- This creepy crawler sports a fiery red pigment
throughout its body,
and it's got a temperament to match.
(whimsical music)
The Fireleg tarantula's body is a brownish black color,
with a rich red hue along it's legs.
This spider is a mid-size new world tarentula,
growing around 5 to 6 inches.
This particular species is easily provoked
when surrounded by other animals.
When feeling threatened, they flick off
what are know as urticating hairs,
which cause irritation
and a burning sensation to predators.
Native to Mexico, the Fireleg tarentula
prefers dry scrub land.
They are a terrestrial species often found
in burrows self made or abandoned by rodents and lizards.
The illegal pet trade, combined
with ongoing destruction of natural habitat,
causes considerable concern for the future of this species.
This is the Mexican Fireleg tarentula.
(whimsical music)