AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Phoneutria boliviensis
Bolivian Wandering Spider
F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, fast-moving, and highly venomous spider. They have a brown or greyish appearance with lighter stripes on their legs and distinct warning coloration under their front legs.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Arachnida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Araneae
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Ctenidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Phoneutria
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Found in tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They often wander along the forest floor at night and hide in dark places, logs, or broad-leafed plants (like bananas) during the day.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal wanderers. They are highly aggressive if cornered, biting defensively. During the day, they seek shelter in dark, humid places.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary. Interactions between individuals usually only occur during mating or territorial disputes.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nocturnal wandering predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Top invertebrate predators in their micro-habitat, feeding on large insects, crickets, and occasionally small frogs and lizards. Predated upon by large tarantula hawk wasps and some mammals.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males approach females with extreme caution, performing a complex courtship dance to avoid cannibalism. Females lay hundreds of eggs in a silk sack which they vigorously guard.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.5 - 4.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.400 - 1000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 18 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
20 - 30
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males12 - 24 Months
Females24 - 36 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Generally have a smaller abdomen but comparatively longer legs. Males also feature swollen pedipalps used for transferring sperm during mating.
Females Multi-lang
Heavier and more robust with a larger abdomen to accommodate egg production. They lack the bulbous ends on their pedipalps.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Does not build webs to hunt; instead, relies on stealth, speed, and acute sensory hairs to detect and ambush prey.
Possesses a potent neurotoxic venom used to quickly subdue relatively large prey, including small vertebrates.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Frequently killed by humans out of fear, especially when discovered in agricultural areas or homes.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
When threatened, they adopt a defensive posture by rearing up on their hind legs and displaying their front legs high in the air.
They are often called 'banana spiders' because they occasionally hide in banana clusters and are accidentally shipped internationally.