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TOM'S BIG SPIDERS
For a video version of this article, click the link above! (Note: The following article is an update on my original C. versicolor husbandry article from October 19, 2014.. Despite being very common and established in the hobby, there is perhaps no tarantula available right now, save maybe the T. blondi, that causes owners more stress over the husbandry than the C. versicolor. SUBSTRATES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS Posts about substrates written by cancerides. Pick your poison Since getting into the hobby, I’ve spent a lot of time (more than I’d like to admit) experimenting with various substrates.TOM PATTERSON
Possibly the best tarantula ordering experience I have ever had. When people order tarantulas online, they generally go to the major vendors. Folks like Jamie's Tarantulas, Pet Center USA, and Swift's Invertebrates have stellar and well-deserved reputations for carrying a variety of stock and for their dependability and professionalism. The fact is, when buying andEUATHLUS SP. RED
I will admit, when I first read about the Euathlus sp. red (Chilean Flame), I was immediately turned off by the word "dwarf". Having kept a G. porteri for over 16 years, I was now learning about the truly amazing varieties of tarantulas available, and I was particularlyintrigued by
TARANTULA LAWS
PET CENTER USA
Posts about Pet center usa written by cancerides. The animals themselves arrived in great shape, and all five have been rehoused and fed.For these specimens, I decided to follow Paul’s instruction and just pop the top, pull the paper towel plug, and let the animals come out on their own (this is a technique I’ve also used in the past with aggressive/defensive species). TARANTULA IMPACTION REVISITED CUSTOM DUBIA ROACH ENCLOSURE AND CARE Roaches need food bowls, too. It makes it MUCH easier to clean and feed your roaches if you supply food bowls. For mine, I used two Ziploc small square containers (5″x 5″), which I trimmed down with a pair of scissors to fit better and to add an entrance for the smaller roaches. One of these I fill with fresh organic fruit (nectarines, oranges, peaches, strawberries, grapes, apples, etc.). HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TARANTULA IS IN PREMOLT? Don't paniclearn to watch for the signs. Fewer facets of tarantula keeping can cause more excitement and confusion for the novice keeper than premolt. This is the point where the tarantula usually stops eating for a bit and prepares its body for the stresses ofTARANTULA FEEDING
TOM'S BIG SPIDERS
For a video version of this article, click the link above! (Note: The following article is an update on my original C. versicolor husbandry article from October 19, 2014.. Despite being very common and established in the hobby, there is perhaps no tarantula available right now, save maybe the T. blondi, that causes owners more stress over the husbandry than the C. versicolor. SUBSTRATES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS Posts about substrates written by cancerides. Pick your poison Since getting into the hobby, I’ve spent a lot of time (more than I’d like to admit) experimenting with various substrates.TOM PATTERSON
Possibly the best tarantula ordering experience I have ever had. When people order tarantulas online, they generally go to the major vendors. Folks like Jamie's Tarantulas, Pet Center USA, and Swift's Invertebrates have stellar and well-deserved reputations for carrying a variety of stock and for their dependability and professionalism. The fact is, when buying andEUATHLUS SP. RED
I will admit, when I first read about the Euathlus sp. red (Chilean Flame), I was immediately turned off by the word "dwarf". Having kept a G. porteri for over 16 years, I was now learning about the truly amazing varieties of tarantulas available, and I was particularlyintrigued by
TARANTULA LAWS
PET CENTER USA
Posts about Pet center usa written by cancerides. The animals themselves arrived in great shape, and all five have been rehoused and fed.For these specimens, I decided to follow Paul’s instruction and just pop the top, pull the paper towel plug, and let the animals come out on their own (this is a technique I’ve also used in the past with aggressive/defensive species). TARANTULA IMPACTION REVISITED CUSTOM DUBIA ROACH ENCLOSURE AND CARE Roaches need food bowls, too. It makes it MUCH easier to clean and feed your roaches if you supply food bowls. For mine, I used two Ziploc small square containers (5″x 5″), which I trimmed down with a pair of scissors to fit better and to add an entrance for the smaller roaches. One of these I fill with fresh organic fruit (nectarines, oranges, peaches, strawberries, grapes, apples, etc.). HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TARANTULA IS IN PREMOLT? Don't paniclearn to watch for the signs. Fewer facets of tarantula keeping can cause more excitement and confusion for the novice keeper than premolt. This is the point where the tarantula usually stops eating for a bit and prepares its body for the stresses ofTARANTULA FEEDING
RESOURCES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS A list of resources for anyone interested in keeping tarantulas. Arachnoboards A forum for those who keep tarantulas and other inverts. An amazing place to go for current information and to interact with all levels of tarantula keepers. Personally, I spend many hours a week on this board as the amount of information to be HUSBANDRY NOTES BY SPECIES Aphonopelma anax Video Husbandry Guide Aphonopelma bicoloratum Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma chalcodes Husbandry Notes Video Husbandry Guide Aphonopelma hentzi Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma moderatum Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma mooreae Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma seemanni Video Husbandry Guide Avicularia avicularia m7 (previously A. POECILOTHERIA VITTATA (GHOST ORNAMENTAL) Possibly the most exotic and beautiful of all the genera of tarantulas, in my opinion, is Poecilotheria. These large, graceful, lightning-fast arboreal tarantulas originate from India and Sri Lanka and are known for their lithe, athletic builds and amazingly striking patterns and colorations that make them experts at camouflage. Although quite beautiful and striking, Poecilotheria possess a PHORMICTOPUS SPECIES HUSBANDRY Awesome intermediate species tarantulas with plenty of character. Anyone that follows me on Tom's Big Spiders, Tumblr, or YouTube has probably picked up on my Phormictopus obsession. I currently keep seven different Phormictopus species, and I am attempting to acquire all the species and color variations available. These spiders have quickly risen to the top TARANTULA CARE SHEETS Posts about tarantula care sheets written by cancerides. We’ve all done it. While perusing a tarantula site, you come across a new species that totally catches your eye, but whose care and husbandry you are unfamiliar with. BUMBA CABOCLA “BRAZILIAN REDHEAD” HUSBANDRY A gorgeous beginner-friendly species. When I first encountered this unique tarantula, it was known as the Maraca cabocla or “Brazilian Redhead”, and I was immediately enamored with its build (and, if I’m being honest, with its funny name). With its deep red carapace and long, lithe, tapered legs, it bore more than a passing resemblance to a true spider, and I wondered why this species HELP … MY TARANTULA BURIED ITSELF! It's probably one of the most common, yet stressful, scenarios for a new tarantula keeper. After months of research and homework, you purchase your first tarantula sling. Your anxiety level is high as you are new to the hobby, and despite all the preparation, you are still worried that you will make a husbandry mistake. DKS (DYSKINETIC SYNDROME) IN TARANTULAS In February of this year, I purchased an A. insubtilis which I later had sexed as a male. After being housed in his new enclosure, this gorgeous guy settled right in, eating immediately. He proved to be a voracious eater, quickly stalking medium-sized crickets and violently subduing them before feeding. After a couple months, he stopped CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBSTRATE FOR YOUR TARANTULA Pick your poison Since getting into the hobby, I've spent a lot of time (more than I'd like to admit) experimenting with various substrates. When I bought my first T about 18 years ago, the popular choice for spider bedding was dry vermiculite. A lot has changed since then, however, and better (and more appropriate) EUATHLUS PARVULUS (FORMERLY PARAPHYSA PARVULA) Note: The species formally called "Paraphysa parvula" is now to be called "Euathlus Parvulus." Paraphysa is no longer valid. This article has been amended to reflect this change in taxonomy. The Euathlus parvulus (formally Paraphysa parvula), or "Chilean Gold burst" as it's commonly referred to, is a beautiful little T from Chile. Reaching amedium size of
TOM'S BIG SPIDERS
Here, this spider experiences a climate that sees both a hot and dry season as well as a rainy season, and temperatures that range from 68° F to 88° F (20° C to 31° C). As a result, the C. darlingi does well at normal room temperatures, which for most of us is upper 60s to mid-80 Fahrenheit (or around 20 – 29 Celsius). SUBSTRATES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS COCO FIBER (Eco Earth) Made from ground up coconut husks, and sold loose in bags or in compressed bricks, coco fiber substrate has become one of the most popular substrate choices for those who keep tarantulas. Although the bags save you the effort of having to re-hydrate the compressed bricks, they are much more pricey.TOM PATTERSON
Possibly the best tarantula ordering experience I have ever had. When people order tarantulas online, they generally go to the major vendors. Folks like Jamie's Tarantulas, Pet Center USA, and Swift's Invertebrates have stellar and well-deserved reputations for carrying a variety of stock and for their dependability and professionalism. The fact is, when buying and POECILOTHERIA VITTATA (GHOST ORNAMENTAL) Poecilotheria vittata (Ghost Ornamental) April 16, 2014. March 8, 2020. / cancerides. Possibly the most exotic and beautiful of all the genera of tarantulas, in my opinion, is Poecilotheria. These large, graceful, lightning-fast arboreal tarantulas originate from India and Sri Lanka and are known for their lithe, athletic builds and amazingly PHORMICTOPUS SPECIES HUSBANDRY Awesome intermediate species tarantulas with plenty of character. Anyone that follows me on Tom's Big Spiders, Tumblr, or YouTube has probably picked up on my Phormictopus obsession. I currently keep seven different Phormictopus species, and I am attempting to acquire all the species and color variations available. These spiders have quickly risen to the topEUATHLUS SP. RED
Euathlus sp. red after she crawled out of her enclosure and into my hand. Note: I normally do not handle my Ts. A word of caution, however; although they normally present a calm, gentle demeanor, these little guys can really bolt when spooked. Once, when startled, mine scurried down my hand and back into its enclosure in the blink of aneye.
TARANTULA LAWS
PET CENTER USA
Pet Center USA is run by Paul Becker, a very well respected and knowledgeable tarantula dealer. At any given time, Paul offers a staggering number of tarantula species for sale, and his prices are often lower than many other dealers. He is also recognized as being very approachable and helpful to anyone new to the hobby or even moreestablished
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TARANTULA IS IN PREMOLT? Don't paniclearn to watch for the signs. Fewer facets of tarantula keeping can cause more excitement and confusion for the novice keeper than premolt. This is the point where the tarantula usually stops eating for a bit and prepares its body for the stresses ofTARANTULA FEEDING
TOM'S BIG SPIDERS
Here, this spider experiences a climate that sees both a hot and dry season as well as a rainy season, and temperatures that range from 68° F to 88° F (20° C to 31° C). As a result, the C. darlingi does well at normal room temperatures, which for most of us is upper 60s to mid-80 Fahrenheit (or around 20 – 29 Celsius). SUBSTRATES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS COCO FIBER (Eco Earth) Made from ground up coconut husks, and sold loose in bags or in compressed bricks, coco fiber substrate has become one of the most popular substrate choices for those who keep tarantulas. Although the bags save you the effort of having to re-hydrate the compressed bricks, they are much more pricey.TOM PATTERSON
Possibly the best tarantula ordering experience I have ever had. When people order tarantulas online, they generally go to the major vendors. Folks like Jamie's Tarantulas, Pet Center USA, and Swift's Invertebrates have stellar and well-deserved reputations for carrying a variety of stock and for their dependability and professionalism. The fact is, when buying and POECILOTHERIA VITTATA (GHOST ORNAMENTAL) Poecilotheria vittata (Ghost Ornamental) April 16, 2014. March 8, 2020. / cancerides. Possibly the most exotic and beautiful of all the genera of tarantulas, in my opinion, is Poecilotheria. These large, graceful, lightning-fast arboreal tarantulas originate from India and Sri Lanka and are known for their lithe, athletic builds and amazingly PHORMICTOPUS SPECIES HUSBANDRY Awesome intermediate species tarantulas with plenty of character. Anyone that follows me on Tom's Big Spiders, Tumblr, or YouTube has probably picked up on my Phormictopus obsession. I currently keep seven different Phormictopus species, and I am attempting to acquire all the species and color variations available. These spiders have quickly risen to the topEUATHLUS SP. RED
Euathlus sp. red after she crawled out of her enclosure and into my hand. Note: I normally do not handle my Ts. A word of caution, however; although they normally present a calm, gentle demeanor, these little guys can really bolt when spooked. Once, when startled, mine scurried down my hand and back into its enclosure in the blink of aneye.
TARANTULA LAWS
PET CENTER USA
Pet Center USA is run by Paul Becker, a very well respected and knowledgeable tarantula dealer. At any given time, Paul offers a staggering number of tarantula species for sale, and his prices are often lower than many other dealers. He is also recognized as being very approachable and helpful to anyone new to the hobby or even moreestablished
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TARANTULA IS IN PREMOLT? Don't paniclearn to watch for the signs. Fewer facets of tarantula keeping can cause more excitement and confusion for the novice keeper than premolt. This is the point where the tarantula usually stops eating for a bit and prepares its body for the stresses ofTARANTULA FEEDING
RESOURCES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS A list of resources for anyone interested in keeping tarantulas. Arachnoboards A forum for those who keep tarantulas and other inverts. An amazing place to go for current information and to interact with all levels of tarantula keepers. Personally, I spend many hours a week on this board as the amount of information to be HUSBANDRY NOTES BY SPECIES Aphonopelma anax Video Husbandry Guide Aphonopelma bicoloratum Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma chalcodes Husbandry Notes Video Husbandry Guide Aphonopelma hentzi Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma moderatum Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma mooreae Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma seemanni Video Husbandry Guide Avicularia avicularia m7 (previously A. POECILOTHERIA VITTATA (GHOST ORNAMENTAL) Poecilotheria vittata (Ghost Ornamental) April 16, 2014. March 8, 2020. / cancerides. Possibly the most exotic and beautiful of all the genera of tarantulas, in my opinion, is Poecilotheria. These large, graceful, lightning-fast arboreal tarantulas originate from India and Sri Lanka and are known for their lithe, athletic builds and amazingly PHORMICTOPUS SPECIES HUSBANDRY Awesome intermediate species tarantulas with plenty of character. Anyone that follows me on Tom's Big Spiders, Tumblr, or YouTube has probably picked up on my Phormictopus obsession. I currently keep seven different Phormictopus species, and I am attempting to acquire all the species and color variations available. These spiders have quickly risen to the top EUATHLUS | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS This dwarf species is the only one I can confidently refer to as “adorable”. Maxing out at about 3.5-3.75″, the Euathlus sp red is a calm, gentle, inquisitive species and a wonderful beginner T. Although I don’t normally handle my animals, this is a species I find myself making an exception for. TARANTULA IMPACTION REVISITED Tarantula Fecal Impaction Revisited Back in September of 2014, I lost a seemingly healthy juvenile H. villosella a couple months after its most recent molt. Said specimen seemed to experience no difficulties during the shedding process, and after a hardening period, resumed eating as normal. She ate twice, displaying the ravenous appetite Ihad come
HELP … MY TARANTULA BURIED ITSELF! It's probably one of the most common, yet stressful, scenarios for a new tarantula keeper. After months of research and homework, you purchase your first tarantula sling. Your anxiety level is high as you are new to the hobby, and despite all the preparation, you are still worried that you will make a husbandry mistake. HUMIDITY, TEMPERATURE, AND TARANTULAS The best heating option for situations like these is a space heater. There are many types available on the market, including oscillating heating fans and oil-filled electric space heaters.Most also come with built in digital thermostats and timers, allowing for you to create an optimal day/night cycle. DKS (DYSKINETIC SYNDROME) IN TARANTULAS DKS is a series of symptoms characterized by jerky motions, loss of coordination, and an inability to eat. It most often ends in the death of the tarantula. Although no one is completely sure what causes DKS, some theories are pesticides (including flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats), micro organisms infecting the T, mold, or othertoxins.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBSTRATE FOR YOUR TARANTULA Pick your poison Since getting into the hobby, I've spent a lot of time (more than I'd like to admit) experimenting with various substrates. When I bought my first T about 18 years ago, the popular choice for spider bedding was dry vermiculite. A lot has changed since then, however, and better (and more appropriate)TOM'S BIG SPIDERS
Here, this spider experiences a climate that sees both a hot and dry season as well as a rainy season, and temperatures that range from 68° F to 88° F (20° C to 31° C). As a result, the C. darlingi does well at normal room temperatures, which for most of us is upper 60s to mid-80 Fahrenheit (or around 20 – 29 Celsius). RESOURCES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS A list of resources for anyone interested in keeping tarantulas. Arachnoboards A forum for those who keep tarantulas and other inverts. An amazing place to go for current information and to interact with all levels of tarantula keepers. Personally, I spend many hours a week on this board as the amount of information to be HUSBANDRY NOTES BY SPECIES Aphonopelma anax Video Husbandry Guide Aphonopelma bicoloratum Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma chalcodes Husbandry Notes Video Husbandry Guide Aphonopelma hentzi Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma moderatum Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma mooreae Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma seemanni Video Husbandry Guide Avicularia avicularia m7 (previously A.TOM PATTERSON
Possibly the best tarantula ordering experience I have ever had. When people order tarantulas online, they generally go to the major vendors. Folks like Jamie's Tarantulas, Pet Center USA, and Swift's Invertebrates have stellar and well-deserved reputations for carrying a variety of stock and for their dependability and professionalism. The fact is, when buying and HELP … MY TARANTULA BURIED ITSELF! It's probably one of the most common, yet stressful, scenarios for a new tarantula keeper. After months of research and homework, you purchase your first tarantula sling. Your anxiety level is high as you are new to the hobby, and despite all the preparation, you are still worried that you will make a husbandry mistake. TARANTULA ENCLOSURES Perhaps one of the most fun facets of T keeping is the never ending quest for the perfect tarantula enclosure. Whether you're a money-is-no-object keeper interested in assembling the most aesthetically pleasing enclosures, or a more frugal enthusiast who wants to save precious funds for future spider purchases, there are literally thousands of options available. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBSTRATE FOR YOUR TARANTULA Pick your poison Since getting into the hobby, I've spent a lot of time (more than I'd like to admit) experimenting with various substrates. When I bought my first T about 18 years ago, the popular choice for spider bedding was dry vermiculite. A lot has changed since then, however, and better (and more appropriate) SEXING TARANTULAS USING MOLTS One method used to sex tarantulas is ventral sexing, which entails examining the tarantula’s ventral area (the bottom of the tarantula) around the epigastric furrow to try to determine its gender. The epigastric furrow is an opening between the set of book lungs HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TARANTULA IS IN PREMOLT? Don't paniclearn to watch for the signs. Fewer facets of tarantula keeping can cause more excitement and confusion for the novice keeper than premolt. This is the point where the tarantula usually stops eating for a bit and prepares its body for the stresses ofTARANTULA FEEDING
TOM'S BIG SPIDERS
Here, this spider experiences a climate that sees both a hot and dry season as well as a rainy season, and temperatures that range from 68° F to 88° F (20° C to 31° C). As a result, the C. darlingi does well at normal room temperatures, which for most of us is upper 60s to mid-80 Fahrenheit (or around 20 – 29 Celsius). RESOURCES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS A list of resources for anyone interested in keeping tarantulas. Arachnoboards A forum for those who keep tarantulas and other inverts. An amazing place to go for current information and to interact with all levels of tarantula keepers. Personally, I spend many hours a week on this board as the amount of information to be HUSBANDRY NOTES BY SPECIES Aphonopelma anax Video Husbandry Guide Aphonopelma bicoloratum Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma chalcodes Husbandry Notes Video Husbandry Guide Aphonopelma hentzi Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma moderatum Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma mooreae Video Featuring Sling Care Aphonopelma seemanni Video Husbandry Guide Avicularia avicularia m7 (previously A.TOM PATTERSON
Possibly the best tarantula ordering experience I have ever had. When people order tarantulas online, they generally go to the major vendors. Folks like Jamie's Tarantulas, Pet Center USA, and Swift's Invertebrates have stellar and well-deserved reputations for carrying a variety of stock and for their dependability and professionalism. The fact is, when buying and HELP … MY TARANTULA BURIED ITSELF! It's probably one of the most common, yet stressful, scenarios for a new tarantula keeper. After months of research and homework, you purchase your first tarantula sling. Your anxiety level is high as you are new to the hobby, and despite all the preparation, you are still worried that you will make a husbandry mistake. TARANTULA ENCLOSURES Perhaps one of the most fun facets of T keeping is the never ending quest for the perfect tarantula enclosure. Whether you're a money-is-no-object keeper interested in assembling the most aesthetically pleasing enclosures, or a more frugal enthusiast who wants to save precious funds for future spider purchases, there are literally thousands of options available. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBSTRATE FOR YOUR TARANTULA Pick your poison Since getting into the hobby, I've spent a lot of time (more than I'd like to admit) experimenting with various substrates. When I bought my first T about 18 years ago, the popular choice for spider bedding was dry vermiculite. A lot has changed since then, however, and better (and more appropriate) SEXING TARANTULAS USING MOLTS One method used to sex tarantulas is ventral sexing, which entails examining the tarantula’s ventral area (the bottom of the tarantula) around the epigastric furrow to try to determine its gender. The epigastric furrow is an opening between the set of book lungs HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TARANTULA IS IN PREMOLT? Don't paniclearn to watch for the signs. Fewer facets of tarantula keeping can cause more excitement and confusion for the novice keeper than premolt. This is the point where the tarantula usually stops eating for a bit and prepares its body for the stresses ofTARANTULA FEEDING
RESOURCES | TOM'S BIG SPIDERS A list of resources for anyone interested in keeping tarantulas. Arachnoboards A forum for those who keep tarantulas and other inverts. An amazing place to go for current information and to interact with all levels of tarantula keepers. Personally, I spend many hours a week on this board as the amount of information to beBEGINNER GUIDES
Notify me of new comments via email. Notify me of new posts via email. POECILOTHERIA VITTATA (GHOST ORNAMENTAL) Poecilotheria vittata (Ghost Ornamental) April 16, 2014. March 8, 2020. / cancerides. Possibly the most exotic and beautiful of all the genera of tarantulas, in my opinion, is Poecilotheria. These large, graceful, lightning-fast arboreal tarantulas originate from India and Sri Lanka and are known for their lithe, athletic builds and amazingly PHORMICTOPUS SPECIES HUSBANDRY Awesome intermediate species tarantulas with plenty of character. Anyone that follows me on Tom's Big Spiders, Tumblr, or YouTube has probably picked up on my Phormictopus obsession. I currently keep seven different Phormictopus species, and I am attempting to acquire all the species and color variations available. These spiders have quickly risen to the topEUATHLUS SP. RED
Euathlus sp. red after she crawled out of her enclosure and into my hand. Note: I normally do not handle my Ts. A word of caution, however; although they normally present a calm, gentle demeanor, these little guys can really bolt when spooked. Once, when startled, mine scurried down my hand and back into its enclosure in the blink of aneye.
THE TARANTULA “DEATH CURL” A side view of a death curl (an H. incei gold mature male). Notice again how the legs curl beneath the specimen’s body. The death curl can occur when the tarantula is either too weak from sickness or old age, has sustained an injury leading to the loss of DOLICHOTHELE DIAMANTINENSIS “BRAZILIAN BLUE BEAUTY” CARE Dolichothele diamantinensis "Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty" Husbandry Notes When I first got into the hobby, I tended to ignore some of the smaller species. I was basically obsessed with larger Ts, and most of my wish lists were filled with the giant species with leg BUMBA CABOCLA “BRAZILIAN REDHEAD” HUSBANDRY A gorgeous beginner-friendly species. When I first encountered this unique tarantula, it was known as the Maraca cabocla or “Brazilian Redhead”, and I was immediately enamored with its build (and, if I’m being honest, with its funny name). With its deep red carapace and long, lithe, tapered legs, it bore more than a passing resemblance to a true spider, and I wondered why this species PSALMOPOEUS CAMBRIDGEI “THE TRINIDAD CHEVRON” HUSBANDRY Psalmopoeus cambridgei “The Trinidad Chevron” Husbandry Notes. November 11, 2016. November 11, 2016. / cancerides. When I first got heavy into the hobby, I was immediately attracted to tarantulas from the genus Poecilotheria. As a result, I skipped some of the “stepping stone” arboreal species that keepers usually start outwith to
EUATHLUS PARVULUS (FORMERLY PARAPHYSA PARVULA) Note: The species formally called "Paraphysa parvula" is now to be called "Euathlus Parvulus." Paraphysa is no longer valid. This article has been amended to reflect this change in taxonomy. The Euathlus parvulus (formally Paraphysa parvula), or "Chilean Gold burst" as it's commonly referred to, is a beautiful little T from Chile. Reaching amedium size of
TOM'S BIG SPIDERS
TARANTULA CARE
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KEEPING MOISTURE DEPENDENT TARANTULA SPECIES March 6, 2020March 9, 2020 / cancerides / Leave acomment
KEEPING MOISTURE DEPENDENT TARANTULA SPECIES (AND HOW TO MAINTAINMOIST SUBSTRATE)
> _AUTHOR’S NOTE: ALTHOUGH TARANTULA HUSBANDRY “CARE SHEETS” > OFTEN MAKE A POINT OF STATING “IDEAL HUMIDITY” REQUIREMENTS, > THESE NUMBERS ARE ARBITRARY AND SHOULD BE IGNORED. THERE IS NO SUCH > THING AS AN IDEAL HUMIDITY LEVEL, AND SERIOUS KEEPERS ABHOR THE > “H” WORD. I’VE BEEN KEEPING TARANTULAS FOR YEARS, AND I NEVER > MONITOR HUMIDITY INSIDE THE CAGES. TRYING TO MAINTAIN RIDICULOUSLY > HIGH (AND BOGUS) HUMIDITY LEVELS IN TARANTULA CAGES IS A GREAT WAY > TO END UP WITH DANK, STUFFY ENCLOSURES AND DEAD TARANTULAS. IN THE > HOBBY, WE DON’T SAY THAT TARANTULAS NEED HIGH HUMIDITY; INSTEAD, > WE SAY THAT THEY ARE “MOISTURE DEPENDENT.” AND, THE KEY TO > KEEPING MOISTURE DEPENDENT SPECIES HEALTHY IS MOIST SUBSTRATE. FOR > MORE ON THIS TOPIC, PLEASE READ MY ARTICLE “HUMIDITY, > TEMPERATURES, AND TARANTULAS> .” _
Keeping moisture dependent species for the first time can be particularly stressful, as there really isn’t much out there explaining how _exactly_ moist substrate works. Many care sheets will mention “misting” or “spraying” as a means to keep the moisture levels in enclosures up. Some will even go so far as to prescribe a certain schedule for misting the enclosure, like every other day or twice a week. UNFORTUNATELY, MISTING IS OFTEN NOT THE BEST AND MOST PRACTICAL WAY TO GET YOUR SPIDERS THE MOISTURE THEY WILLNEED.
Although misting can provide a burst of moisture in an otherwise dry enclosure, it does little to maintain higher moisture levels for the long term. Spraying or misting only soaks down the surface of the substrate and the decorations in most instances. This is a great way to give your spiders an alternative to the water dish for getting a drink, and many species, like Avicularia, will siphon moisture right off the glass and plants. However, for species that require constant dampness, misting and spraying falls short. THE PROBLEM IS, IF AN ENCLOSURE IS PROPERLY VENTILATED, THE SURFACE MOISTURE WILL QUICKLY EVAPORATE, LEAVING THE SUBSTRATE TO DRY OUT WITHIN HOURS. This can be even more of an issue during the cold winter months when your home’s heat is drying out the air and leeching moisture from the enclosures. A keeper using misting or spraying to keep the substrate damp will be spraying much more often. Also, keep in mind that spraying and misting can be stressful for the tarantulas, as the sudden burst of air and water vapor can startle your spider. FORGET MISTING; MAKE IT RAIN! For moisture dependent species, in most instances, spraying and misting alone is not going to be enough. WITH TARANTULAS THAT REQUIRE DAMPNESS, YOU WANT TO ENSURE THAT THE LOWER LAYERS OF SUBSTRATE, NOT THE SURFACE LAYER, REMAIN MOIST. In fact, the surface can dry out a bit which, along with good ventilation, helps prevent mold fromforming.
An old juice bottle modified with some holes to be a watering bottle. When adding moisture, I like to simulate a ground-soaking rain shower. Instead of spraying, I have a bottle with several small holes in the cap that I use like a garden watering can. I will aim the water at the edges of the substrate, where the dirt meets the side of the enclosure so that the water can seep down between the two and reach the bottom layers. If you’re having trouble getting the water to seep down through, you can always use a pencil to push some channels down between the substrate and side of the enclosure to allow the water to travel down through. Although some of the surface will obviously be damp when I’m done, the lower levels of substrate will also be rehydrated. This means even after the top levels dry up, the lower layers will retain that vital moisture. HOW DO I TELL IF MY SUBSTRATE NEEDS MORE MOISTURE? This one is actually quite easy. Moist substrate will always have a darker hue to it than dry substrate. Once the surface of moist substrate starts to dry out a bit, it will be paler in comparison to the lower levels of moist substrate. When that darker band shrinks below the halfway point of the total level of substrate, it’s timeto remoisten.
Many
folks new to keeping moisture dependent species will panic when they see the surface of the substrate drying out, prompting them to add more moisture too soon. This can lead to overly dank, stuffy conditions. Again, we do not need the surface to remain moist, and a drier top layer is no cause for alarm as long as the lower layers remain damp. One must always keep in mind that a tarantula looking for moisture can burrow down to find the level it needs. In the wild, tarantulas will use their burrows to escape extreme temperatures and conditions, including drought. Continue reading → CEROTOGYRUS DARLINGI “THE REAR-HORNED BABOON” CARE AND HUSBANDRYFebruary 23, 2020
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_CEROTOGYRUS DARLINGI_ “THE REAR-HORNED BABOON” FOR THE VIDEO VERSION, CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! The _Ceratogyrus darlingi_ or “Rear Horned Baboon” is an amazing little spider that gets its common name from a black horn that grows from its carapace. Unlike the fovial horns of other _Ceratogyrus_ species, the _C. darlingi’s_ protuberance slants towards the back of the spider. Although the purpose of this horn is still up for speculation, this unique feature makes for an incredibly coolornamentation.
The _Ceratogyrus darlingi_ is unique Old World species that hails from savannah biomes in the countries of Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. Here, this spider experiences a climate that sees both a hot and dry season as well as a rainy season, and temperatures that range from 68° F to 88° F (20° C to 31° C). AS A RESULT, THE _C. DARLINGI_ DOES WELL AT NORMAL ROOM TEMPERATURES, WHICH FOR MOST OF US IS UPPER 60S TO MID-80 FAHRENHEIT (OR AROUND 20 – 29 CELSIUS). My first two specimens were kept between 68 and 76° F during the winter and between 72 and 80° F during the summer with my current two being kept in the 70s. Even when temperatures were on the cooler side, mine continued to eat and grow well. Some keepers read about the warm and dry seasons with periodic droughts and immediately designate this species as an arid one. Unfortunately, what many fail to take into account are the rainy seasons, in which this spider would be exposed to much more humid and moist conditions. Furthermore, as a burrower, the _C. darlingi_ would construct burrows down into the earth, where it would find more moisture and temperate conditions.SLINGS
Although it’s true that they are adaptable, and adult specimens seems to do well on dry substrate with a water dish, I’ve found that slings and juveniles appreciate moist substrate. Start your spider with moist substrate, and allow the top layers to dry out a bit. This will allow your sling to dig to the moisture level that it needs. WHEN YOU NOTICE THAT THE DARKER BAND THAT INDICATES MOIST SUBSTRATE STARTS TO SHRINK, IT’S TIME TO ADD MORE WATER. For smaller sling enclosures, I like to use a pipette to direct the water down into the dirt. This makes it easier to avoid flooding the spider’s burrow. In these instances, a syringe will also work. For tinier slings, a deep dram bottle or 5.5-oz (163 ml) deli cup will work great for an enclosure. Larger, more established slings will do well in a 16 to 32-oz (.47 to .94 10.64 L) deli cup or something around that size. Feel free to experiment with what works for you, but just be sure to keep ventilation holes small enough that they do not permit escape. If the enclosure size permits, I like to add cork bark and a water dish. All of my slings did some burrowing, with two of them moving a lot of substrate around like mini bulldozers as they landscaped their living space to their liking. As a general rule of thumb, it’s always prudent to make sure that slings have access to moist substrate. Continue reading → HARPACTIRA PULCHRIPES “THE GOLDEN BLUE-LEGGED BABOON” CAREAND HUSBANDRY
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HARPACTIRA PULCHRIPES “GOLDEN BLUE-LEGGED BABOON” _FOR THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK ABOVE!_ Over the years, there have been dozens of newly introduced tarantulas species that have caught the eyes of hobbyists with their undeniable beauty and the illusion of being a rarity in the hobby. In the past, the _Poecilotheria metallica_ and _Monocentropus balfouri_ were two spiders that delighted keepers with their gorgeous blues while draining wallets with their steep costs for even the smallest slings. Even today, with both species being readily available in the hobby, they still command high prices. When photos of the _Harpactira pulchripes_ first circulated on the forums in 2012/2013, many keepers couldn’t wait to get one of these stunners in their collections. However, even tiny slings commanded exorbitant prices, with the first round of captive bred slings imported into the US selling for $500 and higher. When I acquired my first two specimens in the summer of 2015, it was the most I had ever paid for tarantulas. Today, many keepers consider the _HARPACTIRA PULCHRIPES_, a striking gold bodied and metallic blue legged beauty, to be one of the hobby’s crown jewels, and this species still pops up on many wish lists. Thankfully, as this species is easily bred, it has become readily available with slings now commanding between$50-$100 USD.
_Harpactira pulchripes _are Old World tarantulas found around the town of Makhanda (previously Grahamstown) on the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This region experiences a temperate climate, with relatively warm weather all year round with high temps that reach 80 F (27 C) in the warmest month with lows of around 59F (15C). In the cooler months, temps rise only to around 68F (20C) in the daytime and drop to 42 F (5.6 C) during the chillier evenings. Rainfall ranges from about 3” (75 mm) in the wettest month and 1.3” (33mm) in the driest month. AS A RESULT, SPECIES CARE SHEETS THAT INDICATE THIS TARANTULA NEEDS TO BE KEPT AT HIGHER SO-CALLED “IDEAL” TEMPSSHOULD BE IGNORED.
Continue reading → CARIBENA VERSICOLOR “THE MARTINIQUE PINKTOE” HUSBANDRY NOTES August 2, 2019August 2, 2019/ cancerides / 2
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THE JEWEL OF THE ANTILLES! FOR A VIDEO VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE, CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! _(NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS AN UPDATE ON MY ORIGINAL _C. VERSICOLOR_ HUSBANDRY ARTICLE FROM OCTOBER 19, 2014. )_ Despite being very common and established in the hobby, there is perhaps no tarantula available right now, save maybe the _T. blondi_, that causes owners more stress over the husbandry than the _C. versicolor_. When I first got into the hobby, I was immediately amazed by this gorgeous arboreal, which starts as a stunningly-blue sling and morphs into a fuzzy, multi-colored adult. The _C. versicolor_ has been one of my favorite spiders to grow up, as it is beautiful and colorful in every stage of its life. The _Caribena versicolor_ hails from the island of Martinique, one of the Caribbean islands. With a tropical climate all year round, Martinique is generally hot and humid 12 months of the year, with plenty of rain and sunshine during both its dry and wet seasons. This spider lives the lush forests and banana plantations, creating its heavily webbed home in the crooks and hollows of trees. FOR SOME AMAZING VIDEO OF THIS SPIDER IN THE WILD, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CHECK OUT THE CHANNEL WORLD OF SPIDERS.Anyone
researching this amazing species will likely find information that is frustratingly confusing and contradictory. On one side are the keepers who still say this species is difficult to keep due to strict humidity requirements. However, keepers who have had success with this spider argue that humidity and moisture are not as important as good cross ventilation, and that a stuffy, humid cage will prove to be a death sentence for this animal. UNFORTUNATELY, WHILE FOCUSING ON THE HIGH HEAT AND HUMIDITY OF THEIR NATURAL HABITAT, SOME FOLKS TENDED TO IGNORE THAT THE ISLAND USUALLY ENJOYS AIR-CIRCULATING WINDS FOR MOSTOF THE YEAR.
These dank enclosures resulted constant mention of SADS, or “Sudden Avic Death Syndrome”, the name of the phenomena where a seemingly healthy _Avicularia_ (the _versicolor’s_ old genus) suddenly dies for no apparent reason. The message boards and chat groups were rife with stories of these little blue spiders curling and dying suddenly and without an obvious cause. Many now believe that these deaths can be attributed to the misguided husbandry of keepers struggling to maintain bogus high humidity requirements. Continue reading → EUATHLUS SP. “RED” OR “FIRE” IS NOW HOMOEOMMA CHILENSIS October 21, 2018March 30, 2019/ cancerides / 5
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FINALLY,
OUR LITTLE HOBBY DARLINGS DROP THE “SPECIES” LABEL (AND FIND THEMSELVES IN A NEW GENUS) The new paper, _FIRST RECORD OF HOMOEOMMA AUSSERER, 1871 IN CHILE AND DESCRIPTION OF TWO NEW SPECIES (ARANEAE, THERAPHOSIDAE)_
by Rubén Montenegro V., Milenko A. Aguilera & María EugeniaCasanueva
brings with it significant changes for two of the hobby’s favorite little dwarf tarantulas. * The species originally referred to as _Eauthlus_ sp. “Red” or “Fire” is now _HOMOEOMMA SP._ _CHILENSIS_. * The species originally referred to as _Euathlus_ sp. “Yellow” is now _HOMOEOMMA _ORELLANAI. For those who have been in the hobby for a while, this news isn’t exactly shocking. _Euathlus_ has long served as a bit of a “place holder” genus for spiders who have not been adequately described. The hobby staple, _Brachypelma hamorii_, for example, was once _Euathlus smithi_. It has long been thought that this species would be moved into the genus _Homoeomma_ once it was properly studied and examined, and many vendors had already begun labeling them as _Homoeomma _sp. fire. Now, for changes like this to become truly “official”, the paper has to be published, peer reviewed, and accepted by the scientific community. With the paper having just been published this month, I’m not sure if this has happened yet. However, as with all name changes, word will spread quickly and many will have questions as to why this species is suddenly listed under another name. Vendors may also change the names on their websites, which can lead to some confusion. Personally, I’m excited about this new development. Anytime species get properly described, it’s a good thing for science AND the hobby. As always, there will be some folks who are reluctant to adopt the new name due mostly to sentimentality and a misunderstanding of how scientific names and species identifications work. I know of a couple folks who refuse to call the species formerly known in the hobby as “_B. smithi_” the correct name of “_B. hamorii_.” Still, it’s important for folks to understand and appreciate that a name change, although jarring and confusing at first, is a sign that these creatures are getting much needed attention from taxonomists and the scientific community. I would encourage anyone interested in this change to read the accompanying paper. Along with the reclassification of these two species were a couple other very interesting informational nuggets. INTERESTING TIDBITS: * These will be the first two _Homoeo_mma species to be found in the country of Chile. Previously, this genus was known to be found in Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Argentina and Peru. * In the wild, _H. chilensis_ was found in shallow burrows beneath rocks and under tree trunks. Burrows were generally no deeper thanaround 5 cm.
* They were observed eating ground beetles, wasps, and otherspiders.
* Possibly the most interesting revelation is that _H. chilensis_ adults were found to occupy burrows in close proximity to other adults, sometimes mere centimeters apart. One particularly fascinating photo included in the papers shows three burrows in about a 1 squarefoot area.
Generally, once a paper is widely accepted, the changes will be reflected in the WORLD SPIDER CATALOG . Those who want to follow the progress of this new development will want tocheck in there.
STATE TARANTULA VENDOR LIST – YOUR HELP IS NEEDEDSeptember 15, 2018
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THE
HOBBY IS CHANGING… With the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ruling on the five Sri Lankan _Poecilotheria_ species coupled with the latest controversy surrounding species from another country, the landscape of tarantula commerce may be changing drastically. For years, hobbyists have enjoyed the ability to order their spiders from online dealers anywhere in the country without worry of breaking any laws. However, with some species now on lists that render interstate sales of these animals illegal, those looking to buy these restricted spiders may only be able to do so from vendors and sellers in their own respective states. KEEPING THIS IN MIND, IT’S IMPORTANT THAT TARANTULA HOBBYISTS ARE AWARE OF WHO THE BREEDERS AND DEALERS ARE IN THEIR OWN STATES. In the past several weeks, I’ve received numerous emails and comments from folks hoping I could tell them where they can legally buy some Sri Lankan _Poecilotheria_ species. Unfortunately, I honestly don’t know who the reputable dealers are state to state. That said, I think that it is important that such a list is assembled and made available foranyone looking.
THIS IS WHERE YOU ALL COME IN…I NEED YOUR HELP. Although I’ve started to compile a list from dealers that I’m familiar with, it is currently woefully incomplete. Therefore, I’m reaching out to readers and hobbyists to find out who the reputable dealers and vendors are in their home states. My goal is to take this information and post it on the Tom’s Big Spiders website so that it’s easy to find for those who need it. Hobbyists looking to legally acquire these five _Poecilotheria_ species would then knowwhere to go.
A COUPLE NOTES ABOUT WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE (AND NOT SEE). * IF YOU SUBMIT A PET STORE, IT SHOULD BE ONE SPECIALIZING IN EXOTICS THAT DEMONSTRATES A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF TARANTULA CARE. This would pretty much rule out most box pet stores. * I’M HONESTLY NOT INTERESTED IN PET STORES THAT JUST CARRY A FEW TARANTULAS BUT DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM. Many of these places sell misidentified spiders and can’t really be counted on to keep the hobby supplied with purebred stock. * FOR BREEDERS, IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE FOLKS WITH SOLID TRACK RECORDS AND GOOD EXPERIENCE BREEDING TARANTULAS. This would rule out folks who take on a project here and there. For example, I’ve bred a few species, but I definitely wouldn’t count myself as a breeder. * I will personally be researching reviews for dealers on the list, but it will take some time. IT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED IF FOLKS THAT HAVEN’T HAD PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE INDIVIDUAL/ESTABLISHMENT THEY ARE SUBMITTING COULD TAKE A MOMENT TO RESEARCH REVIEWS. Even a cursory Google search can usually give you an idea about the respectability of the establishment. The more participation I get with this, the faster I can put it all together. Although I normally never ask folks to share my posts, in this case I would ask that if you know a venue that could garner some response, please feel free to post or share this. My hope is to get a bare bones list done in a couple weeks, and then continue to add to it as we identify holes. THOSE LOOKING TO CONTRIBUTE, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT . If you could, please include the following information:* State
* Name of vendor/breeder * Website (if applicable) * A quick note if you’ve personally used them before If you have more than one, by all means, please include all that you are aware of. I’ll be monitoring the comments as I compile the list. I’m hoping that by keeping most of the responses in the public comments, it will enable folks to chime in if they have information on one of the dealers (good or bad). Once it’s established, I will continue to monitor reviews and feedback to try to ensure that anyone included on it is reputable. I hoping that with all of your help, we can take away some of the stress that may come from trying to buy these prohibited species. Again, a HUGE thank you to all who participate in this!Map image from:
http://www.freeusandworldmaps.com/html/USAandCanada/USAandCanada.html THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RULING ON SRI LANKAN POECILOTHERIA SPECIES. August 10, 2018August 10, 2018/ cancerides / 9
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A
HEADS UP TO “POKIE” LOVERS…THIS ONE IS GOING TO STING A BIT… _Note: The following information impacts ONLY hobbyists in the UnitedStates._
In July of this year, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service released its final report and ruling on _Poecilotheria_ species. Per this ruling, FIVE SPECIES OF _POECILOTHERIA_ FROM SRI LANKA were deemed endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and added to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The five species impacted by this decision are: * _Poecilotheria fasciata_ * _Poecilotheria ornata_ * _Poecilotheria smithi_ * _Poecilotheria subfusca_ * _Poecilotheria vittata_ This rule becomes effective on AUGUST 30, 2018. As a result of this new law, there are some major changes in how these five species can be imported and sold in the United States. Here is how it breaks down and how keepers may be impacted. DOES THIS MEAN THAT IT IS NOW ILLEGAL TO KEEP THESE SPECIES? No, it is NOT illegal to keep these species. Those who currently have any of these five species in their collections may continue to keep them without fear of seizure or penalty. CAN I STILL BUY THESE SPECIES AFTER THE DEADLINE? This is where things get a little more tricky. YES, you can still purchase species on this list as long as you are buying from a PERSON, BREEDER, OR DEALER IN YOUR OWN STATE. For example, if I live in North Dakota, then I may legally buy from another person, dealer, or breeder in North Dakota. I may NOT, however, buy from someone in another state through mail order or by personally picking them up and transporting them over the border. INTERSTATE SALES AND COMMERCE WITH THESE FIVE SPECIES IS NOW ILLEGAL AND PROHIBITED. Online vendors will soon be listing these species as only for sale to folks that live in the samestate.
IS THERE ANY WAY TO LEGALLY IMPORT OR SELL THESE ACROSS STATE LINES? Technically, yes. Folks who wish to legally import or sell across state lines would have to apply for and receive a Captive Bred Wildlife (CBW) permit. HOWEVER, there are some major caveats for those looking to procure one. For starters, the cost to apply for the permit is $200 PER INCIDENT, and both the seller and buyer need to get one. Unfortunately, those in the know say that it is nearly impossible for a standard hobbyist or breeder to get approved for the CBW. Worse still, your $200 fee is non refundable should you apply and be rejected, and it can take months for the decision. For most folks, obtaining one of these permits is very unrealistic. THE IMPACT ON THE HOBBY The good news is, we are still legally able to keep these species in our collections. Also, many other species of _Poecilotheria_, like the hobby favorite _P. metallica_, were NOT included in this ban. For the time being, the Indian species are safe and can still be imported and sold across state lines. Many in the hobby are trying to view this as a “could have been worse” scenario. However, the consequences of this ruling are damaging and could have a far-reaching impact on the hobby. Folks living in states with smaller tarantula markets will likely have a very difficult time finding these species. The prices of these species will also vary widely from state-to-state, with some paying exorbitant costs for these animals. As transport across state lines is illegal without the CBW permit, gene pools in some states will begin to stagnate without the introduction of new blood lines. Finally, I recently did an article about the practice of “brown boxing”, an illegal activity that involves circumventing costly and complicated LEGAL importing procedures by shipping spiders using the U.S. postal service. Unfortunately, rulings such as this, especially with the interstate ban, will encourage more folks to break the rules in order to get their spiders. The hobby has been very transparent for years, possibly to our detriment, with species openly sold and traded in public forums. Rulings such as this one will unfortunately encourage more folks to “bend” the rules and conduct more commerce “underground.” Although this type of activity should never be condoned, it will be an unfortunate consequence. WHAT ABOUT BREEDING LOANS OR THE GIFTING OF A SPIDER? Under this ruling, breeding loans are LEGAL as long as no money is changing hands and no one is making a profit. Also, it is legal to gift a spider to another person across state lines in legitimate instances (NOT in an attempt to circumvent the law). In both cases, the shipments should contain the correct documentation explaining theactivity).
More information on exclusions can be found HERE.
(A huge thanks to STEVE DOUD for supplying this information and thelink!)
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
With the deadline looming, many looking to procure some of these species from out-of-state retailers will need to act quickly. Tarantula dealers are already reporting increased _Poecilotheria_ species sales as hobbyists look to “stockpile” some before the ban takes effect. Many folks who have been interested in keeping Poecilotheria are making the move to obtain the Sri Lankan species before their options narrow. It is vital for hobbyists to start to identify the breeders and dealers in their state who will likely be responsible for keeping these five species from phasing out of the hobby. Those looking for one of these spiders will have severely limited options once this ban goes into effect. It’s important that hobbyist coalesce state-by-state to ensure that a system is in place to ensure the survival of these _Poecilotheria_ species in local collections.AN IMPORTANT STEP
In an upcoming post, I WILL BE SOLICITING THE NAMES OF REPUTABLE BREEDERS /DEALERS/VENDORS FROM STATE TO STATE IN ORDER TO COMPILE A COMPREHENSIVE AND ACCURATE LIST FOR HOBBYISTS LOOKING TO LEGALLY PROCURE THESE SPECIES. Between this current FWS ruling and the recently surfaced legal issues surrounding the importation and interstate sales of Brazilian species (more on this to come), it is CRUCIAL that hobbyists know who they can buy these species from in their states. Please, keep a lookout for this post and respond if you have information to offer. QUICK SUMMARY OF THE NEW RULE.LEGAL
* Hobbyists may still legally keep these species * Hobbyists may buy and sell these species in their own states * Hobbyists may send breeding loans across state lines (no money canbe involved)
* Hobbyists may send a tarantula as a gift.ILLEGAL
* Foreign importation or exportation of these species* * Inter-state commerce involving these species* * Possession of illegally taken spiders _*WITHOUT A CBW PERMIT_ Those interested in reading the full report from the FWS can followthis link:
http://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ESA-2018-Sri-Lanka-Tarantulas-final-rule-1.pdf “BROWN BOXING” THE TARANTULA HOBBY’S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET May 30, 2018December 15, 2018/
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_Author’s note: The following topic pertains to the United States tarantula market and doesn’t necessarily reflect the import/export laws of other countries. That said, if you are importing tarantulas into your country, you should be aware of your own national import andexport laws._
By now, you’re hopelessly addicted to the hobby and have a wish list so long, it reads like an abbreviated edition of the World Spider Catalog. While shopping online for your next acquisitions, you stumble upon a Facebook post by a vendor you have been following. _NEW IMPORT PREORDER!_ Reading the announcement, you feel your excitement build as you learn that said vendor is expecting a huge import from overseas containing a myriad of species. As you feverishly peruse the species list, you notice many of the species that are on your wish list, as well as exotic species you’ve never seen before. Pen in hand, you start jotting down a preliminary list of animals you’ll be pre-ordering and start to formulate a convincing argument for your spouse to justify the several hundred dollars you are about to plop down pre-ordering bugs._BUT NOT SO FAST._
Although import pre-orders are certainly exciting, and many of us take advantage of these wonderful opportunities, there are some things that keepers really need to be aware of before buying imported stock. Many folks are under the assumption that all publicly announced import is done legally, but this is far from true. Sadly, many folks resort to cheaper and illegal measures to get their livestock into the country, a fact that many hobbyists are unaware of. Recently, I covered the topic of shipping tarantulas using the USPS, and how the practice is ILLEGAL on a federal level. Many folks are ignorant of this fact and assume that if vendors are advertising the service publicly, it must okay. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Those choosing this method to ship their spiders within the states arebreaking the law.
Keeping that in mind, it’s also important to recognize that some of the folks offering “import” are also breaking the law, and on a much larger scale. Anyone buying animals from these disreputable folks are contributing to this issue. Not only does illegal import put customers at legal risk, it undermines legitimate dealers and poses a threat to the import that is currently the lifeblood of the UnitedStates hobby.
WHAT IS BROWN BOXING? Legally importing animals from other countries can be a very time-consuming and costly process. Importing livestock from another country requires permits, expensive shipping and inspection costs, and quite a few logistical preparations. Contrary to popular belief, this holds true for both wild-caught and captive bred specimens. Importing legally can make ordering and receiving animals from other countries a very cost-prohibitive option for those looking to import. I often hear folks complain about paying $40-$50 to ship a package of spiders through FedEx. Well, when shipping air freight (the only legal shipping option for this type of transaction), you can expect to pay several hundred to well over $1000 for your animals. Unfortunately, some folks find this type of investment unpalatable and decide to cut corners and break the law by “brown boxing” their animals into the country. Continue reading → CARIBENA VERSICOLOR (ANTILLES PINKTOE) BREEDING NOTES … AND BABIES! March 13, 2018March 14, 2018/ cancerides / 4
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SPOILER: THE BREEDING WAS A SUCCESS! _For those interested in possibly breeding the _Caribena versicolor_ in the future, here is an account of my pairing. All in all, it was a rather simple endeavor from start to finish, and I would encourage others to try it. And for those looking to acquire some of these little blue beauties, be sure to read to the bottom of the article…_ THE PAIRING – NOVEMBER 26, 2017 In November of 2018, I paired my mature female _Caribena versicolor_ with a mature male lent to me by Tanya at FEAR NOT TARANTULAS . I had raised this female from a sling, and she is currently about 5 years old. She was fed very well leading up to the pairing and was quite plump before the breeding attempt. I have never attempted to breed her before this pairing. Upon opening both enclosures, the male, who was incredibly active, came right out and approached the female within 30 seconds. The female appeared startled at first, and a quick “scuffle” ensued which caused the male to back off for a few moments. However, he quickly regrouped and approached her again, and she was very receptive. After a very brief courtship in which they entangled legs and the male tapped on her a bit, they coupled. I observed two insertions before the two disentangled and the male calmly walked away. I did not try to pair them a second time, as I was pretty sure the first pairing wassuccessful.
The entire event took only about 5 minutes total from beginning to end. The female showed no aggression toward the male and did not try to consume or pursue him when they had finished. THE FEMALE MAKES A SAC – DECEMBER 27, 2017 About two days after the pairing, the female webbed herself up completely in a funnel web down the side of the enclosure. Although she had webbed up a bit of a “chamber” for her last molt, she thickened the sides, especially on the Plexiglas, and closed off the ends. I tried offering her crickets the day after she was bred, but she showed no interest in eating.Caribena versicolor
On December 28th, I noticed that she had finally created an egg sac. This sac was about 1″ in diameter. During the incubation period, I kept her enclosure on a high shelf that ranged in temperature from about 78° F to 80°F. I kept her water dish full, and once a week I would open the enclosure and use a large bottle with holes in the top to simulate a rain shower. I would use this technique to moisten part of the substrate so that enclosure wouldn’t become too dry. For this breeding, I chose not to pull the sac and instead left it with the mother. She continued to care for it perfectly during the incubation period, constantly rolling and moving it to keep the eggs from sticking or getting crushed. She was an excellent mother throughout the entire process. 2ND INSTAR SPIDERLINGS EMERGE – FEBRUARY 18, 2018 Finally, I came down on the morning of February 18th to find that several little blue 2nd instar slings had emerged. Over the next three days, the rest of the brood freed itself of the sac, and little blue spiderlings lined the entire inside of their mother’s web den. Instead of immediately spreading out and leaving the web, the slings huddled together while the mother stood over them. As the mother’s enclosure offered several means of escape for the tiny slings, including gaps and vent holes, I had to sling-proof it before any of the little ones could get away. I used some cheesecloth and clear cellophane tape to cover up the vents and gaps. The cheesecloth kept the slings inside without restricting ventilation. Despite my best efforts, I apparently missed a corner, and I woke up one morning to find a sling’s toe poking from the breach. With the slings now starting to spread out and wander a bit, it was time to separate and house them. SEPARATED AND REHOUSED THE SLINGS – FEBRUARY 21, 2018 We started by carefully opening the cage and removing the mother. Using a paintbrush, I coaxed her away from the slings and into a deli cup. Although she was reluctant to move, she did not become defensive or nasty. With mom out of the way, Billie and I spent the next hour getting the slings out of the web and into their enclosures (dram bottles and small deli cups). Fortunately, the slings didn’t attempt to scatter, but instead congregated in groups as they tried to hide. This made things MUCH easier. We had placed the mother’s enclosure inside a large Sterilite container in case the babies tried to bolt, but it never became an issue. When all was said and done, we had 148 lively slings! Being 2nd instar, the slings were very active and ready to eat. I gave the ones I kept a couple days to settle in and to start webbing before offering the first meal. For the first feeding, I used pinhead red runner roaches, which I prekilled and dropped in each sling’s webbing. So far, all have eaten twice. VERSI BABIES FOR SALE! Unfortunately, with all I have going on with the blog, YouTube channel, and now my podcast, I don’t have the extra time I would need to raise and sell my own slings. Although several folks have inquired about buying directly from me, that’s just not practical for me at this time. However, for those who want to get their hands on a couple of these gorgeous blue slings, you’re not out of luck. A few days after the slings were rehoused, we got a visit from Tanya Stewart and Rachael Pan from FEARNOT TARANTULAS
.
They picked up all but a few of the baby _C. versicolors_ (I held onto five for myself), and they will selling them online from their store and at expos. Tanya is a very well-respected and trusted dealer in the hobby, and folks will have the option of getting more for their shipping money by possibly ordering other species from her diverse selection. EVEN BETTER, FEAR NOT IS OFFERING 15% OFF THE PRICE OF A _C. VERSICOLOR_ SLING IF YOU USE THE CODE “TOM” AT CHECKOUT. _C. versicolor_ are always in demand, and the slings are going fast, so be sure not to wait _too_ long if you want to grab one. Moving ahead, I will continue to pursue breeding projects that interest me and with species there is a demand for. At the moment, I’m hoping to have my _M. balfouri_ and _H. pulchripes_ both bred after what appeared to be successful pairings. I will obviously keep folks updated if and when anything develops! ‘T’ TIME ADOPTION/RESCUE FACEBOOK GROUP- AND INTERVIEW WITHSAMANTHA MILLER
March 4, 2018
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A BRAND NEW GROUP HOPING TO FILL A MUCH NEEDED HOLE IN THE HOBBY. Several years back, I got an email from a frantic hobbyist who was preparing to start his freshman year in college. With only a few weeks to go before he was to move into his dorm, he made an unfortunate discovery; this particular school didn’t allow any pets in the freshman dorm rooms. This young man had amassed a modest collection of a half-dozen or so tarantulas, and his mother, an arachnophobe, had already made it quite clear that the animals couldn’t be left behind. Instead of enjoying his last remaining days before starting school, this poor guy was desperately trying to find a new home for his beloved pets. He was even willing to part with them for free if they went to a good home, and he was hoping I might know of some place that would be willing to take his collection and ensure his animals got the proper care. Over the years, I’ve received several similar emails from hobbyists looking for someone to adopt their pets, and I’ve usually directed them to the classifieds section of Arachnoboardsor FaunaClassifieds
. The truth is, although there are obviously a plethora of options for folks keeping warm-blooded vertebrates like cats, dogs, ferrets, etcetera, the options for invertebrate keepers are quite limited. Although a few shelters will take in the oddball invert, most know little about their care or are particularly interested in dealing with the “creepy crawlies.” I’ve heard of cases of people with one or two spiders donating them to a school science teacher or a friend or family member, but what does one do when she has several spiders? Or, perhaps someone has outgrown the hobby and recognizes that he no longer has the passion to keep these animals. Where should he go to get them new homes? Sure, Craigslist and the classifieds can work, but selling off larger collections can take time…and emergency situations can lead tostrict deadlines.
Then there are hoarding cases or instances in which a keeper dies leaving behind dozens of pets that no one wants or knows how to care for. What happens to these animals after being confiscated by theauthorities?
Well, now there may be a new option. While chatting with hobbyist Samantha Miller, I learned about her idea to create an adoption and rescue service specifically for inverts. Within weeks, she had set up the ‘T’ TIME ADOPTION/RESCUE group on Facebook in an effort to see her idea come to fruition. With the membership numbers swelling and the group off to quite the auspicious beginning, I caught up with Samantha to learn more about this fantastic and much-needed new group. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT, SAMANTHA! Continue reading →POSTS NAVIGATION
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