| Brazilian salmon pink tarantula | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Suborder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Lasiodora |
| Species: | parahybana ' |
| Binomial name | |
| Lasiodora parahybana (Mello-Leitão,1917) |
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The Brazilian salmon pink (Lasiodora parahybana) is a popular species of tarantula kept as pets in the tarantula keeping hobby today. Originating from Brazil (hence the common name), this spider typically grows to a leg span of 20 cm (8 in), although occasionally exceptional specimens can reach leg spans of 25 cm (10 in). Large females can weigh upwards of 100 grams. They are not recommended for beginners, as they are fast, large, and will possibly kick off urticating hairs if annoyed. Not quick to bite, however, this species is considered somewhat 'handleable' in the hobby, but its fangs (in adults and sub-adults) are capable of medically significant mechanical damage. This tarantula is one of the largest in the world, often cited as the second or third largest (after the T. blondi). In the wild the Brazilian salmon pink tarantula has even been known to prey on the deadly fer-de-lance pit viper snake.
Care
These arachnids can be kept quite easily in a terrarium that measures at least four times its leg span in length but not too high as a fall can kill this tarantula due to its size. The tarantula loves a humid environment, thriving at relative humidities of between 65–80%. However the keeper should be aware that mold can form at very high humudities, so good ventilation (especially cross ventilation) is crucial. The terrarium should be furnished with a deep substrate (peat moss or vermiculite are the most popular in the hobby today) and a water dish. Isopods kept live in the substrate help with mold as they've been known to eat it, as well as feeder remains. They should be kept at temperatures of around 25 °C (75 to 85° F). Schultz (1998) states "The largest giant tarantulas (e.g. Lasiodors parahybana, L klugi and Theraphosa blondi) require an unexpected amount of food compared to other more conventional tarantulas. One enthusiast feeds his collection three subadult mice a week; these tarantulas are definitely not for the rank amateur, the faint of heart, or a person of limited income." The staple diet in captivity is the (Acheta domestica, Orthopotera Gryllidae) or domestic house crickets; an adult Lasiodora parahybana can consume several in one sitting, this can be supplemented with pinkie mice once or twice a month. Most collectors, however, do not recommend supplementing with mice. Many collectors prefer to feed roaches to their tarantulas, especially those as large as the L. parahybana. They are easily more filling than a cricket.
These tarantulas are ideal show specimens, as they web little, hide rarely, and will often sit out in the open for you to see. Younger L. parahybana's may regularly utilize a burrow, but will become more bold with size.
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References
- Stanley A. Schultz Marguerite J. Schultz, Tarantula Keeper's Guide (1998),
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series Inc., U.S. Page 127
External links
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