Phrynus longipes (Pocock, 1894) |
Synonyms: Neophrynus palmatus, Tarantula longipes, Tarantula thorellii |
Phrynus longipes is restricted to Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It has been found in moist and dry subtropical and tropical forests, and in caves, up to 300-400 m asl. This is one of the largest species in the genus; the abdomen measures up to 24 mm, but the front legs can be 250 mm long. The carapace is reddish-brown, with two indistinct lateral stripes; the legs are banded. Like other Amblypygi, P. longipes has 3 pairs of walking legs, and 1 pair of antenniform front legs used for sensory purposes. These are nocturnal ambush predators, which capture prey with arm-like pedipalps. They feed on a variety invertebrates, including conspecifics, and, occasionally, on small vertebrates, e.g., one was observed feeding on a hummingbird.