Avicularia sp.?
TarantulaCollective

Avicularia sp.?

This T was bought/rescued from a local pet store with only the label "Pink Toe". Im sure it is an Avic, but unsure of the species as it doesnt really resemble any of the avic (or used to be avic) species I have currently. I have had one person suggest it was an Avic sp Blue. Any help welcome.
@viper69 There isn't anything to compare with nomen dubium species, the original specimens used to poorly describe them are lost. If the morphotypes are later looked into using DNA and considered different species those nomen dubium labels won't be resurrected because there isn't DNA to compare.

This is how these hobby species are classified now by science, it doesn't matter if you think they might still be different species, it's just a label change. The mentality remains the same, without the proper color form/locality identified, hobbyists shouldn't breed it.
 
When it comes to majority of hobby Avicularia spp., knowing the species is not enough, you need to know what morphotype it is and color/form for breeding purposes. That's why I encourage using the pet trade names because there is less confusion when distinguishing between hobby specimens. A lot of pet trade species have been grouped into one morphotype of a species. Pet trade names separate the color forms within these morphotypes more clearly.
 
@CEC Thank you for all the information. I knew there had been some revisions to the genus, but have not read the paper yet. I will be sure to get to reading though. But you answered my question, A. avucularia it is, so i will be sure to label it correctly and update my records. I had a feeling that was going to be the answer, but that's why I joined a message board like this, so i can benefit from the knowledge and experience of other people. So thank you, and everyone else that posted. I appreciate the insights and information.
 
@CEC I actually don't care about the name changing. All I care about is identification by science. I'm well aware of the status of the original specimens ;) My point was, DNA should be used, not solely cladistics. It worked for the Apho genus ;)
 
@viper69 I agree, DNA would be nice but in this world ruled by $$, you can't always get what you want.
Using DNA isn't always perfect either, it's documented to be controversial in the taxonomy world. Some say it can lead to the over description of species (falsely separating species that otherwise wouldn't be separated). Here's a quote from an article explaining the controversy :
"All methods for the identification of species that rely on
DNA or protein sequence analysis presuppose the neutral
theory of molecular evolution, in which different lineages
diverge over evolutionary times by the accumulation of
molecular changes (most of them neutral) [2]. These
methods are based on the assumption that individuals from a
same species carry specific DNA (or protein) sequences that
are different from those found in individuals from other
species. However, the distribution of a given molecular
variant in time and in space will be influenced by the
reproductive success of individuals, migratory events and
random genetic drift. Therefore, it should be realized that a
continuous genetic variability does exist among individuals
of a species."
 
@CEC Whoa, DNA isn't always perfect..NOTHING is perfect. That doesn't mean one shouldn't use it. The science of sequencing is a proven technology, it's not some new technique where little is known ;) There's no reason not to use DNA AND cladistics in a dual approach. Again, as I said that worked well for Hamilton and Bond's Apho revision. SO, if a lab has the resources, they should use them. Key word, IF.
 
@CEC I talked to a biologist who knows the group that put out the revision. In short, it is highly unlikely another large revision like that will happen in the coming decades.
 

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