrial front and top loading tarantula habitat. I lined it with a peat/ sand substrate and piled smooth rocks on the surface. I added five M. balfouri slings and fed them pinheads till they grew larger.

As I mentioned, the colony reduced itself to three and I am waiting for what is clearly a mated pair to keep the colony going. I plan to expand to a larger habitat if the existing specimens reproduce.

Photo credit: Whitelightning777 / Tarantulaforum.com

I have never had this happen before, but if I suspect the stork is on the way, I will move the colony to larger quarters immediately.

To start a colony, my resource, the Deadly Tarantula Girl, recommended >5 slings as a starting peer group if you want to keep a colony.

M. balfouri, like schooling fish, are more than likely going to live longer and be healthier in groups. Single specimens are not recommended.

I refute the idea it is an advanced hobbyist’s choice. This is a very rewarding species to rear and I strongly recommend keeping them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Fantus’ day job is marketing in a Washington DC Association. His hobbies include fiction writing, music composition, french horn playing, redwood bonsai, and tarantulizing. He is the author of a novel, the Rage of Ganymede and the Lightning Manifesto.

(Never ask a girl her age, and I have a partner named Stefen Styrsky who works in legal services, is a published fiction and technical writer, as well as a film critic. He avoids the tarantulas).

Flip to the back to see references for this article!

Photo credit: Quentinn Pearce

“I’ve been keeping tarantulas for about three years. I have a modest collection of around 75 spiders. My favorite genera are Poecilotheria and Theraphosa. I started my M. balfouri communal in September and took this photo shortly after. They are growing like weeds and are now right around the three inch mark. Keeping an M. balfouri communal is definitely one of the cooler things you can do in the hobby.” - Quentinn Pearce

m. balfouri CARE TIPS BASIC INFO Common name: Socotra Island Blue Baboon

Scientific name: Monocentropus balfouri

Type: Old World, terrestrial, Opportunistic burrower

Origin: Socotra, part of the Republic of Yemen

Growth rate: Slow - medium.

Some have reported a faster growth rate.

Size: Body length: ≤ 6-7cm Span width: ≤ 17-18cm

Experience level: Considered intermediate to advanced due to Old World classification and communal nature Life span: Females can live up to 10-14 years, sometimes more.

Males typically live 3-4 years.

APPEARANCE Monocentropus balfouri tarantulas have vibrant blue legs attached to a sand colored body. Younger M. balfouri tarantulas have different shades of brown and grey and develop the light cream color on their carapace (as well as the blue leg coloration) as they get older.

BEHAVIOR Attitude: The Socotra Island Blue Baboon is not necessarily shy but is likely to stay out of view during the day. Adults tend to be quick and skittish. This tarantula is said to be more forgiving than other Old World tarantulas.

Bite danger: As with any Old World tarantula, a bite from the Monocentropus balfouri could be quite significant. M. balfouri do not have urticating hairs so biting is their first defense. It has been reported that a bite from this tarantula can cause localized swelling and pain.

Defensive behavior: Monocentropus balfouri are more likely to retreat than confront a perceived threat or enemy as adults. It is reported that spiderlings and juveniles are more likely to stand their ground and give a threat pose.

Handling: It is not recommended that you hold M. balfouri tarantulas due to their lightning speed and Old World temperament and venom.

DIET + NUTRITION As M. balfouri are communal tarantulas, it is recommended that you keep the communal well fed to reduce cannibalism. M. balfouris will eat any standard insects such as locusts, roaches or black and brown crickets.

14

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com

HOUSING Substrate: Substrate (dry coconut fibre, peat, or potting compost) should be deep for burrowing.

Decor: A piece of bark for a starter burrow hide. This tarantula will build its own extensive web tunnels in the enclosure.

Ventilation: This species needs a tank with adequate ventilation on the top of the tank.

Enclosure: Min. 3x span width in surface. Chose a larger enclosure if you’re keeping them communal, a large Exo Terra should work.

Water: A shallow water dish (or several) must always be present, even if you do not ever see this species drink.

Humidity: Appropriate humidity can be kept by providing a water dish at all times. Misting and wetting the substrate is not necessary. An overly humid environment can be dangerous for Monocentropus balfouri.

Temperature: M. balfouri are quite hardy and can be kept in temperatures between low 70s low 80s F. Collection notes: This species is a communal species and extra care must be taken to avoid deaths and mishaps in care.

FUN FACTS M. balfouri have been observed to have rare maternal properties. Slings have been known to stay close to their mother after hatching from the egg sac. Mothers have also been observed to kill feeder insects and bring them into the burrow to feed their babies.

15

SOCOTRA ISLAND: THE BENT EXPEDITION AND MRS. BENT IN PARTICULAR

The habitat of the Monocentropus balfouri tarantula

By S. Perez

When I researched for this article, I had no idea where the literature about Socotra Island, home of the Monocentropus balfouri, known as fitāneh to locals, would take me until I came upon the following passage in a report titled, “The natural history of Sokotra and Abdel-Kuri: being the report upon the results of the Conjoint Expedition to these Islands in 1898-9.”

Mr. W.R. Ogilvie-Grant and Dr. H.O. Forbes wrote: “All known specimens of this spider, the largest found in Sokotra, are males that have been met with wandering about after dark in search of females. The latter, no doubt, live in burrows, and have on that account ended up to the present time the search of collectors.

The example captured by Mrs. Bent was caught in the tent at night. One of the other specimens was met walking along a steep path in the bush about 5:30 p.m. Instead of attempting to escape by flight, it immediately rose up in an attitude of defense...”

Right then I had many questions, the foremost 16

being: who is Mrs. Bent and what was she doing on an isolated limestone island, one of four in the Socotra Archipelago, during the 1890s?

Women in science and expedition are virtually unheard of during Victorian times, and when we find them it’s often after much digging.

Mrs. Bent is no exception. The daughter of an Irish landowner, 31-year old Mabel Virginia Anna Hall-Dare married her father’s 25-year old tenant, Theodore Bent. Both from affluent families, the Bents began traveling together every year during London winters. Their first trips were to Italy and Greece, where they began exploring archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. In a few years, Mabel became

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com

the first European woman to visit Socotra.

In 1901, a Salt Lake City newspaper wrote: “One of the most prominent members of that little band of eminent ladies who, fearing nothing, spend the greater portion of their time exploring uncivilized lands in the pursuit of knowledge. For years now Mrs. Bent has been engaged in travel. In the company of her distinguished husband she risked her life a hundred times, and since his death she has been no less active...”

One cannot help but wonder how much of the couple’s travels she influenced, given that literature touts Theodore having been “saved from being a lawyer” by their union. Mabel, a photographer who packed all of the equipment necessary to develop her photographs in the field, published their combined expedition journals after Theodore’s death - he contracted malaria during a second expedition to Socotra in 1897. Southern Arabia (London, 1900) has been described as “a classic even of the great age

of exploration.” Unfortunately, few of Mabel’s photos remain.

“I used to develop photographs, for I had my dark tent set up. I had awful trials to bear. The water was so warm that the gelatin frilled in spite of alum, and what was worse, when I put the negatives in the hyposulphate of soda they ran off their supports like so much hot starch. Some I saved, but I never dared do more than carefully dip them in the ‘hypo/ and even then it seemed to froth up at once. I had a good many negatives marked by this, and had to smooth off the bubbles with my hands, regardless of their color, and I had to work at night for coolness.”

-- Mabel Bent, Southern Arabia The Bents, whose primary purpose was archaeological exploration, and Ernest N. Bennett, a young student from Oxford who partially funded the trip, traveled Socotra Island from November 1896 to April 1897, during which time the Bents kept journals and explored archaeological sites. Bennett, 17

SOCOTRA ISLAND, cont’d

although considered a side interest driven by pure intellectual curiosity, collected one hundred insect specimens that he gave to the Hope Museum at Oxford.

Having read the chapters of Southern Arabia titled “The Mahri Island of Sokotra,” I can say that the writing is largely descriptive of the Soqotri people and landscape, but only makes vague mention of arthropods or other animals.

The first true zoological survey of the island, led by William Robert Ogilvie-Grant and Henry Ogg Forbes, took place in 1898. Only within the last 20 years has the majority of arthropod species taxa been described in the Socotra Archipelago with recent years

Illustration: S. Perez

proving difficult for travel due to political unrest.

In 1896 the Bents and Mr. Bennett hired a steamship to deposit them on Socotra Island where they had to wait over a week for their permits to be verified by the sultan.

Next, they hired guides and camels which were described as fine specimens, much taller than those in Arabia - a good thing given that they carried heavy photography equipment and books.

Southern Arabia is laden with descriptions of the otherworldly flora of the island. This is not surprising since a hefty book written by Professor Bailey Balfour, a botanist, was their bible.

Professor Balfour had collected 565 species of flowering plants in 48 days during an expedition in 1880. Two hundred and six of these plants proved endemic to the island.

“My husband as usual made a botanical collection, and I believe it contained a few novelties; but for further particulars on the flora of Sokotra and the trees thereof I must refer you to Professor Bailey Balfour’s very huge and equally interesting book [Botany of Socotra (Balfour, 1888)]. We were so fortunate as to have it with us, and it added much to our pleasure.”

-- Mabel Bent, Southern Arabia

Both of the sites, Homhil and Adho-Di-Melhoh (Adho Dimellus), where M. balfouri were collected during the 1890s expeditions are located at the Northeast part of the island.

Adho-Di-Melhoh is a mountain pass (3900 ft.) and Homhil, now a protected area and only accessible via the steepest and narrowest road, is advertised as a hiking and camping destination for tourists.

I cannot help but wonder what Mabel and Theodore Bent would make of our present situation - the tourism, leaving in its wake a sea of trash, the plastic bags being a breeding ground for mosquitoes; the invasive species such as mice, rats, and cats; pollution around settlements that accumulate in lagoons; infrastructure development, with road construction being one of the most damaging; overgrazing and subsequent soil erosion; and wood collection.

“Money is scarce in the island, and so are jealousies, and probably the Bedouin of Sokotra will remain in their bucolic innocence to the end of time, if no toot of bitterness in the shape of modern civilization is planted amongst them.”

-- Mabel Bent, Southern Arabia.

On a brighter note, tourism has brought awareness of Socotra’s fragile ecosystem and biodiversity which, in turn, has protected it as a UNESCO biosphere reserve and a World Heritage Site due to the plethora of endemic

species of flora and fauna known only to the area. Socotra is not only home to the World’s Prettiest Spider – Best in Show (British Tarantula Society, 2014), but hosts plants that date back to the Miocene-Pliocene, being xerophilous and sclerophyllous flora with E. African or S. Arabia origins. Unlike volcanic islands, Socotra was separated from Oman and the mainland, perhaps taking along species that further evolved in isolation, or adding new species that rafted to the island on floating debris or dispersed from nearby continents via wind. According to Harrison, et al., organisms may have originated from vicariance vs. dispersal as evidenced by results of DNA samples taken from the femoral tissue of Socotra’s mygalomorph spiders.

Socotra is among the top five biodiverse islands in the world with some species occupying only a few square miles and, like certain endemic beetles depend on vanishing Dracaena cinnabari and Boswelia essence trees, many of Socotra’s flora and fauna need an undisturbed environment for survival. All is not lost. Socotra is protected, and has been, in ways that many other island ecosystems are not, including 1) established indigenous populations have complex livestock grazing systems, 2) monsoon season cuts off travel for half of the year, 3) immigration en masse is only recent, 4) modernization didn’t begin until the 1970s, 5) political strife is limited from outsiders, and 6) varied topography and cliffs provide refuge for species. While the advertisement of eco-tourism may not be all that the name implies, we can hope in the near future that tourism, waste management, and further wildlife protection systems are put into place.

No doubt, the Bents would feel saddened, if not angry, could they see the trash blowing around, the plastic bags ingested by goats and cattle, the pesticide waste leaching into the water supply.

Mabel, being the dynamic woman that she was, would have a lot to say. In many ways I feel 19

Illustration: S. Perez

SOCOTRA ISLAND, cont’d

glad that she did not live to see the mess we’ve created, that she had the opportunity to witness the Socotra as it was before the invention of plastic bags.

Theodore Bent contracted malaria on a second South Arabian expedition and died in 1897 within days of making it back to England. Mabel, although never able to enjoy expeditions without Theodore, went on to publish their journals.

Mabel, who seems a bit lost in the shadow of her husband, wasn’t the first woman to forge a path in the name of science and exploration. Maria Sybilla Merian preceded Mabel by nearly two hundred years.

A renowned entomologist and artist, Germanborn Merian became Eighteenth Century legend after self-funding an expedition to Suriname in 1699.

She was one of the first entomologists who made direct observations of arthropods in their natural environments.

She wrote and published Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium and is responsible for the term bird-spider due to her artistic depiction of a then unclassified Avicularia (meaning small bird) feeding on a hummingbird. Merian now has a species named in her honor: Avicularia merianae.

TARANTULAS WITH SHANTI: M. BALFOURI UNBOXING/REHOUSE (FROM VLAD REP)

22

Illustration: S. Perez

Mabel Bent will probably never have a tarantula named after her, but her adventure on Socotra and her contribution to finding wandering male Monocentropus balfouri is noteworthy and surprising as she doesn’t mention any of it in Southern Arabia, rather it was somehow William Robert Ogilvie-Grant who divulged this fact in his report.

It is only fitting that I conclude with the Bents’ description of Socotra flora from Southern Arabia: “If the dragon’s-blood tree, with its close-set, radiating branches and stiff, aloe-like leaves, is quaint - and some might be inclined to say ugly - it has, nevertheless, its economic use; but not so its still quainter comrade on the slopes of Mount Haghier, the gouty,

swollen-stemmed Adenium. This, I think, is the ugliest tree in creation, with one of the most beautiful of flowers: it looks like one of the first efforts of Dame Nature in tree-making, happily abandoned by her for more graceful shapes and forms. The swollen and twisted contortions of its trunk recall with a shudder those miserable sufferers from elephantiasis; its leaves are stiff and formal, and they usually drop off, as if ashamed of themselves, before the lovely flower, like a rich-colored, large oleander blossom.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR S. Perez and her work with tarantulas can be found online on her YouTube channel!.

Flip to the back to see references for this article!

23

KEEPING M. BALFOURI: THE TRUE COMMUNALS

By Francis Psydex Tustin

Since the moment I entered this awesome hobby, there has been one species that has fascinated me.

This is a species of absolutely stunning appearance of blue and a sandy beige. It is a species endemic to a faraway paradise the likes of which are usually found in story books, a place where trees look like the legs of elephants and umbrellas blown inside out. This species is of course Monocentropus balfouri and this magical place is known as Socotra Island.

With all that said, what really makes this tarantula incredible is its ability to not only be kept in a communal environment but the fact that it appears to thrive in a communal environment, unlike any other species.

My first Monocentropus balfouri was a juvi that I purchased from www.thespidershop.co.uk as unsexed. I set it up with deep substrate for burrowing and many anchor points as I knew it was also notorious for being a heavy webber.

This species is one of the only species that can be confidently labeled a true communal tarantula. Throw in its amazing webbing tendencies and you have in my opinion one of the most fascinating species of tarantula to keep and observe in this entire hobby.

As time passed sure enough the juvi did burrow but also started to construct incredible webbing above ground which was amazing to see.

In this article, I want to share some of my experiences and observations from keeping the Monocentropus balfouri both individually and communally and hopefully give you an insight into what it is like to keep such a unique tarantula.

24

Fast forward about six months or so and I'd become hooked on this beautiful species and needed more. I'd watched countless videos by Tom Moran and others about the species and keeping them communally as well as read a great deal about what was known about them.

I then knew I needed more, so at a show I purchased a male and female pair again from The Spider Shop and I was absolutely thrilled.

Photo credit: Francis Psydex Tustin

25

KEEPING M. BALFOURI, cont’d

I purchased a glass enclosure and some nice wood pieces to use for anchor points so I could display this species as it deserved.

The moment I arrived home I set up the enclosure and introduced the pair, which was a really strange feeling of both excitement and nerves because up until this point

Photo credit: Francis Psydex Tustin 26

I'd never kept anything other than Poecilotheria slings together with mixed results.

However I held my nerve and before long the pair were constructing elaborate web castles together, but not only were they interacting together - they were thriving together!

I would often observe them choosing to stay very close to each other with no aggression and even witnessed them share food, which was surreal to see.

Photo credit: Francis Psydex Tustin

The next part of my fascination came when I started to question if it would be possible to introduce my juvenile that had always lived alone into the same communal environment as the pair I had purchased and already established together.

While researching I was met with a lot of skepticism and concern that the juvi may be defensive or not be accepted into an already established communal.

Knowing the risk but wanting to try and learn 27

28 Photo credit: Francis Psydex Tustin

KEEPING M. BALFOURI, cont’d

more about this fascinating species, I chose to take a chance. I of course made sure all specimens were well fed before attempting the introduction.

As I introduced the juvi, I sat and observed ready to intervene if needed but my nerves were unnecessary. I witnessed many interactions between all of the inhabitants with no conflict or aggression.

Photo credit: Francis Psydex Tustin 29

KEEPING M. BALFOURI, cont’d

I noticed that they would gently tap each other with their legs as if trying to communicate or figure each other out, much like when dogs smell each other at first meeting.

Before long it was almost as if the three had never been apart and almost like the older pair had taken the juvi as their own. I often saw at any slight distance the juvi would actually seek shelter under the legs of the adult female.

This confirmed to me that this species was truly unique and possibly the only true communal tarantula.

In the time that has followed, a friend of mine lost a lot of his collection in a power outage so I decided to gift him my juvi Monocentropus balfouri and he has once again successfully integrated it into another communal setup of eight other Monocentropus balfouri with no issues to date.

30

The Monocentropus balfouri is a truly fascinating species and one I intend to do a lot more work with. I hope to acquire several more communals and study their behavior in different setups and scenarios.

I am also currently working on breeding the species to observe the maternal behavior of a gravid female who are known to be great mothers with slings often doing better when left with the mother rather than the egg sac being pulled as is usual with many other species.

For now the question still remains - why is this species so uniquely suited to communal living?

Could it be the proximity they find themselves to each other in their natural habitat that they have naturally adapted to this?

Maybe at some point this question and many others will be definitively answered, but for now at least we can safely say that the Monocentropus balfouri is one of the most fascinating and mysterious species available in the hobby today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR If you'd like to see more from Francis, his YouTube channel is PsyDex’ Invert Kingdom, and he also has a podcast called Inverted Reality!

PSYDEX’ INVERT KINGDOM: MONOCENTROPUS BALFOURI PAIRING

Inverted Reality is a new Podcast based in the UK for all us invert lovers!

If you love the creatures most people hate like true spiders, tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes and so on look no further! Each episode will have a theme, a topic or a guest relating to the crazy world of inverts and will be brought to you by ‘Psydex’ of the YouTube channel PsyDex’ Invert Kingdom, Lucy of the YouTube channel ‘Lucyslittlecritters’ and Scarlett aka YouTube’s ‘The Black Widow’. Check us out and stay tuned as we have some awesome guests and topics coming up for you. Available to listen, share and download at Spreaker.com, and we also have a Facebook group!

31

THE M. BALFOURI AND I

By Franz Morales

Monocentropus balfouri a.k.a the Socotra Island Blue Baboon is a beautiful species known for its striking blue legs and cream carapace. Baboons are known for their potent venom and aggressive nature, but for some odd reason, balfouris are anything but.

Their venom is still potent for sure, being Old World species, but their aggressiveness (or lack thereof) is not your typical baboon behavior.

Striking colors and a cool temperament are just some of the reasons why M. balfouri make such attractive pets. But what makes them even more awesome, is their communal nature.

Tarantulas are known as solitary creatures. So much so that even when mating, males are often devoured after doing the deed. There are some species that tolerate each other's presence, especially when given enough food and not too much space to create territorial disputes such as P. metallica, P. regalis, N. incei, and many more.

But not so with M. balfouri. If there ever was a "true communal" species, the M. balfouri is it.

]

When I got my balfouris, I originally set out to get just one. But after reading about it (which I recommend everyone do before getting any new species), I was intrigued by the prospect of them being communal. So I went ahead and got five.

I acquired them as 1" slings, and they weren't at all attractive. Back then, the only sling I had 32

was a Hapalopus sp. Columbia large, and even as slings, they were already showing their adult colors, which was super cool. But the balfouris?

They were a dull grayish color and looked more like massive ticks. Nevertheless, I knew they'd grow into their colors soon and part of the joy of keeping slings is watching them grow.

]

I had a nice bioactive enclosure custom-built just for them, with driftwood, fake rocks, pebbles, and a nice plant which I know not the name of. It was a frontopening glass enclosure that measured 20" x 10" x 10".

The balfouris settled in nicely, creating burrows and web tunnels under the large piece of driftwood.

Photo credit: BayLee's 8 Legged Art / Flickr 33

THE M. BALFOURI AND I, cont’d

For the first few months, I rarely saw any of them, and they were so skittish and afraid of live prey, I had to pre-kill roaches and offer it by the mouths of their web tunnels. Any live prey introduced in the enclosure always eluded capture and would end up dead by starvation.

This is one of my concerns of a nicely set up enclosure, lots of hiding places for live prey to elude capture.

After about four months, an ant colony established itself inside the enclosure so I had to clean it out fast. So instead of letting the balfouris live out their lives in their supposed final enclosure, I had to go and rehouse them before the ants got to them. Now, rehousing a communal setup is no walk in the park. If you think rehousing a skittish Old World species is tough, try it with several at one time.

Before I set out to do the rehouse, I was half expecting to find less than the original five.

Especially since I never got to see all five out at one time. It was always 2 or three at a time.

After removing the driftwood and webbing, I slowly managed to catch and rehouse four of them. The fifth, I couldn't find anywhere. I gave up searching for it and proceeded to set up the four in their new temporary enclosure, leaving the front glass door of their original enclosure open the whole time.

Before I called it a day, I decided to sift through the old substrate of the old enclosure to make sure the ants were dispersed. As I was doing so, the ground started to move. As I slowly investigated the cause, I was pleasantly surprised to find the fifth balfouri holed up in front corner of the enclosure. Apparently it made a home for itself away from the others.

34

Another surprise? I found a centipede in the enclosure as well. A Scolopendra subspinipes, one of the more aggressive centipede species.

How it managed to get in there, I have no idea.

Luckily none of my balfouris were harmed by it the whole time they shared an enclosure.

With all five balfouris back together, I watched as they slowly made a home for themselves in the new enclosure. I've read many stories about their communal ways and I managed to catch a glimpse of it a few weeks ago.

As I was doing my nightly rounds, I caught two of my balfs grooming each other.

I was afraid at first that one might be eating the other, but after a few minutes, I realized they were cleaning each others bodies. It was a cool sight.

Though I never saw them share a meal, grooming each other is further proof that this species indeed live communally rather than just tolerate each other's presence.

This is all my own opinion though.

I've read reports about one of their balfouri communals ending badly, however, I read more success stories than failed ones. As always, your mileage may vary and if you wish to make your own M. balfouri communal setup, you do so at your own risk.

Hatis. It came solo and is about a half inch smaller than my communal. I intend to introduce it to my current community during my next rehouse, which will be soon. Whether it'll be accepted or massacred as an outsider remains to be seen. I'm hoping it's the former though.

Recently, I got hold of a new balfouri. It came as a package together with a C. fimbriatus, I. mira, and a pair of C. sp Hati

That said, I own around 40-odd tarantulas, and if ever a situation came up wherein I'd have to whittle my collection to, say, 10, five (or

6) of those would be my balfouri communal.

Happy spooding!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Franz Morales is a tarantula keeper and writer based in the Philippines.

Photo credit: BayLee's 8 Legged Art / Flickr 35

Featured artist:

DANNY JOHNSON Danny Johnson is a multi talented artist and experienced tarantula owner and breeder. We’re happy to share his wisdom in the hobby and his artwork with you in this issue!

Tell us about yourself!

Hmmm, where do I start? I was born 40 LONG years ago… Just kidding lol. I was born with Cerebral Palsy. Now this doesn’t define ME for who I am, it’s just a part of my life. Since I can remember, I’ve always just wanted to help others. So I went to college and got my degree as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT, not to be confused with the Country Music Channel...lol). After that didn’t really pan out, I have always fallen back on my arts and crafts.

I learned to paint in oils from the legend Bob Ross, and that has always been my mainstay medium of art for most of my life.

How did your journey to being a tarantula owner begin?

My journey to being a tarantula owner has been a very looooong one. Since I was a young boy, I have always been fascinated by animals but more so exotics. I recall when I was very very young I was watching nature on TV and saw an African Rock Python take down a gazelle. I WAS HOOKED! It only expanded and grew like crazy from there. From snakes, to lizards, to inverts, I’ve had them all!

Photo credit: Danny Johnson 36

Illustration: Danny Johnson

37

Photo credit: Danny Johnson

DANNY JOHNSON, cont’d For over 20 years I bred pythons and reptiles and exotics alike.

But after some unforeseen circumstances in my life, I got completely out of the reptile scene, and went full bore into growing my inverts collection.

Do you have any M. balfouri tarantulas?

Unfortunately, I do not have any Monocentropus balfouri currently, but that will be rectified very promptly.

Photo credit: Danny Johnson 40

Do you have a favorite T in your collection (or an all-time fave)?

My favorite T??? WOW! Ummm……..It would definitely have to be my baby girl “Gooty Booty.” She is my Poecilotheria metallica I got when she was 10 days old. I have been her only owner since. And she is now 3 years old. THAT’S MY BABY!!!

Do you have any other pets?

As far as having any other pets, yes, I also have scorpions in my collection.

Were you always interested in art? How have you developed as an artist?

I have always been interested in art since I was like 2 years old, I believe is when my mom said it started. Well other than those few teachings from the legend Bob Ross, I have been self taught the

Photo credit: Danny Johnson

entire way, thus far. I always hated and was afraid of drawing people, until mid year 2018, I said to myself, “You know what! I’m going to make myself draw portraits so I can learn!” And I did! My favorite medium had always been painting oil landscapes, however lately, it has swung back to hand drawings. I LOVE my Prismacolors! But I also work in charcoal and graphite.

How long does a typical piece take to make?

Each piece can vary greatly on how long they take. Variables such as how big is the piece?

How much detail has been requested? Color or black & white? Many different things go into each piece. However, typically I can complete a piece in about a week, give or take.

What is your process for making a piece?

It usually all starts with subject matter, like reference photo or photos some times. Then I tape the paper to my table, start sketching.

Followed by getting all appropriate colors

together, including accommodation colors for shadows and highlights. For example, if I am doing a particular piece with a lot of yellows, you typically never use black next to it, as when blending begins it will mud up the yellows.

What is the hardest thing about drawing tarantulas?

This past year has been so much fun for me, because I finally started drawing tarantulas! Yes! Before the end of 2017, I had never ever even tried to draw a tarantula before. The hardest part about drawing tarantulas is making sure ya get the different hairs placed and done correctly. Most Ts fortunately have “LIGHT” colored hairs, but if you look closely at say a Monocentropus balfouri, its femoral hairs are a mix of beige, yellows and browns. All of which, when drawing them, need to be taken into the piece to make it stand out more realistically.

What do you think the tarantula hobby could benefit from?

41

DANNY JOHNSON, cont’d

42

Photo credit: Danny Johnson

]

This wonderful hobby I feel could benefit from MORE! Meaning, more people giving to those who have even a slight interest.

]

We must approach each person as if they are seeing them for the first time ever and EDUCATE, EDUCATE, EDUCATE!!! Sometimes in doing that, it requires us to NOT speak, but rather listen!

I also feel we need to start em young. Start teaching our youth at young ages. After all they are the future of this hobby!

What has been your biggest lesson as a tarantula owner?

My biggest lesson as a tarantula owner would be actually my most embarrassing moment from a very long time ago, when I was much younger. I was cleaning and doing regular maintenance and got a lil complacent and was bitten by a 2.5” Poecilotheria rufilata-Red Slate Ornamental. Yep! I didn’t make that mistake again. IT SUCKED BIG TIME! Worst bite I have ever endured!

What tarantula keepers have inspired you or helped you learn?

When I was a young lad myself, I learned a lot from books, books, books and more books.

Sure there were a few guys whose videos I followed on social media platforms. But I just became a sponge and absorbed from all sources. I really can’t say one FAVORITE in particular.

I just want to give a shout out to Fear Not

Tarantulas, Inc. and The Tarantula Collective for reinvigorating my belief in GREAT people in this hobby, because they truly are raising the bar and setting the standard moving into our VERY BRIGHT future as a tarantula family!

What has been your proudest moment as a tarantula owner?

My proudest moment as a tarantula keeper was definitely the first time, years ago now, that I produced Pokies! It was Poecilotheria regalis, and I was giddy like a school girl! That’s why I aspire to continue to grow my current collection and produce HIGH QUALITY captive bred and produced 8-legged lil lovelies for the word to enjoy!

What do you think is the most important ethical issue when it comes to breeding?

Ethically I feel the most important issue, to me, is to not rush the animals. No power feeding, inbreeding and things of that nature to try to keep up with the Joneses. Be patient and always diligently keeping the animal’s best interest as the top priority.

As a captive breeder, what would you like people to know about the wild caught vs. captive bred discussion? Are there certain risks to wild caught?

As for wild caught vs. captive bred...WOW, that’s a loaded topic. I think people need to understand that WC animals will never be like captive based on the fact that, again in my opinion, removing them from the wild and putting them in an enclosure causes so much more stress to them, I feel. They were just taken out of the NATURAL habitat and home and put in a smaller box, so to speak.

So therefore I feel wild caught animals are far more prone to stress due to the fact of that variable vs, CB animals, are BORN in captivity

43

DANNY JOHNSON, cont’d and already have grown up accustomed to it. Not to mention, the potential for WILD pathogens, disease and illness coming into an established collection of captive breds.

Is there a way to tell if a tarantula is wild caught?

I’ve noticed a handful of times WC animals seem to have bald booties more often and are typically a lot more timid and defensive, but that’s just my observations of a few species. Mostly Theraphosa blondi WCs from ions ago.

What do you believe is the future of breeding in the hobby?

Hmm?? The future of breeding... I feel in order for there to be a future of breeding in the hobby, some

Photo credit: Danny Johnson

regulations are necessary. BUT, only if they are reasonable and fair to those of us who are trying to promote the hobby and educate the community through our breeding efforts. In every aspect of any genre in life, EDUCATION is crucial, for all sides of the fence. Breeders, community and regulatory agencies alike.

How often do you breed tarantulas? Do you sell them?

I breed my Ts not so much on a schedule really, but more when, each specific individual tells me, "Dad! I’m ready to make minimes now!" I pay very very close attention to ALL of my tarantulas and their behaviors, physical signs, etc. I keep meticulous records as well, so I have a pretty good idea on ages as I’ve raised nearly

everyone in my collection from a baby.

If you could give any advice to beginners, what would it be?

I am so honored to be a part of The Spinnerette and if I could give one piece of advice to beginners it would be...Dream big! If you like tarantulas and want to learn more, PLEASE I implore you to ask all of us who have been there any questions you may have! And ya know what else? Ask that same question again and again. The only way to truly learn is to keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to ask! WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU ALL! You can view more of Danny Johnson’s artwork in his Etsy store, HLCASArtbyDanny! .

Photo credit: Danny Johnson

THE INNER WORLD OF A TARANTULA

By Lori Walker

Suddenly you’re shaken awake, jumping slightly as you’re accosted with a sudden bright light and what feels like a series of small earthquakes, but for some reason you can’t seem to hear, and you can see almost all around yourself but everything is blurry and shows up as light or dark masses.

You are here as a passenger on this strange and inexplicable ride, able to experience and think, but unable to deviate from your programmed instincts. Once locomotion begins, it becomes increasingly uncomfortable as your eight seemingly long limbs search for the best place to get multiple footholds. The ground feels soft beneath the soft pads where your feet would be, two tiny toe hooks digging into the substrate as you keep trying to get your bearings. You feel so small compared to everything around you and very vulnerable.

46

]

Your rational thought continues but you realize you are trapped in another body, unable to deviate from its hard wired programming. You keep feeling the vibrations from everywhere all over your body as it’s covered with very sensitive hairs. You have more legs than normal, what’s going on?

You know how delicate your body and abdomen are, and you feel very frightened. You, my friend, are now a tarantula!

]

You begin to panic at first as the reality of the situation sets in, but your heart is now in your abdomen and your book lungs are functioning normally, even though you feel like you want to hyperventilate. You can feel so many sounds around you coming through as tremors that it’s nearly overwhelming, and like small earthquakes at times if close enough, from footsteps to cars driving by outside to even the tiniest vibrations nearby. You manage to feel what is close and what is far so you can feel distance this way, as well as the size of whatever may be approaching.

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com

Photo credit: InEx Situ / Tarantulaforum.com

47

THE INNER WORLD OF A TARANTULA, cont’d You notice you can’t smell but you sense pheromones to some degree or at least know your own webbing. Without warning, a large dark mass moves toward you. You feel air and slight movement from not only its movement but it’s vocalizations. You can feel the exhaled carbon dioxide and the warm air coming from nearby and a change in air pressure each time they speak. Is it something that wants to eat or harm you?! You don't know but you don't want to stay around and find out!

A tiny thudding sound comes to you as a single, dull, thudding on the substrate, as your body seems to now move on its own accord.

Something smaller than you has struck the floor of webbing beneath you and you can feel the tiniest of vibrations coming from it, even if it’s the wiggle of an antenna.

Photocredit: credit:Tom Whitelightning777 / Tarantulaforum.com 48 Photo Moran

Your body is poised to strike as you feel desperate to eat, not knowing when you might get your next meal again. This is what your body feels like it was made to do, as you begin to salivate, your mouth parts moving up and down slightly in anticipation of the meal to come.

In a moment so quick, it can hardly be seen by the human eye, your body springs into action on its own, your hard black fangs piercing through your prey as hypodermic needle-like fangs pump venom into your still struggling victim. You hold your food in place with your fangs as it struggles. You feel more earthquakes again, but coming from further away, but larger like before and you steady yourself. It was simply a person putting the lid back onto your enclosure, but you can’t see

outside of yourself in this dream. The light dims back to normal again as the noises become fewer. Finally, a distant thudding of the door closing after the last of the light is extinguished.

All is quiet once more.

The time you’ve been sitting there has been much longer than you think, but you’re patient.

You wait for your venom to work so that you are able to consume your food, as you can’t survive without it. You relax slightly, but still stand on tip-toe as you have the food in your mouth. Your instincts are still driving your behavior as you can feel that your prey is now dead.

With some effort and coordination, you manage to make it back to your hide on eight legs, still holding your meal in your mouth and settling in for the night. You begin to suck the liquid nutrition through a straw like mouth-part from the dead insect in your mandibles, knowing it’s something you desperately need to survive. No one will bother you in here, you feel sure of it. It’s very dark and comfortable.

Photo credit: Lori Walker

Suddenly you’re shaken awake. You fly upwards in bed, grabbing at your covers. Your eyes go wide as you were sent into a panic upon waking to the sudden movement. You hear a familiar dinging tone and grab the phone that’s laying next to you. It’s a notification about breaking news that there had been a series of small earthquakes in your area. Oh...well that would explain the shaking, you realize with relief. What a strange dream that had been! You sure hope it doesn’t happen again! It won’t...will it?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lori Walker is from the United States and has always had a deep love for all animals since she was a child. She has been keeping tarantulas for over 20 years, and enjoys studying the psychology and behavior of all animals. She holds a degree in Animal Science and has zoo experience with a free flight educational bird show. She has also volunteered with wildlife rehabilitation facilities in her area and has experience as a veterinary assistant.

Photo credit: Lori Walker 49

INTERVIEW WIth A KEEPER:

NATALEE’S 8 LEGGED JOURNEY Natalee is one of the tarantula hobby's youngest rising YouTubers, and the star behind Natalee's 8 Legged Journey. We hope you enjoy this interview with her!

How old were you when you started keeping tarantulas, and why did you want to start keeping them?

I was 10 years old (I’m 11 now) when I got my first tarantula, a Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Green Bottle Blue). I’ve loved all things “creepy crawly” since I was a little girl, and I wanted to be able to keep some as pets and learn about them.

There are so many amazing tarantulas to keep and you never run out of new species to put at the top of your wish list.

What is your favorite tarantula, and why?

Currently my favorite tarantula is the Caribena versicolor (Antilles Pink Toe). Because their colors are amazing throughout their lives, they make

Photo credit: Natalee's 8 Legged Journey

really cool web tunnels, and I love their funky walk when they are slings. Currently I have 2 C. versicolor and I plan to add many more to my collection.

How many tarantulas do you currently keep, and how many different species?

Currently we have around 80 tarantulas in our collection, made up of around 40 different species. We have two rooms dedicated to our animals. One in the house, and one in our second building where all the adult females and mature males stay.

What is your #1 tarantula on your wish list that you don’t currently have?

NATALEE'S 8 LEGGED JOURNEY: NATALEE'S LATEST FEEDING VIDEO - 18 OCT 18

My top “wish list� tarantula right now is the Theraphosa apophysis (Pinkfoot Goliath) because of their size and coloration.

If you could keep only one tarantula, what species would it be, and why?

If I could own only one species of tarantula it would be the Caribena versicolor because their colors are so unique, and because I love that funky walk when they are slings.

What are your goals with keeping tarantulas?

I want to have fun as I learn and grow in the hobby, then go to college to be an Arachnologist and travel the world discovering and describing new species that no one has ever seen before.

Photo credit: Natalee's 8 Legged Journey

NATALEE'S 8 LEGGED JOURNEY, cont’d

I want to build an audience with my YouTube channel that inspires more kids to keep these amazing creatures like I do.

Do you have a YouTube channel and/or Facebook page for your tarantulas?

Yes, I have both, my YouTube channel and Facebook page are both called Natalee's 8 Legged Journey where my dad and I film and photograph all our amazing tarantulas and other inverts in our collection.

Photo credit: Natalee's 8 Legged Journey

Do you keep other inverts besides tarantulas, and if so what do you have?

Yes, we keep several species of scorpion: Dictator, Arizona Bark, Florida Bark, Oklahoma Bark, and Dune Scorpion. I also have a Giant Asian Praying Mantis.

I would say the Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Green Bottle Blue) because they are beautiful, change coloration with almost every molt, they always eagerly eat their food, and are very easy to keep. They have very low water requirements and prefer their enclosures dry. They also make beautiful webs that cover everything in their enclosure and are almost always out in the open.

]

What advice would you give to someone who’s scared of tarantulas, but wants to get past it?

I would start by showing them photos of different tarantulas to show off their range of colors and patterns. Then take them on a tour of my collection so they could see the different types in person, and even feed a couple for them.

]

I would tell them about the diversity of tarantulas and their role in reducing the insect population worldwide. I would try to get them to be curious and start asking questions about them, instead of saying eww or running away.

52

What would you say is the best beginner tarantula and why?

If you'd like to see more from Natalee and her journey as a tarantula keeper, you can follow her on Facebook or YouTube at Natalee's 8 Legged Journey!

Photo credit: Natalee's 8 Legged Journey

NATALEE'S 8 LEGGED JOURNEY: A CHALCODES PAIRING

53

GET TARANTULA T-SHIRTS ON ETSY!

BROWSE THE TARANTULA TEES HERE!

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT MAGAZINE!!

54

learn more about tarantulas!

200+ PAGE

TARANTULA

EBOOK THAT

COVERS TONS OF INFO ON

TARANTULA CARE

LEARN MORE HERE

Do you sell tarantulas, feeders, enclosures and other tarantula items?

Email theavenmag@gmail.com if you’re interested in purchasing ad space!

55

tarantula

COMMU In this section we highlight tarantula owners from around the world and share their experiences.

To make a submission, email theavenmag@gmail.com!

56

a

UNITY 57

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus 58

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus 59

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Craig Nevelus

Photo credit: Jennifer McCant

Photo credit: BillieJo Champagne

This is my "Lucinda" doing what she does best, relaxing. She is a Mexican Fireleg and I'm hoping for a female, it hasn't "officially" been sexed yet. The dinosaur she is coming out from under is actually her favorite place to molt. She burrows underneath and if I haven't seen her out that day I usually know she is getting ready or is molting. I've had her since the beginning of December and she has definitely taken over my heart!

- BillieJo Champagne

66

Photo credit: BillieJo Champagne 67

68 Photo credit: @spidermetric / Tumblr

Photo credit: @spidermetric / Tumblr 69

70 Photo credit: Xen Padron

Photo credit: Xen Padron

71 Photo credit: Xen Padron

72 Photo credit: Xen Padron

Photo credit: Emily Griffith 73

"Princess Pinky Toes" / Avicularia Avicularia

74 Photo credit: Malick Darian White

"Itsy Bitsy" / Brachypelma albopilosum Photo credit: Malick Darian White 75

Photo credit: Victor Garcia Photo credit: Victor Garcia

76

Photo credit: Victor Garcia

I’ve only recently started keeping arachnids. I, as many, used to be afraid of them (tarantulas) but after meeting some face to fangs, I fell in love with em and had to start my own collection lol. A lot of people share my story, but I’m glad to be part of the hobby!

- Victor Garcia 77

Photo credit: Lauren Hunter

"Peach" Photo credit: Lauren Hunter 78

"Aragog" / Lasiodora parahybana Photo credit: Nikki Leigh Hurst

Brachypelma albopilosum (Nicaragua) Photo credit: Gemma Casa Wilks

79

"Nova" / Pamphobeteus sp. machala Photo credit: Abby Buchanan

Pterinochilus Hapalopus sp.murinus Columbia

80 Korey Thieme-roach Fuller Photo credit: Kayla

"Bones" Photo credit: Christopher Anderson

"Squishy" Photo credit: Christopher Anderson 81

Brachypelma sabulosum Photo credit: Whitelightning777 / Tarantulaforum.com

"Charles" / Caribena versicolor Photo credit: Whitelightning777 / Tarantulaforum.com

Brachypelma albopilosum Photo credit: Paul Holloway

Brachypelma hamorii Photo credit: Paul Holloway 84

"Atlus" / Chilobrachys sp electric blue 85 Photo credit: Amanda Sara

"Achilles" / Grammostola pulchripes Photo credit: Sam Maiorana

"Cujo" / Nhandu chromatus (brazilian red and white) Photo credit: Sam Maiorana 86

" Quovadis" / Brachypelma albopilosum 87 Photo credit: Dorian Wright

DISCOVERIES + REVISIONS New genus and species: Birupes simoroxigorum (Gabriel, Ray & Sherwood, Danniella, 2019) A new genus and species of theraphosid spider from Sarawak, Borneo (Araneae: Theraphosidae).

From the Journal of the British Tarantula Society 34(1): 19-34: Abstract: A new genus and species of the subfamily Selenocosmiinae Simon, 1892 are described from Sarawak, Borneo: Birupes simoroxigorum gen. et sp. nov. with discussion on the use of palpal bulb, spermathecae and stridulatory organ morphology in selenocosmiine systematics.

Birupes is a new genus of spiders in the Theraphosidae family. As of 2019, it contains only one species (Birupes simoroxigorum). This species has electric-blue legs and a creamy toffee body.

According to Sciencemag.org, the tarantula may have been studied illegally. The Forest Department of Sarawak has stated that the collectors captured the animals in the forests of Sarawak and transported them to Europe without permits to collect or export wildlife.

88

arachnologists Ray Gabriel and Danniella Sherwood argue that the collectors who provided the specimens to them had done so ethically. Sherwood says she "had no reason to believe" that the specimens were illegal. She stated she had been given two dead spiders from the collectors "in good faith, meaning that we were told they were legally collected with all appropriate paperwork needed." She has not responded to further requests for paperwork.

The collectors, Krzysztof Juchniewicz, Emil Piorun, and Jakub Skowronek are breeders and sellers of the tarantulas they find. Juchniewicz stated they had no permit for collection, as he was unaware they needed one. However, he says they didn't smuggle the tarantulas out of Malaysia, as their driver mailed the spiders to Europe. He said, "I've got all the necessary documents for legal import. We didn't do anything wrong."

Ernie Cooper, a wildlife trade specialist in Vancouver, Canada, and a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Spider and Scorpion Specialist Group, said, "The primary market for illegally collected or traded tarantulas is the EU."

Chien Lee, the naturalist and photographer who first discovered the tarantula in September 2017, said, "This case reflects the all-too-prevalent biopiracy in Malaysia."

Unfortunately, the conservation of tarantulas isn't followed closely by governments or advocacy groups, but Cooper said "Increased awareness of the problem might open up new opportunities" to address illegal tarantula trade.

In the piece for the British Tarantula Society,

You can read the full report here!

New species: Ceratogyrus attonitifer (Engelbrecht, 2019) Gabriel, Ray & Sherwood, Danniella. (2019).

This newfound species belongs to the genus Ceratogyrus (horned baboon spiders). Named Ceratogyrus attonitifer, it possesses a ‘horn’ - a peculiar horn-like protuberance sticking out of its back.

This spider was discovered by Dr. John Midgley from Rhodes University and KwaZulu-Natal Museum and Dr. Ian Engelbrecht of the South African National Biodiversity Institute and the University of Pretoria as part of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project.

Although this spider is part of the group of horned baboon spiders, its long, soft horn is not a feature that is present in all species. This hornlike feature sticks out from the back of its head and stretches across almost its entire body.

In other species, the structure is completely sclerotised, but this specimen demonstrates a soft and characteristically longer 'horn'. The function of the long, "deflated" horn remains unknown.

The report on this tarantula states: The new tarantula's extraordinary morphology has also prompted its species name: C. attonitifer, which is derived from the Latin root attonit("astonishment" or "fascination"), and the suffix -fer ("bearer of" or "carrier"). It refers to the astonishment of the authors upon the discovery of the remarkable species.

In their study published in the journal African Invertebrates, the authors wrote, “The new species of Ceratogyrus described here is remarkable. No other spider in the world possesses a similar foveal protuberance."

You can read the full report here!

Species: Ceratogyrus attonitifer Photo credit: Ian Enelbrecht 89

UPCOMING EVENTS 2019 EXPOS WITH TARANTULAS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS EUROPE DATE

EVENT

LOCATION

May 19

34th British Tarantula Society Exhibition

Warwick, United Kingdom

June 23

IHS Invertebrate and reptile show

Doncaster, England

July 7

Birmingham Entomological Show

Birmingham, UK

July 21

Western Invertebrate Show

Thornbury, England

August 18

Scottish Invertebrate Show

Glasgow, Scotland

September 15

Eastern Invertebrate Show

Bedford, England

September 22

IHS Reptile show

Doncaster, England

November 7

Southern Invertebrate Show

Brighton, England

90 Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

UNITED STATES DATE

EVENT

LOCATION

March 30

Repticon

Ft. Myers, FL

March 30-31

Repticon

Memphis, TN Roanoke, VA

March 30-31

Reptilian Nation Expo

San Diego, CA

April 6

Repticon

Winston-Salem, NC

April 6-7

Central Kansas Reptile Expo

Wichita, KS

April 6-7

Repticon

Orlando, FL Montgomery, AL

April 13

Repticon

Tallahassee, FL

April 13-14

Repticon

Atlanta, GA Baton Rouge, LA

April 20

Repticon

Daphne, AL

April 26-28

Repticon

Costa Mesa, CA (AFPE)

April 27-28

Repticon

Chattanooga, TN Gulfport, MS

May 4-5

Repticon

Columbia, SC New Port Richey, FL

May 11

Repticon

Columbus, GA

May 11-12

Repticon

Asheville, NC Broward-Dade, FL

May 18-19

Repticon

Nashville, TN Port Charlotte, FL

May 25

Repticon

Melbourne, FL

May 25-26

Repticon

Baltimore, MD Austin (Taylor), TX 91

SOURCES +

Monocentropus Balfouri: the Socotra Island Baboon Tarantula Author: Michael Fantus

Monocentropus balfouri. (2017, October 23). Retrieved February 11, 2019, from https://www.theraphosidae.be/ en/monocentropus-balfouri/ Harpactirinae. (2018, August 11). Retrieved February 11, 2019, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpactirinae Wild Facts Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve | Baboon Spiders - Part 1. (n.d.). Retrieved February 11, 2019, from https://www.sabisabi.com/wildfacts/baboon-spiders/

92 Photo credit: Whitelightning777 / Tarantulaforum.com

REFERENCES Socotra Island: The Bent Expedition and Mrs. Bent in Particular Author: S. Perez Balfour, I.B. 1888: Botany of Socotra Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 31:1-446. Referenced from https://www. biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/11021#/summary.

Batelka, Ian. (2012) Socotra Archipelago – a lifeboat in a sea of changes: advancement in Socotran insect biodiversity survery. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 52. 1-26. Referenced from http://aemnp.eu/PDF/52_s2/52_S2_1.pdf.

Bent, Theordore and Mabel. London, 1900. Southern Arabia. F.R.G.S., F.S.A. YC. 1995. B.7122. Referenced from Archive.org. Audio edition: https://archive.org/details/southern_arabia_1411_librivox Bezdek, Jan & Hájek, Jiří. (2017) Insect biodiversity of the Socotra Archipelago – Underlined and counted. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 57. 1-39. 10.1515/aemnp-2017-0105.

Davis, Josh. March. (2017) Three New Species of Bird-Eating Spiders Described. Referenced from https://www.iflscience.com/plantsand-animals/three-new-species-of-birdeating-spiders-described/.

Fleitmann, Dominik & Burns, Stephen & Al-Subbary, A.A. & Al-Aowah, M.A.. (2004). Geology and Quaternary climate history of Socotra.

Fauna of Arabia. 20. 27-43.

Geens, Stefan. 360 view of Homhill Protected Area. Referenced from http://www.360cities.net/image/homhil-socotra#256.39,19.01,80.0.

Harrison SE, Harvey MS, Cooper SJB, Austin AD, Rix MG (2017) Across the Indian Ocean: A remarkable example of trans-oceanic dispersal in an austral mygalomorph spider. PLoS ONE 12(8): e0180139. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180139 Macey, Jonathan R., Jennifer V. Kuehl, Allan Larson, Michael D. Robinson, Ismail H. Ugurtas, Natalia B. Ananjeva, H. M. Mahbubur Rahman, Hamid Iqbal Javed, Ridwan Mohamed Osman, Ali Doumma and Theodore J. Papenfuss. “Socotra Island the forgotten fragment of Gondwana: unmasking chameleon lizard history with complete mitochondrial genomic data.” Molecular phylogenetics and evolution 49 3 (2008): 1015-8 Naumkin, Vitaly, and Victor Porkhomovsky. “Insects in Socotran Language and Culture.” Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies 29 (1999): 111-14. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41223528.

Ogilvie-Grant, William Robert. 1897. The natural history of Sokotra and Abdel-Kuri: being the report upon the results of the Conjoint Expedition to thede Islands in 1898-9. Referenced from https://www.biodiviersitylibrary.org/bibliography/34934#/summary Pocock, R.I. June 1st, 1897. On Ethiopian Spiders. Proceedings of the General Meetings for Scientific Business of the Zoological Society of London for the Year 1897. Part 1, containing papers read in January and February. Referenced from https:// biodiversitylibrary.org/page/30987968.

Seddon, Philip. (2011). Biodiversity Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula. Referenced from https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/253645582_Biodiversity_Conservation_in_the_Arabian_Peninsula. Šťastný, David. (December 9, 2014) Wildlife photos from the trip to Socotra Island. Spiderzone.cz. Referenced from http://facebook. com/spiderzone.cz. (Inspiration for the digital drawing “Socotra Island” by S. Perez.)

Van Damme, Kay & Banfield, Lisa (2011) Past and present human impacts on the biodiversity of Socotra Island (Yemen): implications for future conservation, Zoology in the Middle East, 54:sup3, 31-88, DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2011.10648899 Various authors. Blog dedicated to Theodore and Mabel Bent. Referenced from http://tambent.com.

93

til next time!

Thank you for supporting The Spinnerette and the M. balfouri issue, the second digital magazine! Big fuzzy and furry thank you to Tarantulatv.com for their continued support, The Tarantula Collective for sponsoring this issue, and all who support the magazine's Patreon page. Without you all, it would not be possible.

If you have any feedback about how this magazine could be improved or things you’d like to see this magazine cover, please feel free to email me at theavenmag@gmail.com. You can also email me if you’d like to submit something to the magazine or pitch an idea for a future issue!

As always, you can find me on Facebook in my tarantula group, or subscribe to my Patreon to see more behind the scenes content about this magazine and my life with my tarantulas.

Until next time, spiderlings! I hope your spiders (and you of course) are cozy, hydrated and well fed!

94