Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Brachypelma verdezi
Brachypelma verdezi habitat
An adult Brachypelma verdezi tarantula should be provided with an enclosure 2 to 5 gallons in volume with a secure lid.You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of substrate such as shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to use peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Provide a heat source and use means to moderate the humidity such as a large open water bowl or misting bottle.
Feeding Brachypelma verdezi
Tarantula diet is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a tarantula requires besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically feed an adult twice a week. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula.Breeding Brachypelma verdezi
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.Brachypelma vagans
The Fully grown Mexican Red Rump Tarantula should be provided with an enclosure in the range of 2 to 5 gallons in volume, a secure lid which locks or clips in to place is essential as most tarantulas are strong enough to dislodge an insecure lid and escape.
Substrate
You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of ideally shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to use peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite. (Some times a mix the aforementioned.) For an individual who has not owned a Tarantula before or who is new to the hobby, It is recommended that one uses only "eco-earth" (brand name version of shredded coconut husk.)
Using items such as bark chips present a risk to the tarantula; if it falls from the top of the cage when it is climbing it is much easier to rupture its abdomen on any sharp or hard object.
Temperature
This species requires temperature ranges of between 22-30°C (70-80°F) (Room temperature). A temperature gradient is important to allow the tarantula to regulate their body temperature as needed. The easiest way to provide the gradient is by using a heating mat designed for use under reptile tanks. This should be placed under no more than about 1/2 of the tank, so your pet can move from warmer to cooler temperatures if desired. However, to ensure the temperatures are being provided you should monitor them by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure.
Humidity
They can be kept in a humid environment of around 70%, and this can be achieved by providing a shallow water dish and misting regularly as necessary. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your tarantula you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
Feeding
The diet of this tarantula is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a Tarantula needs besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically these pets should be given two weekly feedings with one to three food items. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. It is not necessary that food be alive when fed to the Tarantula, if they are hungry and you deposit the food in front of or near the Tarantula by using tongs or long tweezers.
The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula, this is more important for smaller spider-lings or smaller mature Tarantulas.
It is NOT recommended to feed vertebrates (mice, lizards etc.) to the Tarantula for several reasons. 1)Vertebrates present more of physical threat to the tarantula due to their size and strength. They could easily overpower a tarantula and kill it.
2)The fat and protein in the vertebrate has the potential to over feed the tarantula and effectively make it obese which presents a threat to the spider, as if it falls it could more easily rupture.
3)It is said the calcium in the vertebrates can cause problems during molts by causing the exoskeleton to be too hard to push through.
Handling
It is not recommended that you handle your Tarantula, it stresses it out and there is a very high potential for it to run away and inadvertently fall to its death.
IF you do choose to handle your Tarantula sit on your bed, or as close to the floor as possible.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Brachypelma smithi
Introduction
B. smithi is most commonly known as the Mexican Redknee tarantula and is found throughout the semi-desert scrublands of Central America and Mexico. They have been listed on the Cites II endangered species list and restrictions are now in place to prevent the demise of wild specimens, as such, only captive bred specimens are to be kept as pets. Mexican Redknee's are amongst the most docile tarantulas and although they do have the ability to fire urticating hairs, they only do this very rarely when severely threatened. Because of it's temperament, this spider makes an excellent beginner's pet.
Description
This species usually has a light-brown and black colouration, with a black abdomen and legs with the characteristic patches of red on it's knees. It is a slow-growing spider that can grow to upto 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) in size and has been known to survive for as long as 25 years in captivity.
Habitat
Enclosure
The Mexican Redknee lives in deep burrows along the Western coast of Mexico, and this habitat should be replicated as best as possible within your enclosure. It is recommended that you use a vivarium of atleast 10 gallons in size and provide an artificial shelter like a hollow log or a cave for use in aquariums. The spider will usually adopt this shelter and begin to dig it's burrow underneath.
Substrate
You should layer the bottom of the enclosure with approximately 10 cm (4 inches) of substrate comprised of a 50/50 mixture of sand and peat moss. The substrate should be kept damp but not so much so that bacteria and molds begin to grow.
Temperature
This species requires a temperature range of between 24-32°C (75-90°F). A temperature gradient is important to allow the tarantula to regulate their body temperature as needed. The easiest way to provide the gradient is by using a heating mat designed for use under reptile tanks. This should be placed under no more than about 1/3 of the tank, so your pet can move from warmer to cooler temperatures if desired. Always verify that appropriate temperatures are being provided by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure. A heat lamp with a 60-watt bulb over an area just outside the entrance to the burrow will provide a basking spot for your tarantula.
Humidity
Humidity should be maintained at between 55-65% by providing a large, shallow water bowl and by misting the enclosure regularly. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your tarantula you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
Feeding
Spiderlings will eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards, pinkie mice, and an occasional fuzzy mouse every few months.
Water
Providing a large, shallow water dish will ensure your spider has all the water it needs aswell as help to miantain the relative humidity within the habitat.
Handling
As previously explained this is one of the calmest species of tarantula, however, handling is not recommended due to their urticating hairs and sometimes skittish temperament. If you do feel the need to handle your pet then do so by slowly cupping the spider and gently raising it out of the enclosure, then allow it casually explore your hands, avoid making any rapid movements, and keep it relatively close to the ground as their abdomens are fragile. If you are going to handle a tarantula it is important you be confident.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Brachypelma ruhnaui
| TYPE: | terrestrial |
| ADULT SIZE: | ? |
| TEMPERATURE: | average |
| HUMIDITY: | average |
| TEMPERAMENT: | nervous |
| ORIGIN: | Mexico |
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Brachypelma klaasi
Brachypelma klaasi habitat
An adult Brachypelma klaasi tarantula should be provided with an enclosure 2 to 5 gallons in volume with a secure lid.
You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of substrate such as shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to usepeat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Provide a heat source and use means to moderate the humidity such as a large open water bowl or misting bottle.
Feeding Brachypelma klaasi
Tarantula diet is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a tarantula requires besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically feed an adult twice a week. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula.
Breeding Brachypelma klaasi
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
Brachypelma epicureanum
Brachypelma epicureanum habitat
An adult Brachypelma epicureanum tarantula should be provided with an enclosure 2 to 5 gallons in volume with a secure lid.You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of substrate such as shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to use peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Provide a heat source and use means to moderate the humidity such as a large open water bowl or misting bottle.
Feeding Brachypelma epicureanum
Tarantula diet is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a tarantula requires besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically feed an adult twice a week. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula.Breeding Brachypelma epicureanum
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (theraposa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.Monday, 11 April 2011
Brachypelma emilia
The spider originates from Mexico and Panama where it lives in semi-desert scrubland. The abdomen is usually a mahogany brown colour with distinct red hairs. The legs are dark with distinct red hairs on the patella and tibia, and the colour varies from light pink/rose to dark rose/red. The carapace is usually beige with a distinctive black triangle with the apex pointing towards the abdomen and the base towards the pedipalps.
This species was my first introduction to the fun of spiderlings. I've had mine for over seven years now and it has grown from less than a 1 inch to five inch legspan. This is a suitable starter tarantula, due to it's forgiving nature and relatively easy temperament. Be warned as it can be a bit of a hair-flicker and tends to be a little skittish.
This is generally considered a docile species, handling is possible, but still not recommended due to their urticating hairs and skittish temperament.
The requirements in captivity are:
As for keeping them as pets, many people keep these in large 12x12x12 (inches) tanks.
Like the other terrestrial (ground living) species they require reasonable humidity levels (above 65%).
As these are scrubland spiders, you must make provision for a retreat, such as a piece of cork bark or a flower-pot. Substrate for the cage should be of peat/vermiculite mix, should be at least 2 inches deep.
An open water dish is a must, humidity must not fall below 55 percent!
Food: All standard invertebrates
Type: Terrestrial (Scrubland)
Aggressiveness: Considered docile, but may be skittish!
Venom Effect: Unknown, expected to be low-toxicity, although some suggest that this spider may be more venomous than other Brachypelma species.
Geographic Range: Mexico and Panama
Requirements: 72-75 Farenheit
Humidity: 65-70%
Substrate: 2 inches
Shelter: Cork bark or flower-pot.
Water: Open water dish.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Brachypelma boehmi
The genera Brachypelma, of family Theraphosidae, contains 20 species of tarantula native to parts of Central America such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala. It's the only tarantula genus as whole that's protected under the international CITES laws, because of the destructions of it's habitats and pet-trade collection. The most famous species in this genus are the Mexican redknee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi), Curlyhair (Brachypelma albopilosum), Mexican fireleg (Brachypelma boehmei), and the Mexican redrump
Breeding Brachypelma
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Brachypelma baumgarteni
Brachypelma baumgarteni habitat
An adult Brachypelma baumgarteni tarantula should be provided with an enclosure 2 to 5 gallons in volume with a secure lid.
You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of substrate such as shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to use peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Provide a heat source and use means to moderate the humidity such as a large open water bowl or misting bottle.
Feeding Brachypelma baumgarteni
Tarantula diet is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a tarantula requires besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically feed an adult twice a week. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula.
Breeding Brachypelma baumgarteni
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Brachypelma auratum
The Mexican Flame knee (Brachypelma auratum) is a tarantula endemic to the regions of Guerrero and Michoacán in Mexico. It is similar in appearance to the Brachypelma smithi, albeit slightly darker in colourand due to the similarities it wasn't considered a distinct species until 1992.
Breeding Brachypelma auratum
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Brachypelma angustum
Brachypelma angustum habitat
An adult Brachypelma angustum tarantula should be provided with an enclosure 2 to 5 gallons in volume with a secure lid.
You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of substrate such as shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to use peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Provide a heat source and use means to moderate the humidity such as a large open water bowl or misting bottle.
Feeding Brachypelma angustum
Tarantula diet is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a tarantula requires besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically feed an adult twice a week. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula.
Breeding Brachypelma angustum
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Brachypelma anitha
Brachypelma annitha habitat
An adult Brachypelma annitha tarantula should be provided with an enclosure 2 to 5 gallons in volume with a secure lid.
You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of substrate such as shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to use peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Provide a heat source and use means to moderate the humidity such as a large open water bowl or misting bottle.
Feeding Brachypelma annitha
Tarantula diet is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a tarantula requires besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically feed an adult twice a week. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula.
Breeding Brachypelma annitha
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
Brachypelma albopilosum
Introduction
Known as the Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula, this very docile species is part of the [[Brachypelma]] genus and is widely available. Though not the best looking specimen it is an ideal beginner species for anyone interested in learning more about tarantulas. These tarantulas are native to Central America but are most seen in Costa Rica and Honduras. This species was first described scientifically in 1980 by Valerio.
Other names include the Honduras Curly Hair Tarantula, Curlyhair Tarantula, Honduran Curlyhair Tarantula and the Wooly Tarantula.
Description
The Curly Hair Tarantula is an attractive species, colours do vary between individuals though they are usually a brownish-black colouration with gold markings and a covering of fine, curly, pink hairs. They are slow-growing and can have a leg-span of about 15 cm (6 inches).
Habitat/ Enclosure
Adult Curly Hair Tarantulas should be housed in a terrarium of between 5 to 10 gallons. This species is terrestrial so floorspace is more important than height. The habitat should be constructed so that they provide plenty of hiding places. A broken flowerpot may also be used to provide a great built-in burrow.
Substrate
The substrate you use within the enclosure can be either potting soil, peat moss or vermiculite, whichever you use depends on your personal preferences as all have their good and bad points. The substrate should be atleast 10 cm (4inches) deep to provide a suitable layer for your spider to dig an effective burrow. The substrate should be kept damp but not so much so that bacteria and molds begin to grow.
Temperature
This species requires a temperature range of between 24-28°C (75-82.5°F). A temperature gradient is important to allow the tarantula to regulate their body temperature as needed. The easiest way to provide the gradient is by using a heating mat designed for use under reptile tanks. This should be placed under no more than about 1/3 of the tank, so your pet can move from warmer to cooler temperatures if desired. Always verify that appropriate temperatures are being provided by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure. A heat lamp with a 60-watt bulb over an area just outside the entrance to the burrow will provide a basking spot for your tarantula.
Humidity
Humidity should be maintained at between 70-85% by providing a large, shallow water bowl and by misting the enclosure regularly. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your tarantula you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
Feeding
Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards, pinkie mice, and an occasional fuzzy mouse every few months.
Water
Providing a large, shallow water dish will ensure your spider has all the water it needs aswell as help to miantain the relative humidity within the habitat.
Handling
As previously explained this is one of the calmest species of tarantula, however, handling is not recommended due to their urticating hairs and sometimes skittish temperament. If you do feel the need to handle your pet then do so by slowly cupping the spider and gently raising it out of the enclosure, then allow it casually explore your hands, avoid making any rapid movements, if you are going to handle a tarantula it is important that you be confident.
Breeding
Spiderlings should be fed pinhead crickets until they grow large enough to handle larger insects and small lizards. Pinkie mice may also be given once they reach a large enough size.
Spiderlings can be kept in small plastic containers, such as film canisters. It is important that these types of containers have air holes or spiderlings may suffocate.
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Bonnetina rudloffi
Bonnetina rudloffi habitat
An adult Bonnetina rudloffi tarantula should be provided with an enclosure 2 to 5 gallons in volume with a secure lid.
You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of substrate such as shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to use peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Provide a heat source and use means to moderate the humidity such as a large open water bowl or misting bottle.
Feeding Bonnetina rudloffi
Tarantula diet is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a tarantula requires besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically feed an adult twice a week. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula.
Breeding Bonnetina rudloffi
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
Friday, 1 April 2011
Avicularia aurantiaca
Feeding
Just like other tarantulas, Avicularia eat insects, reptiles and small rodents up to their own size. Suitable insects include crickets, moths, beetle larvae (meal worms and superworms), houseflies and cockroaches. Although they may take on rodents and reptiles in the wild it is not recommended you feed them in captivity, for complications may arise such as a fatal bite by the food item itself.
When feeding livefoods, although it may be fun, try not to over challenge your Pinktoe by giving it food items that are too large. Stick with something about half the size of the tarantula and remove uneaten food items so they do not cause harm or stress the tarantula.
Spiders usually eat massive amounts post-moult until they are full, this is called power feeding. They will refuse food pre-molt or when ready to lay an eggsack. It usually takes about 1 week to 1 month for Avicularia to accept food after a moult, because of the skin and fang hardening process. You can’t really overfeed a tarantula, but this doesn't mean you should overdo it by giving it 50 crickets after a moult; the tarantula will probably end up killing them all and leaving dead ones uneaten. If this is the case then they should be removed to prevent bacteria and mould growth. The other factor is that a plump abdomen is more prone to rupture if this arboreal species falls from a height.
Avicularia are sometimes troublesome to feed as food items will explore terrestrially and go unnoticed. To encourage feeding try to drop the food items near to the tarantula and so that it lands on the web. You will find that a hungry Avicularia will pounce on any meal that falls nearby.
Housing
Adult Avicularia can be kept in container that is about 1 cubic foot in size and provided with plenty of ventilation. A small converted aquarium will do perfect if there is enough climbing space for the tarantula.
Spiderlings can be kept in small containers such as pill tubs and waxworm tubs slightly larger species can be kept in livefood tubs stood on end to provide the height.
Provide some flora for your Pinktoe to reside and build its web. If you want to make your pet’s home more attractive you may choose to further decorate the enclosure. Avoid sharp edges and rough textures.
Heating and Climate
Ensure that you adhere to the specific needs of the Avicularia you are housing. Bear in mind that the warmer you keep your tarantula, the higher its metabolic rate will be. Therefore it will want to eat more often and will grow faster. At night temperatures can so ensure a temperature drop of at least 10°F, to give the tarantula a sense of time. Humidity can be provided by moist substrates and a misting bottle. Misting can cause Avicularia to lose their grip of smooth surfaces, so becareful not to squirt it off its perch. The best way to keep the tank humid is to provide a large shallow water bowl and keep the substrate moist.
Breeding
Breeding of this genus is pretty straight forward since they can be kept communally, it is however difficult to get them "in the mood".
Aphonopelma seemanni
Description
This tarantula ranges from brown with tan stripes to black with white stripes, becoming a uniform brown colour upon their maturing moult. It is a very fast moving species so be very careful when cleaning out the tank and avoid handling. Females can live upto 20 years in captivity wheras males usually only survive to 7 years at the most.
Habitat
Enclosure
Adult Costa Rican Zebra Tarantulas should be housed in a terrarium of between 5 to 10 gallons. This species is terrestrial so floorspace is more important than height. The habitat should be constructed so that they provide plenty of hiding places. A broken flowerpot may also be used to provide a great built-in burrow.
They inhabit burrows, which they will excavate themselves when an ideal site is located. Sometimes they will find an abandoned hole or burrow and modify it to suit their own needs.
Substrate
The substrate you use within the enclosure can be either potting soil, peat moss or vermiculite, whichever you use depends on your personal preferences as all have their good and bad points. The substrate should be atleast 10 cm (4inches) deep to provide a suitable layer for your spider to dig an effective burrow. The substrate should be kept damp but not so much so that bacteria and molds begin to grow. Aphonopelma seemanni is a little moisture sensitive, they prefer a fairly moist substrate.
Temperature
This species requires a temperature range of between 22-30°C (71.6-86°F). A temperature gradient is important to allow the tarantula to regulate their body temperature as needed. The easiest way to provide the gradient is by using a heating mat designed for use under reptile tanks. This should be placed under no more than about 1/3 of the tank, so your pet can move from warmer to cooler temperatures if desired. Always verify that appropriate temperatures are being provided by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure. A heat lamp with a 60-watt bulb over an area just outside the entrance to the burrow will provide a basking spot for your tarantula.
Humidity
Humidity should be maintained at between 75-85% by providing a large, shallow water bowl and by misting the enclosure regularly. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your tarantula you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
Feeding
The Costa Rican Zebra has a very healthy appetite. They will consume almost all foods offered to them and should be fed following the guidelines of all tarantulas. Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and an occasional pinkie mouse.
Water
Providing a large, shallow water dish will ensure your spider has all the water it needs aswell as help to miantain the relative humidity within the habitat.
Breeding
This species is very skittish, fleeing from any and all contact. Because of this behavior, it is very hard to breed them in captivity. The male will usually flee at first contact with the female. However since this species is being imported in such large numbers, many females sold in the pet industry are already gravid. Therefore there are large numbers of spiderlings available in the pet community.
Handling
Although relatively harmless and quite docile, handling of this species is not recommended because of how fast this spider can move when aggitated.
Aphonopelma moderatum
Aphonopelma moderatum habitat
An adult Aphonopelma moderatum tarantula should be provided with an enclosure 2 to 5 gallons in volume with a secure lid.
You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 5-6 inches of substrate such as shredded coconut husk, but some keepers choose to use peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite.
Provide a heat source and use means to moderate the humidity such as a large open water bowl or misting bottle.
Feeding Aphonopelma moderatum
Tarantula diet is typically insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a tarantula requires besides water which can be provided in a shallow dish (lid of a jar or bottle cap). Typically feed an adult twice a week. Uneaten prey should be removed after one day to prevent problems and attracting mites. The food provided should be no larger than the abdomen of the tarantula.
Breeding Aphonopelma moderatum
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
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