Singapore Black Tarantula
individuals of this ground dwelling Selenocosmia can be brownish and may be mistaken as a Phlogiellus. However, the adult female can be easily distinguished from Phlogiellus by its sheer size, colouration (almost black), more robust legs with more prominent scopulae and claw tufts, and distinct genitalia.
The female has two-toned legs with darker femora, as in Coremiocnemis. although the tonal difference is less stark. Nevertheless, its legs IV lack a denser brush of longer hairs and bristles (a character seen in most Coremiocnemis females). The genitalia and mouthparts also differ from those of typical Coremiocnemis, being closer to those seen in several species currently classified under Selenocosmia. In the past, this species has been referred to as S. javanensis (Walckenaer, 1837) the type species of the genus Selenocosmia, but this cannot be confirmed until the type specimen is found or re-established.
| Length | ♀ 45–50 mm; ♂ unknown |
| Distribution | Singapore. |
| Habitat | Primary and maturing secondary forests and their grassy fringes. |
| Biology | It lives in silk-lined tubes in natural crevices or in burrows excavated by the spider. Pictured below is a female wandering outside its burrow with a large and almost spherical egg sac held under its fangs and palps. |
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Chelicerata (Chelicerates)
Class Arachnida (Arachnids)
Order Araneae (Spiders)
Suborder Mygalomorphae (Mygalomorphs)
Singapore.