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Hercules tarantula

We are delighted that Paul Kutschkow has taken over the sponsorship of the Hercules bird spider (Hysterocrates gigas).

  • Name
    Hercules tarantula
  • Scientific Name
    Hysterocrates gigas
  • Sponsor
    Paul Kuchkov

Hercules tarantula

We are delighted that Paul Kutschkow has taken over the sponsorship of the Hercules bird spider (Hysterocrates gigas).

The females of the Hercules bird spider, which is widespread in the rainforests and wet savannahs from Ghana to Cameroon, reach a full 7 centimetres in length. When positioned like our sponsored exhibit in the picture, they can even reach 13 centimetres with legs!

The nocturnal predators dig heavily spun earth tubes up to 15 cm deep. They react extremely aggressively when disturbed. In addition to insects and other arthropods, their prey includes small lizards and mice, for example.

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