Tarantulas
Eight Legged 'Beasts'
Tarantulas have a reputation that precedes them - a reputation of being the
biggest, the baddest the most FEARSOME of all spiders. Hairy, fast, scary –
sure, there’s some truth behind the rumors. But would you ever guess that these
supposedly FIERCE giants of the spider world would much rather run and hide
than stay and fight?
Tarantulas takes the visitor on a journey of scientific discovery, as
it explores and dispels the myths and half-truths commonly associated with these
harmless spiders. With colorful graphics, fables and authentic facts, along
with a unique collection of live tarantulas, visitors get an up close and personal
view of their hidden world.
Did you know that there are tarantulas that live underground, only emerging
under the cover of darkness to seek out and ambush their prey? Or that there
are tarantulas specially adapted to life in the tallest treetops, equipped with
amazing agility and speed? With more than 800 known tarantula species in the
world, these and many other attributes are highlighted in the exhibit.
More than specimens on display in simple enclosures, Tarantulas is
a fully immersive and interactive experience, with its elegant presentation
of the tarantulas completing the experience.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
The scientific journey of discovery begins upon entering the gallery. Dramatic
lighting and rich, natural wood tones set the stage as backlit graphics and
animal habitats illuminate the space. Hearkening back to an era where scientific
discovery was at the forefront, Art Nouveau-inspired furniture and graphics
set the stage for the initial experience in a series of live tarantula encounters.
STORYLINE
Introduction
The introductory section of the exhibit is largely comprised of oversize graphics
that introduce basic information about tarantulas. Topics include:
- Definition of Arachnid ?
- Tarantula’s place within its Family Tree
- Definition of Tarantula ?
- Unique Anatomy and Examples
- Old World
- New World
- Arboreal and Subterranean
The Myth of the Beast: The Story of Tarantella, or How the Tarantula Got Its
Name
A small selection of live spiders is included in this section. Possible Species
Include: Asian Fawn, Venezuelan Red Stripe, Salmon Pink Bird Eater, Mexican
Red Knee, Wolf Spider.
Fast and Furious, or Meek and Mild?
Conceptual Rendering; Life Habits and Habitats
While at first glance tarantulas seem to all be the same, when you look a
bit closer it becomes clear that they are actually quite diverse in their unique
attributes. Each ‘group’ of tarantulas share specific qualities that are quite
different from one another, yet all contribute to their survival. This section
discusses:
Life Habits and Habitats?
Above and below ground, desert to rainforest, tarantulas thrive all over the
globe
Speedy, or Slow?
- The athletes and couch potatoes of the tarantula world
Why All That Hair?
Just How Poisonous Are They, Anyhow?
A large selection of tarantulas is on display in this section of the exhibit.
Potential Species include: Pink Toe, Brazilian Black and White, Desert Blonde,
Columbian Giant Red Leg, Green Bottle Blue, Curly, Indian Ornamental, Chilean
Rosehair.
Beauty: In the Eye of the Beholder
A replica of an elegant Victorian garden, this section showcases the diverse
and often overlooked natural beauty of these large spiders, tapping into the
very visceral reaction commonplace when viewing them. It also discusses and
displays some other types of arachnids and how they relate to tarantulas. And
finally, tarantulas and their relationship with humans is explored.
- Family Values: Arachne and her “Collection”
- Other Arachnids (see below)
- Eight Legged Treats ?
- Tarantulas as food for animals and people
- Tarantulas as Pets
Eight Legged “Beasts”: The Jewels of the Tarantula World
- Striking, Stunning, and Just Plain Hairy
Possible Species Include: Other Arachnids: Emperor Scorpions, Tailless Whip
Scorpions, Vinegaroon, other spiders. Tarantula Species: Mexican Golden Red
Rump, Goliath Birdeater, Cobalt Blue.
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS
Interactives
Incorporated throughout the exhibit is a selection of interactive experiences.
Illumination, sound and flip panel interactives provide additional learning
opportunities. In addition, a discreet area is planned for more family friendly
learning.
POTENTIAL SPECIES LIST
Chilean Rose Hair Grammostola rosea
Pink Toe Avicularia avicularia
Mexican Red Knee Brachypelma smithi
Salmon Pink Birdeater Lasiodora parahybana
Mexican Golden Red Rump Brachypelma albiceps
Asian Fawn Chilobrachys huahini
Antilles Pinktoe Avicularia versicolor
Brazilian Black and White Braziliopelma colloratvillosum
Red Slate Ornamental Poecilotheria reufilata
Venezuelan Green Bottle Blue Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens
Oklahoma Brown Aphonopelma hentzi
Goliath Birdeater Theraphosa blondi
Trinidad Chevron Psalmopoeus cambridgei
Cobalt Blue Haplopelma lividum
Brazilian Giant White Knee Acanthoscurria geniticulata
Venezuelan Red Stripe Avicularia minatrix
Indian Ornamental Poecilotheria regalis
Purple Pinktoe Avicularia urticans
King Baboon Citharischius crawshayi
Colombian Giant Red Leg Megaphobema robustum
Curly Hair Brachypelma albopilosum
Brazilian Black Grammostola pulchra
Brazilian Red and White Lasidora cristatus
Cinnamon Tarantula Crassicrus lamanai
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