The Phormictopus cancerides, commonly known as the Hispaniolan Giant Tarantula or Dominican Purple, is a legendary species in the arachnoculture hobby. Native to the Caribbean, this New World tarantula defies the stereotype of the docile, slow-moving American species. It is a massive, incredibly fast, and fiercely defensive titan that commands respect from even the most seasoned keepers.
Continue reading Phormictopus cancerides: The Hispaniolan Giant Tarantula
If you have ever stumbled across a massive, bristly black caterpillar with bright red bands or a stunning white moth dotted with iridescent blue-black rings, you have encountered Hypercompe scribonia. Commonly known as the Giant Leopard Moth (or Eyed Tiger Moth), this species is one of the largest and most visually striking tiger moths in North America.
Continue reading Nature’s Eye-Catching Generalist: An In-Depth Look at the Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia)
Since I store overwintering cocoons outside, I feel that when the moths start to hatch, it is a good indication of what is going on in nature. This is proven further when the moths I hatch out turn out to be female, and they can attract in wild males for mating.
Continue reading Moth Season Has Begun In Rhode Island
The Harpactira pulchripes, commonly known as the Golden Blue Leg Baboon, is widely considered one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the world. Hailing from South Africa, this species revolutionized the hobby by offering the striking aesthetics of an “Old World” tarantula with a temperament that is surprisingly manageable compared to its more aggressive relatives.
Continue reading Harpactira pulchripes: The Golden Blue Leg Baboon
Brachypelma baumgarteni, commonly known as the Mexican Orange Beauty, is one of the most striking and coveted species within the Brachypelma genus. For a long time, it was shrouded in mystery, with many hobbyists debating whether it was a distinct species or a natural hybrid. Today, it stands as a centerpiece of Mexican tarantula conservation and a crown jewel for any serious collector.
Continue reading Brachypelma baumgarteni: The Mexican Orange Beauty
When it comes to guides on tarantulas, I am always looking for new ones to add to my library. Unfortunately, there are a lot of AI-produced titles on Amazon, most of which are not worth the paper they are printed on. “Tarantula Spiders as Pets: The Ultimate Owner’s Guide” by Lolly Brown is one such book.
Continue reading BUGGUY BOOK REVIEW: “Tarantula Spiders as Pets: The Ultimate Tarantula Owner’s Guide” by Lolly Brown
The genus Aphonopelma represents one of the most diverse, widespread, and recognizable groups of tarantulas in the world. Dominating the landscapes of the Americas—from the southern United States through Central America—these New World burrowers are the “teddy bears” of the tarantula hobby, beloved for their hardiness and generally docile temperaments.
Continue reading The Giants of the Americas: A Deep Dive into the Tarantula Genus Aphonopelma
Caterpillars in the Field and Garden: A Field Guide to the Butterfly Caterpillars of North America by Thomas J. Allen, Jim P. Brock, and Jeffrey Glassberg is a truly remarkable and essential resource for anyone interested in the natural world, particularly butterflies and their fascinating early life stages. This book stands out as a comprehensive, visually stunning, and user-friendly guide that elevates the study of caterpillars from a niche interest to an accessible and engaging pursuit.
Continue reading Don’t Miss the Metamorphosis: A Review of the Caterpillar Field Guide
That’s right! I now have an Etsy store. If you haven’t purchased my “Tarantula Keeper’s Log Book” it can be found there. I am also offering very affordable digital downloads of care sheets for tarantula keepers (with other invertebrate care sheets coming soon)!
Continue reading Introducing: The Dave the Bug Guy Etsy Store!
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a strangely iridescent beetle in your backyard or a delicate lacewing on your window screen, wondering exactly what you were looking at, “Insects of North America” is the answer to your curiosity.
Authored by the powerhouse duo of Dr. John C. Abbott and Kendra Abbott and published by the prestigious Princeton University Press, this book is far more than a simple identification guide. It is a breathtaking celebration of the most diverse group of animals on our continent.
Continue reading A Lens into a Hidden World: A Review of John and Kendra Abbott’s Insects of North America
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