''Monocentropus'' is a
genus of
tarantulas that was first described by
Reginald Innes Pocock
Reginald Innes Pocock F.R.S. (4 March 1863 – 9 August 1947) was a British zoologist.
Pocock was born in Clifton, Bristol, the fourth son of Rev. Nicholas Pocock and Edith Prichard. He began showing interest in natural history at St. Edward ...
in 1897.
it contains three species, found on
Madagascar and in
Yemen: ''
M. balfouri'', ''
M. lambertoni'', and ''
M. longimanus''.
''M. balfouri'' has many unusual characteristics for a tarantula species, most notably their heightened aggression towards humans, gregarious nature with others of their own kind, and strong maternal instincts, with mothers even bringing food to their spiderlings. Their striking blue coloration and tendency to live in colonies make them an attractive, rewarding but challenging and obstreperous-natured pet.
See also
*
List of Theraphosidae species
References
Theraphosidae genera
Spiders of Africa
Spiders of Asia
Taxa named by R. I. Pocock
Theraphosidae
{{Theraphosidae-stub