Rosie - Chilean Rose Tarantula In the wild Rosie comes the temperate forests of South America, especially in Chilli. Contrary to popular belief, they do not have a deadly bite. Tarantulas have eight eyes and eight legs. Their legs are jointed and if a leg is 'lost' it will grow back. Palps on the end of the legs allow the spider to smell, taste and feel. Their eyes are positioned around the head to see both forward and backwards. Even with eight eyes tarantulas don't have great vision, so use sensitive leg hairs for guidance. Rosie has been living with us for a couple of years now after being re-homed here as an unwanted pet. She's about eight years old. Female tarantulas can live to be 15 years old; the boys only live to about 5, as the females sometimes, like to eat the males after mating!! Rosie likes to eat Locusts, she also likes coming out of her cage to meet her adopters! Fortunately Chilli Rose Tarantulas are not endangered but like many species the illegal pet trade threatens their future as does the loss of their natural habitat. Hercules - Imperial Scorpion Imperial Scorpions are one of the largest of the scorpion family. They look black in colour but when held under an ultraviolet light you can see their true colour which is emerald green. Imperial scorpions have large pincers, they use these to catch and kill their prey as their venom is weak and only used in defence. Hercules has been with us for 2 years and came as an unwanted pet. He spends his days asleep in his tunnel and comes out at night to look for food!! His favourites are juicy locusts! Come and visit Hercules if you fancy a close encounter! Fortunately Imperial Scorpions are not endangered but like many species the illegal pet trade threatens their future as does the loss of their natural habitat. << back to main animals page Site by Pathway Designs