Aphonopelma moderatum
This record describes Aphonopelma moderatum (species). Recorded family: Theraphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Females and subadult males are morphologically unique and can be readily identified by possessing an orange body disrupted by distinctly darkened (black or dark brown) banding on the patellae, metatarsi, and tarsi.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theraphosidae (Tarantulas)
- Genus
- Aphonopelma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX, Mexico "widely distributed in counties bordering the Rio Grande in Texas from Langtry (Val Verde County) to Edinburg (Hidalgo County) to more interior areas such as McMullen County"
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chamberlin & Ivie
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Aphonopelma moderatum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Aphonopelma moderatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Laura P.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphonopelma moderatum
What is Aphonopelma moderatum?
Aphonopelma moderatum is a species in the family Theraphosidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Aphonopelma moderatum?
Females and subadult males are morphologically unique and can be readily identified by possessing an orange body disrupted by distinctly darkened (black or dark brown) banding on the patellae, metatarsi, and tarsi.
Where is Aphonopelma moderatum found?
Range: TX, Mexico widely distributed in counties bordering the Rio Grande in Texas from Langtry (Val Verde County) to Edinburg (Hidalgo County) to more interior areas such as McMullen County