one of the whipscorpions, common and innocuous
animals that belong to an entirely different arthropod
order (Amblypygi) than true scorpions (Scorpiones).
On the other hand, it is also common to come upon
real scorpions, the ones with poison glands at the
tip of their dexterous abdomen (plates 16- 105– 106).
Scorpions have imposing claws, rather like those of
lobsters, but it is the poison- packed stinger on the
abdomen of which to beware. Scorpions reside in leaf
litter and decaying logs. They also enter dwellings, so
be aware that you should not leave clothes lying on the
floor— and it is not a bad idea in some areas to check
your shoes or boots before putting them on, lest a
scorpion be occupying your footwear. Many scorpions
give painful but nonlethal stings, but some are rather
more dangerous, and some of these tend to be among
the smallest in body size. So do not assume that the
bigger the scorpion, the more dangerous it must be.
Spiders
There are many spider species in the Neotropics, and
a few, such as the orb weavers, are spectacular in
appearance, so take the time to enjoy them (plate 16-
107). Orb weavers are discussed in chapter 8.
Tarantulas
Tarantulas are essentially big, hairy, scary- looking
spiders. But in reality they are rather docile if not harassed
and are fascinating to see (plate 16- 108). Tarantulas
belong to a group of spiders called megalomorphs,
in the family Theraphosidae, and there are reputed to
be approximately 900 species throughout the world.
Tarantulas are typically active at night, emerging from
burrows to hunt. The largest of the Neotropical tarantulas
are the so- called bird- eating spiders of Amazonia. The
largest is the Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi). Its
leg span reaches up to 30 cm (12 in). That’s a big spider.
All tarantulas are covered with hairlike spines, and they
move quickly if bothered. Their bite, like all spider bites,
contains poison, but they usually seek escape rather than
exhibit aggression, and most people are not inclined
to pick them up and risk a bite. Tarantulas of various
species are found in a wide variety of habitats ranging
from deserts to rain forest. They are reclusive, staying in
burrows during daylight hours and exploring for food at
night. Look for them anywhere.
Plate 16- 107. The Spiny Orb Weaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis)
is a widespread spider, not only throughout the Neotropics
but throughout much of southern North America, as well
as Australia, South Africa, and many other areas. It is seen
frequently in the forest understory. Photo by Dennis Paulson.Plate 16- 108. This tarantula was photographed during a night
walk, as it happened to be wandering about on a dusty road.
Photo by John Kricher.Plate 16- 106. Scorpions have the characteristic of reflecting
ultraviolet light, as shown in this image. Photo by James
Adams.364 chapter 16