QUICK FACT: This tarantula (aka, Mexican black velvet tarantula) is part of the indigenous cultural worldview of many Zapotec peoples, but sadly their populations are drastically declining.

THREATS: Habitat loss, fragmentation, road mortality, and illegal trafficking.

IMPORTANCE: A top invertebrate predator and burrow-builder that can shape local soil microhabitats.

Photo credit: Ivan Montes de Oca Cacheux/CONABIO

QUICK FACT: This tarantula (aka, Mexican black velvet tarantula) is part of the indigenous cultural worldview of many Zapotec peoples, but sadly their populations are drastically declining.

THREATS: Habitat loss, fragmentation, road mortality, and illegal trafficking.

IMPORTANCE: A top invertebrate predator and burrow-builder that can shape local soil microhabitats.

Photo credit: Ivan Montes de Oca Cacheux/CONABIO