Arachnid Question

[boin69]

Dear Fellow Members -

I just joined Arachnoboards this eveing and have some questions. I am the proud owner of 12 trantulas, 1 baby tailless whip scorpion, 1 wolf spider, a trapdoor spider and one Pac-Man Frog.

I am wondering about the trapdoor spider. He/She is from Africa and I am wondering, after reading conflicting reports in various books that they are and aren't tarantulas. Are they or are they not?

Also, since I rarily see it and the chances are slim of getting bit by it, but just in case, are they venomous? If so, how sick will they make you? What are some of the side effects if they do?

Aside from the Pac-Man Frog, possibly the Wolf Spider (although I kind of doubt he/she would bite), the only other critter I have that would bite and is agressive is the trapdoor spider. Can anyone set me straight on this. Each of the tarantulas and the little tailless whipscorpions are all very sweet and can be trusted. That just leaves the others. Can anyone give me any information on the trapdoor spider?

Any informatioin would be appreciated. I know the are aggressive but know little else about them. It seems every book I read says something differnt.
My thanks in advance for any info. anyone can give me!

-boin69

[David_F]

I am wondering about the trapdoor spider. He/She is from Africa and I am wondering, after reading conflicting reports in various books that they are and aren't tarantulas. Are they or are they not?
No, they are not tarantulas but they are related. They both belong to the infraorder Mygalomorphae.

Also, since I rarily see it and the chances are slim of getting bit by it, but just in case, are they venomous? If so, how sick will they make you? What are some of the side effects if they do?
Some sources say they are very venomous though I don't know about life threatening. I'm not sure if anyone really knows how venomous they are since there aren't many accounts of people being bitten. Best not to get bitten. ;)

Any informatioin would be appreciated. I know the are aggressive but know little else about them. It seems every book I read says something differnt.
There are at least a few threads here at AB that address trapdoor spiders. Go here (http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/search.php), type in the keywords for your search, click search now, and sift through the info given there for much better answers than I've given.

Good luck! :)