Acromantula

The Acromantula are a breed of giant spider, native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo. Acromantulas are believed to be a wizard-bred species, designed to guard dwellings or treasure hoardes, and were first created before the Ban on Experimental Breeding in 1965. They have a taste for human flesh.

Physical description
Acromantulas have eight eyes, are highly intelligent and capable of human speech. They are typically covered in thick black hair, with a legspan that can reach up to fifteen feet. They possess a set of giant pincers which they use to eat live prey of mammals or their own dead kin. The pincers produce a clicking sound when the beast is agitated or excited. These pincers contain highly toxic venom, valued at 100 Galleons a pint, which is even potent for a short time after death. The venom is a Class A Non-Tradeable Material.

The female is usually larger than the male, and can lay up to one hundred soft, wide, beach ball-sized eggs at a time. They usually hatch in six to eight weeks.

Habitat
Acromantulas tend to reside in jungles and heavily forested areas, and their webs are large and dome-shaped.

Acromantulas in the Wizarding World
A colony of Acromantulas was established in the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by Aragog and his mate, Mosag. Aragog was released into the Forest by Rubeus Hagrid during the opening of the Chamber of Secrets in 1943.

During the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament in 1995, an Acromantula was positioned close to the Triwizard Cup. Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory joined forces to defeat it.

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
 * Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
 * Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
 * Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
 * Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them