with humans Similar to many tarantula species, A. Anax is non-aggressive and avoids confrontations with humans and larger animals. This docile temperament makes it very desirable in the pet trade, along with A. hentzi. If provoked, however, the tarantula will use its hind legs to kick off some of its urticating hairs towards the potential threat. If these hairs reach the mucous membranes or bare skin, they can cause mild swelling and/or a rash. Humans may have an allergic skin reaction which can worsen symptoms. The reactions can last for several hours to weeks. In addition to kicking its urticating hairs, A. Anax will rear up on its hind legs and raise its front legs in the typical tarantula "threat posture". This is done to intimidate a potential predator. Mating behavior A. anax follows the typical mating pattern of tarantulas. Once a male reaches maturity, it begins to weave a web in preparation of its journey to mate. It then rubs its abdomen on top of the web to release semen, which it then absorbs into the tips of its pedipalps. The semen is then kept viable until a mate has been found. When it detects a female, the two spiders then exchange different signals (usually a rhythmic drumming of the legs) to assure that they are the same species. If the female is willing to mate, the male will approach her, lift her upper body up, and then inserts his pedipalps into the female reproductive organ, the opisthosoma, which is located on the abdomen. After mating is complete, the male quickly leaves to avoid becoming a meal for the female. Females do not usually show aggression after mating, but it is known to happen. References External links https://web.archive.org/web/20120424045816/http://aphonopelma.wordpress.com/2010/08/ http://www.angelfire.com/anime/spiderchris/p2/Aanaxp https://web.archive.org/web/20120426012843/http://tarantulapedia.com/tarantupedia/theraphosinae/item/aphonopelma-anax-texas-tan-kingsville-bronze-brown https://wsc.nmbe.ch/species/37092 anax Spiders of the United States Spiders of Mexico Natural history of Texas Spiders described in 1940