These darkly coulored Columbian Tarantulas(no specific locality other than "New Grenada" is given) are unknown in the pet trade. According to Pocock's description,it is very similar to X. immanis. However,it is much larger.They are described as a olive to black tarantula,with a black carapace except for a pinkish spot around the eye area,and the abdomen is black with long light brown bristles and black legs.

This species was described in 1903 by Pocock when he stumbled upon a female.As far as is known,there has only been one specimen ever in a U.S. collection that grew to a 24cm. legspan.

Colour. Hairy clothing of body and limbs deep oliveblack and woolly ; a pair of purplish-red patches on the head, but otherwise without red pubescence.

Total length 74 ; carapace 32; first leg 76, second leg 70, third leg 71, fourth leg 89 ; patella and tibia of first 28, of fourth 29 ; protarsus of first 16, of fourth 25.

This species is nearly allied to Xenesthis immanis (Colombian Lesserblack, Purple Bloom Birdeater)

Xenesthis monstrosa Pocock, 1903

Type Locality and Records

Bibliography

Distribution