One of the two species of the Pyxis genus, the spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides) is indigenous to Madagascar. Critically endangered, the spider tortoise is often smuggled for the illegal pet trade as well as for food.
The Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides) is a species of tortoise in the Testudinidae family. It is endemic to Madagascar and is one of only two species in the genus Pyxis.
The attractive spiders-web pattern that adorns the shell of this species is both the reason for its name and, owing to the exotic pet trade, one of the main factors behind its precarious situation.
The current state of Pyxis tortoises both in the wild as well as in captivity is dire. Captive-bred babies are now only rarely available in the pet trade.
The spider tortoise gets it name from the web-like pattern of yellow lines on its carapace. With a total carapace length of about four inches, this is one of the smallest tortoises in the world.
The Spider Tortoise is found only in the arid region of the coastal areas of southwestern Madagascar, from the coast up to 10-50 kilometres inland going as far north as Morombe. It is sympatric with the Radiated Tortoise except for the northern extent of its range.
The Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides) is a species of tortoise in the Testudinidae family. It is endemic to Madagascar and is one of only two species in the genus Pyxis.
The attractive spiders-web pattern that adorns the shell of this species is both the reason for its name and, owing to the exotic pet trade, one of the main factors behind its precarious situation.
The current state of Pyxis tortoises both in the wild as well as in captivity is dire. Captive-bred babies are now only rarely available in the pet trade.
The spider tortoise gets it name from the web-like pattern of yellow lines on its carapace. With a total carapace length of about four inches, this is one of the smallest tortoises in the world.
The Spider Tortoise is found only in the arid region of the coastal areas of southwestern Madagascar, from the coast up to 10-50 kilometres inland going as far north as Morombe. It is sympatric with the Radiated Tortoise except for the northern extent of its range.
