Domino
White knee tarantula
Acanthoscurria geniculata
Born:
2024
Brazil
Native range:
My story:
Domino has been part of Wriggly Roadshow since he was barely larger than a five-pence piece. As a tiny spiderling, he was extremely quick and skittish, but over the years he has matured into an exceptionally calm and confident tarantula.
He has become a wonderful ambassador for spiders, helping hundreds of nervous visitors take a huge step towards overcoming their fears. Although he can still produce an impressive burst of speed when he chooses, Domino is normally remarkably relaxed during carefully supervised encounters.
His calm personality disappears completely at feeding time! Domino is enormously enthusiastic about his food and has been observed gathering as many as five cockroaches around his fangs at once—rather like an eight-legged waiter attempting to carry far too many plates. His impressive size, striking white knee bands and gentle nature make him one of the most memorable members of the Wriggly Roadshow family.
Did you know?
A growing Brazilian white knee tarantula can regenerate an entire missing leg! The replacement develops hidden beneath its old exoskeleton and emerges when the tarantula next moults. At first, the new leg may be smaller and thinner than the others, but after further moults it can become almost impossible to distinguish from the original. It is rather like having a spare limb growing underneath a suit of armour!