THE STEINHART AQUARIUM - Gulf of Guinea Science ...

64 A Docent Field Guide to the Species of the Steinhart Aquarium
Mortality and Longevity: Lifespan: up to 5
years in the wild.
Remarks: Adaptations of scorpions to arid
habitat include waxy outer covering of
exoskeleton that reduces desiccation; ability
to estivate and/or hibernate; nocturnal habit.
The death stalker is the most toxic scorpion
on the planet. Its venom can cause extreme
pain, convulsions, paralysis, even death by
heart or respiratory failure. Sting is rarely fatal
to a healthy adult, but severity of symptoms
is weight-dependent; small children are at
extreme risk.
Components of venom are being studied for
potential use in the treatment of brain tumors
and diabetes.
Only the most experienced keepers should
care for this aggressive arachnid. Fortunately,
antivenom is available.
Scorpions that have small, narrow pincers generally
possess more toxic venom than brawnier
types, presumably to make up in chemical potency
what they lack in physical strength.
Scorpions kill twice as many people as snakes
do.
Note this scorpion is in the same family as the
species in African Hall’s Olive Baboon exhibit.
Desert Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus arizonensis (Caraboctonidae)
Distribution: Found in Mexico, western
Arizona, southern California and Nevada,
southwestern Utah.
Habitat: Semi-arid and arid habitats. Dig and
live in deep burrows in soil during summer.
Appearance: Black cephalothorax with
pale yellow rimmed segments; pale yellow
abdomen, pincer-like pedipalps, and legs; pale
undersurface; and abundant erect dark brown
sensory hairs. Largest of the nine scorpion
species in North America. Max. size: 14 cm.
Diet: Other scorpions, insects, spiders, small
lizards and snakes. Forages at night for prey
and mates.
Reproduction and Development: Like all
scorpions, the female gives birth to live young,
which remain on the mother’s back for 10–15
days. After shedding their first skin, the young
scatter to live independently. Young grow
slowly, shedding their skin several more times
before maturity.
Mortality/Longevity: Predators include owls
and bats.
Conservation Status: Important to the area
ecology and food chain.
Remarks: Venom in the scorpion’s stinger is
used to subdue struggling prey and for self
defense. The venom is not very potent or
painful to humans.
Females are more active in food seeking; males
are more active in mate seeking. In both sexes,
older scorpions are more active than younger
ones.
Like all scorpions, has poor eyesight, excellent
hearing, and a fine sense of touch (body hairs
detect air and ground vibrations).
Also like all scorpions, they fluoresce under
ultraviolet light, a characteristic that allows
scientists (and well-equipped backpackers) to
detect them in the night and perhaps signals
scorpions to avoid damaging UV light.
ORDER ARANEAE
(TRUE SPIDERS)
Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Haplopelma lividum (Theraphosidae)
Distribution: Southeast Asia.
Habitat: Tropical forests. H. lividum lives in
deep burrows. Reclusive; seldom seen outside
its burrow during the day, becoming somewhat
more active at night.
Appearance: Iridescent blue legs, light brown
carapace. Abdomen dark brown, often with
horizontal stripes.
Diet: Insects. Silk is laid down in and around
the burrow, and the spider darts out to capture
insects that disturb the silk.
Remarks: Notable for its aggressiveness. It
is not recommended for hobbyists unless
they are experienced and well informed. Like
Asian tarantulas generally, H. lividum lacks the
urticating hairs of North and South American
species; instead it relies on biting for defense.
Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eater
Lasiodora parahybana (Theraphosidae)
Distribution: Throughout eastern Brazil.
Habitat: Terrestrial; floor of tropical rainforests.
Appearance: A large-bodied tarantula with
abdomen and legs covered with sensitive, long,