Pamphobeteus/Xenesthis--Difference?

Sometimes I see pics of Pamphobeteus species or Xenesthis species and I can't see any noticeable difference. Can someone give me the ultra-detailed version of why there are two different genera here? Are they closely related? How can the "layman" (A.K.A. myself!) tell the difference between the two?

:?

-Kelly

Originally posted by kellygirl
How can the "layman" (A.K.A. myself!) tell the difference between the two?

Click to expand...

It is very very easy to distinguish between Xenesthis and Pamphobeteus though they share a superficial resemblance.

The jumping point is to look at the leg IV - the rear legs. Take a look at metatarsus and check out the scopula pads on the ventral surface. In Pamphobeteus it covers no more than maximum 1/4 of the segment distally. In Xenesthis it covers the whole lenght of the metatarsus, extending up to the sides and the dorsal surface as well.

Check the drawing for comparison ;-)

This is the major point in distinguishing Xenesthis from the other Theraphosinae. Next question is how do you differentiate between, Pamphobeteus, Phormictopus, Sericopelma, Megaphobema and Theraphosa? ;-p

Best regards
Søren

Re: Re: Pamphobeteus/Xenesthis--Difference?

Originally posted by phormingochilus
It is very very easy to distinguish between Xenesthis and Pamphobeteus though they share a superficial resemblance.

The jumping point is to look at the leg IV - the rear legs. Take a look at metatarsus and check out the scopula pads on the ventral surface. In Pamphobeteus it covers no more than maximum 1/4 of the segment distally. In Xenesthis it covers the whole lenght of the metatarsus, extending up to the sides and the dorsal surface as well.

Check the drawing for comparison ;-)

This is the major point in distinguishing Xenesthis from the other Theraphosinae. Next question is how do you differentiate between, Pamphobeteus, Phormictopus, Sericopelma, Megaphobema and Theraphosa? ;-p

Best regards
Søren

Click to expand...

Very informative! Thank you Søren!

Jake

Hi,

Xenesthis sp.: >>click here<<

all the best,
Martin

Ah, good to know there are some firm points of definition out there, in all the haze.

And, not to hijack this thread or anything, but could you perhaps just glance at this thread Martin H. ? I don't know who else to ask.

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20513

Thank you, Soren and Martin! The difference is very clear to me now. I appreciate it! Glad we have access to people who know what they're talking about around here!

-Kelly

Great info!

Thanks for sharing that, Soren! We're all very fortunate to have you here!

Paul