Forget smuggling drugs across borders to make a quick payday, how about smuggling spiders and insects?
This was what a South Korean man tried to do last week in Peru. Airport customs officials in the capital city of Lima confiscated 320 small tarantulas, 110 centipedes and 9 bullet ants from the suspected smuggler-all delicately packed around his waist and stomach area in ziploc bags with filter papers.
While arthropods like these won't trip a metal detector or thermal camera, officials noticed the man's mid-section looked unusually large, which triggered the search.
Events like these raise the question of just how many insect smugglers are able to pass through airport security undetected. Unfortunately, the answer is likely a lot-due to booming demand for these exotic critters on unregulated pet markets.
It's difficult to know exactly how big (or legal) the global arthropod trade is because most of its activity occurs on dark corners of the internet, but that hasn't stopped researchers from trying. According to one study published in Communications Biology, there are over 1,200 arachnid species from 66 families and 371 genera currently in trade. "Trade in these groups exceeds millions of individuals, with 67% coming directly from the wild," report the authors.
Such trade can have devastating environmental effects-both in terms of increasing the prevalence of invasive species and as a major driver of biodiversity loss. Unfortunately, regulatory bodies such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have few means by which to enforce laws governing the trade of invertebrates. Moreover, only a tiny fraction of arthropods are CITES listed-for example, less than 40 of the 50,000+ spider species are regulated by CITES-which makes it even more difficult to keep tabs on the trade.
Legality notwithstanding, here are four spiders that are highly sought after and command high prices (hundreds, even thousands of dollars) on exotic pet markets.
The gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica), known for its striking blue coloration, is a highly sought-after species in the global invertebrate pet market. Native to the forests of Andhra Pradesh in India, this tarantula is renowned for its vivid metallic blue body, contrasting black markings, and orange or red accents on its legs. Despite its stunning appearance, the gooty sapphire ornamental is considered one of the more defensive and fast-moving species, requiring experienced care from enthusiasts. Due to its rarity in the wild and the difficulty in breeding it in captivity, this spider commands high prices, especially for well-cared-for specimens or those with exceptional coloration. It is listed as critically endangered in the wild by the IUCN due to its small distribution and threats from illegal collecting for the pet trade.
Grammostola pulchra, also known as the Brazilian black tarantula, is a prized species due to its jet-black coloration and docile nature. Found in the Brazilian savannas, this terrestrial tarantula is a favorite among both novice and seasoned keepers for its manageable size and temperament. With a slow growth rate and ease of care, it is often recommended for beginners in the hobby, though it still fetches high prices due to its popularity and relative rarity.
The Chilean rose tarantula, or Grammostola rosea, is a long-time favorite among arachnid enthusiasts. Its delicate pinkish-brown color and calm demeanor make it an ideal choice for those entering the tarantula hobby. While this species is native to the dry regions of Chile and Argentina, it has gained global recognition for its relatively low-maintenance care requirements. In recent years, specific morphs of Grammostola rosea, such as those with more vibrant or distinct coloration, have become highly sought after, pushing prices higher. Although it is common in the pet trade, rarer or more striking colorations and well-established captive-bred individuals are still prized in the market.
The Honduran curlyhair tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus) is an eye-catching species known for its curly, golden-brown setae (hairs) on its body and legs. Native to the rainforests of Central America, this species is prized for its beautiful appearance and relatively docile nature. As a semi-arboreal tarantula, it requires a slightly different habitat compared to other terrestrial species, making it an intriguing option for those with more experience. Tliltocatl albopilosus remains highly valuable due to its striking looks and care needs.