Megaphobema velvetosoma

Megaphobema velvetosoma is a large tarantula species found in Colombia and Ecuador. It is one of five species currently recognized in the genus Megaphobema. Key facts about M. velvetosoma: Adult females can have a body length of up to 9 cm, with a leg span of up to 20 cm, making it one of the larger tarantula species in South America. The coloration is typically a uniform dark brown to black, with a distinctive velvety appearance due to the dense covering of short hairs on the body and legs. M. velvetosoma is a terrestrial species that inhabits tropical rainforests, often hiding in deep burrows or under debris on the forest floor. This species is known for its large size, its velvety appearance, and its occurrence in the rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador. The natural history and behavior of this species in the wild are poorly studied, and more research is needed to understand its ecology and conservation status. The current conservation status of M. velvetosoma is unknown, and further research is required to assess any potential threats to its populations in the wild. As with many tarantula species in Colombia and Ecuador, habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation and land-use changes may pose risks to wild populations.