Honduran curly hair tarantula spiderling - Approximately 1/2" from leg to leg at the moment, this spider should grow significantly over the next year. Click to enlarge.
Native to the rain forests of Costa Rica and Honduras, adults of this large species are characterized by bronze body covered with short, curly hairs.
Like the Mexican red knees and the recently obtained Chilean rosehair, this docile species should be well suited to the classroom.
True to its species behavior in nature, where it can be found in deep burrows in banks or at the foot of many rainforest trees, this individual has proven to be quite a burrower. It has darkened significantly in the week I’ve had it, to a fairly uniform gray color.
Thanks to Jamie Lessee for sending this spiderling my way.
How absolutely adorable! I am surprised that something so (apparently) delicate is already burrowing of its own account. Can you tell me more about that? What depth does it burrow to? If there is any chance of a photo of it burrowing, or its burrow, I’d love to see it. IN fact, any photographs as it grows will be much appreciated, especially as you start to be able to guess the gender.
We can’t keep these docile tarantulas as pets here in Australia, because of quarantine laws, and our own Old World tarantulas aren’t so docile, and are only rarely kept as pets.The whole concept of pet tarantulas is a strange idea to Australians, so this blog is fascinating.
I’m using coconut fiber as the substrate for all of the tarantulas, regardless of size at this point. It is a very fine, lightweight substrate that allows even the smallest organisms the opportunity to dig into their enclosure flooring. The coconut fiber absorbs/retains moisture very well.
It was immediately apparent that the 4” x 4” containers I had purchased were WAY too large, making it very difficult for the spiderlings (particularly those who were burrowing) to find the fruit flies I was supplying. I moved each youngster into a black plastic condiment cup with a clear lid. I used a dissecting pin to punch five small aeration holes into each lid.
My task now is to balance moisture requirement for each species and supply sufficient fruit flies every other day. This will be much more challenging that dealing with the larger spiders. We’ll see where it takes us!
I’ll continue to photograph and post as the opportunities present themselves!
I’ve actually thought I might like to keep one of the Old World tarantulas – the idea of an aggressive spider, gnashing fangs dripping with venom, is strangley appealing.
I agree, though somehow I think the abundance of children at school and the abundance of cats and dogs (and wife!) at home make doing so a remote possibility…
the wife is pleased to see she is considered in the decision