About Pterinochilus murinus Pocock, 1897
Pterinochilus murinus Pocock, 1897 is a tarantula species. Females of this species reach 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in total body size, measured from the tip of the front left leg to the tip of the rear right leg, while males typically measure 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm). The spider's abdomen, carapace, and legs share the same general base coloration, though the legs usually have brightly colored rings. The carapace features a star-shaped pattern, and a fishbone pattern appears on the abdomen. Like all tarantulas, its eyes are clustered together on a raised section of the carapace. Its body is covered in short hairs, and longer hairs are present on the legs. This species does not have urticating hairs. There are currently 5 recognized colour variants of Pterinochilus murinus, each associated with specific localities: BCF (Brown Colour Form) from Tete, Mozambique; DCF (Dark Colour Form) from Botswana/Zimbabwe, Kenya, Kigoma, and Mikumi; OCF (Orange Colour Form) from the Usambara Mountains Region, previously called UMW before RCF was identified; RCF (Red Colour Form) from the Usambara Mountains Region; and TCF (Typical Colour Form) from Kenya and Mozambique. These colour variants occur in different geographical areas, and their colouration is thought to be linked to the type of soil in the habitats where each variant lives. Pterinochilus murinus is distributed across different parts of Africa, and has also been recorded on the island of Zanzibar.
