Tarantula or tarantula in Costa Rica?

Both names Tarantula and Mygale have often been confused and misused. But the good news is it's not your fault. So where does the confusion come from? We'll clear things up in this article. First of all, let's take a look at the famous tarantula.

La Tarentule :

The true Tarantula (Tarentula), with the scientific name Lycosa tarantula takes its name from the Italian town of Taranto. It belongs to the araneomorph suborder and the lycosidae. Yes, it does matter, you'll see. This is actually a particularly large species of wolf spider (lycosidae). Tarantulas are not as large as tarantulas: their bodies measure a maximum of 3 cm in length (as opposed to 3 to 10 cm for tarantulas). It lives in burrows in Italy, southern France and the Balkans. It is the source of many beliefs, such as that its bite is fatal or that it is the cause of tarentism. The truth is quite different. It's not the tarantula that's responsible, but the black widow spider. Tarentism kept the victim in a kind of daze, followed by a long sleep, and sometimes complicated matters to the point of death. This comprehensive article will show you the extent to which this disease was considered mystical, even demonic, as it plunged the victim into a state of possession. Related link https://journals.openedition.org/ethnomusicologie/102  

The Mygale

  Visit tarantulas are large spiders belonging to the suborder Mygalomorphaes and family Theraphosidaes. These spiders are found in the tropics, including Costa Rica. 13 species of mygales have been recorded in Costa Rica. Among the best known is the orange-kneed mygale. Known by the scientific names fossorium  and albopilosum. These spiders have a fairly marked sexual dimorphism, meaning that the male is much smaller than the female. Mygales have a neurotoxic venom powerful enough to kill animals the size of lizards or small mice.

It's important to remember that the vast majority of tarantulas are harmless to humans, even if the bite remains painful. So you have nothing to fear in Costa Rica.  

So where does the confusion between tarantula and tarantula come from?

There are several reasons for this confusion:

• First of all, the size of both species. Even if the mygale is much larger. It's very rare to have the two specimens next to each other for comparison. What's more, you'd have to be a spider connoisseur to tell the difference.
• French/English naming. This is undoubtedly where the greatest confusion comes from. When a Frenchman uses the word mygale to refer to spiders of the Mygalomorphae family, English speakers use the term Tarantula, e.g. Costarican zebra tarantula. However, the English "Tarentula" is confused with the Latin name of the Italian species, dHence the confusion.

Do you find tarantulas or tarantulas in Costa Rica?

As we saw earlier, the real tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) live in Europe and the Middle East. So in Costa Rica you'll find nothing but tarantulas.  

What characterizes mygales?

The most impressive aspect of mygales is their size. In Costa Rica, the average size of a mygale (we measure the size of the body, not the legs) is around 8 to 10 cm. Mygales can live up to 20 years (often more) for females and around 5 years for males. They die shortly after reaching sexual maturity. Tarantulas are known for their large chelicerae (venom fangs), but also for their ability to expel stinging hairs from their abdomen when they vibrate. These stinging hairs can cause skin irritation. The presence of hairs on the mygale's legs is also one of its main characteristics.  

Where do Costa Rican tarantulas live?

Generally speaking, tarantulas like damp forests, riverbanks and deep forests. They live in burrows on the ground or under stones, in tree trunks or any other cavity large enough to accommodate them. The mother mygale lays her eggs in the burrow, wraps them in a cocoon and nests them deep inside the nest. She closes the nest until the eggs hatch. If you're not lucky enough to be able to see her in her natural environment, many tourist terrariums in Costa Rica offer this possibility. We could mention those in Monteverde, for example. Monteverde is an excellent spot for spotting tarantulas, as on a night tour of the Monteverde nocturnal refuge.  

How can you tell if a tarantula is in its nest?

A tarantula's hole is usually perfectly circular. If you pass a hole with this characteristic and it's blocked by a spider's web, then the spider has gone hunting. When she returns, she may be lucky enough to see an insect caught in the web. If the hole is not covered by the web, the spider is either inside or has abandoned the nest.  

Are tarantulas aggressive towards humans?

Absolutely not. Mygales are rather quiet spiders that prefer to hide rather than come looking for us. The mygale is a predator, which means it will hunt its prey, either on the ground, in trees or underground in galleries. Accidental bites on humans are due to manipulation or a defensive reaction. It should be remembered that mygale venom is not lethal to humans.

How well do you know tarantulas and tarantulas?

Now that we've seen their main differences, let's look at what they have in common. As spiders, they both have :

• Four pairs legs (8 in all)
• From chelicerae (the famous venom hooks)
• A body divided into two parts the cephalothorax (where the legs are inserted) and the abdomen
• From single eyes
• A exoskeleton (external skeleton)
• No sense of hearing or smell

These are just some of the characteristics shared by tarantulas, tarantulas and other spiders. Whether tarantula or tarantula, Central American or European, these two charming spiders contribute to the world's biodiversity, making it richer and more beautiful. So, if you too are passionate about nature and spiders, don't hesitate to come and explore Costa Rica.