
Colombian lesserblack tarantula
Xenesthis immanis
Xenesthis immanis, the Colombian lesser black tarantula, is a terrestrial bird spider (tarantula) found in Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. It is a relatively large spider with a body length reaching 6–7 cm and a length width reaching 19–22 cm.
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Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenesthis_immanis
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Theraphosidae
Genus
Xenesthis
Colombian lesserblack tarantula belongs to the family Theraphosidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
Xenesthis immanis, the Colombian lesser black tarantula, is a terrestrial bird spider (tarantula) found in Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. It is a relatively large spider with a body length reaching 6–7 cm and a length width reaching 19–22 cm. It frequently displays a commensal or mutualistic relationship with the microhylid frog Chiasmocleis ventrimaculata. The relationship described is one where the spider may protect the frog and its eggs from predators while the frog protects the spider's eggs from ants. It has also been observed closely associating with Hamptophryne boliviana, another microhylid.
The Colombian lesserblack tarantula faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development in its limited range. Collection pressure for the international pet trade has further reduced wild populations of this endemic Colombian species.
Key Facts
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Colombian lesserblack tarantula faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development in its limited range. Collection pressure for the international pet trade has further reduced wild populations of this endemic Colombian species.
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Habitat loss and fragmentation from deforestation
Limited geographic range increasing vulnerability
Collection for international pet trade
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Colombian lesserblack tarantula (Xenesthis immanis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/colombian-lesserblack-tarantula