AN EIGHT-legged furry critter is the newest resident at Stratford Butterfly Farm.
A Chilean Rose Tarantula, Grammostola Rosea is on display in the discovery zone behind the safety of a glass tank.
Best known for their pink colouring, Chilean Rose Tarantulas are found in desert or scrubland regions of Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. They are docile in nature and commonly kept as pets.
They have tiny hair like barbs that can be used as defence by flicking the bristles at a predator causing an irritating, itching sensation. Their venom is mild, which they use to immobilise and liquify the insides of their prey which they drink through their fangs. Bites on humans are rare and comparable in pain to a bee sting.
There is also the chance to get up close to come of the Butterfly Farm’s other residents, including giant stick insects and Madagascan hissing cockroaches.
For more information visit www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone on 01789 299288.