Issue: #1 August/2010
Not So Creepy Critters Newsletter
2
Greetings!

Courtney and Erik have enjoyed many adventures this summer and have been studying more about arachnids with their friend and entomologist, John Slaughter. We want to share what we've learned about these fascinating critters. We also have added new members to our family. We plan on featuring one critter a month and offering new information on each.
 

wolf spider

Tarantulas vs.
True Spiders





Arachnids, like scorpions, don't fossilize well. Because of this, scientists disagree on the evolution of these critters. All spiders that are not tarantulas are called "true spiders." Many scientists believe tarantulas are ancestors to true spiders, since true spiders are more advanced in many ways. Some true spiders are: Black Widows, Wolf Spiders and Jumping Spiders. The most obvious difference between tarantulas and true spiders can be seen in the fangs. Tarantulas have fangs that point downward, while true spiders have fangs that oppose each other.

All of the systems in true spiders are more developed than those in tarantulas. For example, because of a more advanced respiratory system, true spiders can move and breathe at the same time. This helps true spiders move faster and cover more distance without stopping. Tarantulas cannot breathe while they are moving. They have to stop for short periods to catch their breath. Tarantulas and true spiders all have booklungs to help them breathe, but the tarantulas' booklungs are far less advanced.

The brains of true spiders are also more developed...

Click here to view the entire article.

EVENTS

**The Learning Zone**

Drew

Watch Courtney and Erik on the Del Mar College Channel, channel 19, and on channel 10 beginning Tuesday, August 31.  They will be featured  on  the show, The Learning Zone. Tune in to learn more about why some tarantulas are mistakenly known as bird eaters.


PARTIES
Lucy
Click photo for more information.

Remember Not So Creepy Critters when planning your next event! Birthday Parties, Scouting Events and Fall Festivals are more fun with Not So Creepy Critters!

FUN ACTIVITY!

Go on a spider hunt, and don't forget your camera! We watched this jumping spider enjoy an afternoon snack and protect our cousin's garden from this katydid.

jumping spider dining
 
 

PROMOTIONS
Erik/Pippin
Back to School Savings!

Adopt a tarantula or a scorpion  TODAY! Many TEKS are reached when a tarantula or scorpion habitat  is maintained in the classroom.


Our tarantulas and scorpions come in easy-to-view habitats. We are offering 20% off the critter(s) of your choice for  September and October only. Hurry! This offer is only good until we sell out.
In This Issue
Tarantulas vs. True Spiders
Events
Parties
Fun Activities
Promotions
Click here to visit our website!

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GONDOR
Featured Critter

This is  Erik's pet Costa Rica Tiger Rump tarantula. Erik named her Gondor. Gondor's scientific name is Cyclosternum fasciatum. Costa Rica Tiger Rump tarantulas are a dwarf species. Dwarf species usually live only about 7 years, which is a much shorter life expectancy than other tarantulas. Some tarantulas can live up to 40 years in captivity. Costa Rica Tiger Rump tarantulas have a 4 inch leg span when fully grown. One of the smallest known dwarf tarantulas is called a Trinidad Dwarf. They  only have about a  1-2 inch leg span when fully grown. The Trinidad Dwarf's scientific name is Cyriocosmus elegans.

Click here to see map of Costa Rica

C & E - Navy family day
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