Mini: The tiny Antilles tarantulas that have hatched at Bristol Zoo for the first timeIf you're scared of creepy crawlies, it's probably too late to look away... but at least this lot are only incy-wincy ones.
These tiny tarantulas, among a litter of 140, have become the first of their kind to be born at Bristol Zoo Gardens.
They are Antilles pink-toed bird-eating spiders and, at four weeks old, are now little more than the size of a 5p coin.
Zoo guests can see the new arrivals that sport a striking metallic steel blue-black colouring in the window of the tropical breeding room in the Zoo's Bug World.
Mark Bushell, assistant curator of invertebrates at Bristol Zoo, said: 'This species is one of the most beautiful types of tarantula around.
'When the spiderlings first hatch, they are tiny and translucent but they gradually develop, moult and turn into little blue fluffy tarantulas and are very eye-catching.'
The Zoo's female Antilles pink-toed bird-eating spider has recently produced more than 140 babies which, at four weeks old, are now little more than the size of a 5p coin. And much smaller than a grapeHe added: 'Breeding these spiders is a real achievement. It has been a fantastic experience for our team of invertebrate keepers and means now have the tools to successfully breed more species of arachnid in future, including some of the more endangered species.'
The Antilles pink-toed tarantula is one of the most popular tree spiders. It comes from Martinique, off the coast of South America, and is highly sought after because of its attractive adult coloration, along with a fairly docile temperament.
As young Antilles spiders mature, their blue colouring is replaced by its adult colours - a metallic green carapace and an abdomen covered in red hairs. Its long furry legs become swathed in reds, pinks, and browns. These tree spiders are very quick and agile.
source: dailymail
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