Encyocratella is a monotypicgenus of Tanzanian tarantulas (family Theraphosidae) containing the single species, Encyocratella olivacea,[1] also known as the Tanzanian black and olive baboon spider.[citation needed] It was first described by Embrik Strand in 1907,[1][3] and is found in Tanzania.[1]
They are one of two tarantulas which females do not have a spermatheca, instead opting for oviducts and uterus externus.[4] Its carapace is a golden color, with a golden opisthosoma with a black fishbone pattern and spotting. The femur is a deep black color, with the rest of the legs being golden as most of the rest of the body.[citation needed]
They are arboreal in nature, but also show burrowing tendencies, so they are sometimes confused as such. Most will try to flee at first, but persistent provocation may result in a bite or a threat pose. Their bite might be painful, as they probably have medically significant venom.[4]
^Gallon, R. C. (2005). "Encyocratella olivacea Strand, 1907, a senior synonym of Xenodendrophila gabrieli Gallon, 2003 (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Stromatopelminae) with a description of the male". Zootaxa. 1003: 46. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.1003.1.3.
^Strand, E. (1907). "Vorläufige Diagnosen afrikanischer und südamerikanischer Spinnen". Zoologischer Anzeiger. 31: 525–558.
^Piniel, Neduvoto; Elia, John; Sitoni, Daniel; Kayombo, Canisius (2012). "Common PLANTS of MOUNT MERU"(PDF). Arusha National Park (ANAPA), Arusha District, TANZANIA. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
