Avicularia Revision

As 2017 is rolling out we have come to find out there are new changes to Avicularia. This genus by Lamarck, 1818 has been revised and all species rediagnosed. This entire report has been published as well as well documented and can be found here. It is an interesting article and very informative for any tarantula keeper and we highly recommend you taking the time to read it.

Avicularia versicolor

(photo by Tom Patterson)

However, for those who just want to know what changed…..Here ya go:

A.versicolor is now Caribena versicolor

A.laeta is now Caribena laeta

A.rickwesti is now Antillena rickwesti

A.sooretama is now Ybyrapora sooretama

A.gamba is now Ybyrapora gamba

A.diversipes is now Ybyrapora diversipes

A.avicularia variegata is now A.variegata

A.bicegoi is now A.variegata

A.velutina is now A.avicularia

A.exilis is now A.avicularia

A.ancylochyra is now A.avicularia

A.cuminami is now A.avicularia

A.nigrotaeniata is now A.avicularia

A.urticans is now A.juruensis

A.affinis is now Euathlus affinis

A.subvulpina is now Grammostola subvulpina

A.aymara is now Thrixopelma aymara

A.leporina is now Iridopelma leporina

A.plantaris is now Iridopelma plantaris

 

This genus was a taxonomic dumping ground for wrongly placed species. Taxonomy long ago was nowhere near as specific and precise as it is now. That’s why so many things were incorrectly placed into certain genera. It is also why so many species are now to be synonymous with others. When a genus gets moved or changed, it just means that it never belonged in the genus it was in to begin with. When this happens it needs to be moved to the correct genus and this is just one of many new revisions to come as technology and better research happen in the 21st century. It might be hard to understand but this will end up being for the betterment and for the future of this genera.

 

What about you? What are your thoughts? Share with us and remember to rename your tarantulas!