Carlsbad Green Tarantula

February 7, 2022

There’s a new arrival at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House! Lincoln Park Zoo is excited to welcome a Carlsbad green tarantula.

The individual was placed in the zoo’s care after being confiscated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials at O’Hare International Airport as part of a larger illegal export of other invertebrates. Learn more about the illegal wildlife trafficking industry and how you can Take Action With Us to put an end to it.

The Carlsbad green tarantula possesses urticating hairs (causing a stinging or prickling sensation), which are very irritating to skin and mucous membranes. When the spider is threatened, these bristles are kicked into the air and serve as a defense mechanism against predators. When in pursuit of prey, this spider also produces a mild venom that is injected via fangs.

On your next visit to the zoo, the new addition can be spotted in the habitat adjacent to the prehensile-tailed porcupine exhibit.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Summerford.

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