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Rainforest tarantulas, scientifically known as Coremiocnemis sp., are one of Australia's largest spiders but are smaller than Phlogius sp.. These arachnids are commonly found in the rainforests of far north Queensland, particularly in the mountainous rainforest regions. Rainforest tarantulas exhibit a broad dietary range, preying on various invertebrates as well as small vertebrates. They create deep burrows along embankments, often situated near creeks or walking tracks. These burrows are strategically constructed beneath rocks or logs to prevent water infiltration and soil collapse. In addition to reinforcing their burrows, rainforest tarantulas employ copious amounts of silk for waterproofing.
Despite their relatively slow movement, rainforest tarantulas possess the ability to scale smooth surfaces like glass and plastic using scopula pads located on their feet. Furthermore, they utilize tarsal claws to firmly grip plants and logs. The bodies of rainforest tarantulas are covered in fine sensory hairs known as setae, which enable them to detect prey by sensing minute air currents and vibrations.
This species follows a unique reproductive process, depositing eggs within an egg sac. The female tarantulas clutch the egg sac with their fangs for approximately 30 days. Eventually, they open the sac to release the spiderlings, although in captivity, some mother tarantulas may consume the egg sac, with the exception of Coremiocnemis species. The spiderlings gather around the mother for about a month without exhibiting cannibalistic behavior. However, if they come across each other after dispersal, cannibalism is likely to occur.
Similar to other invertebrates, tarantulas undergo molting to shed their exoskeleton and facilitate growth. During this process, the tarantula seals its burrow for approximately a week. Molting can last anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes, with smaller tarantulas requiring less time. As tarantulas mature, it becomes easier to distinguish between males and females. Males exhibit enlarged and swollen pedipalps, as well as a less robust build and long, slender legs.
Tarantula Venom
Tarantula Venom
The venom of Australian tarantulas, including rainforest tarantulas, is a complex mixture of bioactive compounds that exhibit various physiological effects. These compounds, predominantly peptides and proteins, play crucial roles in immobilizing and subduing prey.
The venom of Australian tarantulas contains a diverse array of neurotoxins, including δ-atracotoxins and ω-atracotoxins, which target the nervous system of their victims. These neurotoxins act upon specific ion channels and receptors, interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses. For example, δ-atracotoxins selectively interact with voltage-gated sodium channels, leading to a disruption of neuronal excitability. ω-Atracotoxins, on the other hand, interact with calcium channels, hindering neurotransmitter release and ultimately inducing paralysis in the prey.
Enzymes are also present in the venom of Australian tarantulas, such as metalloproteases, serine proteases, and hyaluronidases. These enzymes play essential roles in the breakdown and digestion of the prey's tissues. Metalloproteases, for instance, cleave proteins and extracellular matrix components, facilitating tissue degradation. Serine proteases exhibit proteolytic activity, breaking down proteins into smaller fragments. Hyaluronidases, on the other hand, assist in the diffusion of venom components by degrading hyaluronic acid, a major component of the extracellular matrix.
Additionally, Australian tarantula venom contains peptides with immunomodulatory properties. These peptides, known as tarantula venom peptide toxins (TVPTs), can modulate the immune response of the prey. Some TVPTs may target immune cells, altering their function or suppressing immune signaling pathways. These immunomodulatory effects may aid the tarantulas in overcoming the prey's defenses and enhancing the success of their predation.
While the venom of Australian tarantulas is generally considered of low medical significance to humans, individual responses to bites can still vary. Localized symptoms, including pain, redness, and swelling, may occur at the bite site. It is important to note that the study of tarantula venoms is ongoing, and there is still much to learn about the specific composition and functions of the numerous bioactive compounds they contain. Continued research into these venomous cocktails may yield valuable insights for potential medical applications, such as drug development or the understanding of ion channel physiology.
Refrences:
Refrences:
Occurrence records by Atlas of Living Australia - ALA (coremiocnemis tropix)
Leaflet | Atlas of Living Australia, Map data © OpenStreetMap, imagery © CartoDB
Arachne - http://www.arachne.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=2597
Species profile—Coremiocnemis tropix (tropix) | Queensland government - https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species-search/details/?id=35638
Tarantupedia - https://www.tarantupedia.com/selenocosmiinae/coremiocnemis/coremiocnemis-tropix
GBIF species - https://www.gbif.org/species/100060825
GBIF distribution map - https://www.gbif.org/species/2154094
Find a spider | Coremiocnemis tropix - http://www.findaspider.org.au/find/spiders/716.htm
Research gate figures (5) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228382371_A_new_tarantula_species_from_northern_Australia_Araneae_Theraphosidae/figures?lo=1
Research gate | A new tarantula species from northern Australia (Araneae, Theraphosidae) - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228382371_A_new_tarantula_species_from_northern_Australia_Araneae_Theraphosidae
World spider catalogue | Coremiocnemis tropix - https://wsc.nmbe.ch/species/37334/Coremiocnemis_tropix
Inatrualist listing - https://inaturalist.ca/taxa/797402-Coremiocnemis-tropix
BOLDSYSTEMS - http://boldsystems.org/index.php/Public_BINSearch?query=%22Coremiocnemis%20tropix%22[tax]
Animal diversity web - https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Coremiocnemis_tropix/classification/
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