Whilst in Antigua....

[Damian Storer]

Hello all

It's been a while, but i've been unfortunate enough to see the end of my Chilean Rose (GR or maybe a GM?) & then been very fortunate to now be the proud owner of an Indian Ornamental he's (I believe?) about 80-90mm on the diagonal so has a lot of growing to do!!!

Anyhows, I was also very fortunate to be in Antigua in September & whilst walking back to my room one evening stopped dead in the footpath to see a beautiful, but fairly small, black tarantula sitting patiently as if waiting just for me in the middle of the path.

I believe that it may be a 'black horse' tarantula which are apparently the local variety. It was approximately 100-110mm on the diagonal & looked similar in proportions to a GR. I have a photo, but it's not very near as it was so dark that the flash kept the camera out of focus when i was too close, so you'll have to examine it from afar!

Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

ps. it is worthy to note that there were a considerable number of thumb (diameter) sized holes around the path where i saw the T, as i examined the area the next morning. I'm also going back there next September so if i can get more photos & more evidence gathered from the field, i'll do so just for you

[Peter Roach]

I was also very fortunate to be in Antigua in September & whilst walking back to my room one evening stopped dead in the footpath to see a beautiful, but fairly small, black tarantula sitting patiently as if waiting just for me in the middle of the path.

I believe that it may be a 'black horse' tarantula which are apparently the local variety. It was approximately 100-110mm on the diagonal & looked similar in proportions to a GR.

Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

A short search on the tinternet came up with a name . . . Cyrtopholis sp >>>> Picture link <<<< and after a quick read on various websites it seems that they are rarely seen except after a period of rain when they are a fairly common sight in certain areas.

[Damian Storer]

Thank you Mr Roach dependable as always!

Yeah the image certainly looks a lot like what I saw. Their appearance traits fits in too, as being in Antigua in mid September it's hot (30-32c) but showery, so it was probably on the hunt for some crickets.