Category Archives: Tarantulas

Tarantula Genus Spotlight, Tarantulas

The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty: Unveiling Dolichothele diamantinensis

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From the sun-baked, rocky savannas of southeastern Brazil emerges a miniature marvel of the tarantula world – Dolichothele diamantinensis, commonly known as the Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty. Described in 2009, this charming terrestrial tarantula captivates enthusiasts with its vibrant blue coloration, intricate webbing habits, and a deceptively feisty nature, proving that beauty and intensity can come in small packages.

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Tarantulas

The Striking Socotra Island Blue Baboon: Unveiling Monocentropus balfouri

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From the enigmatic and ancient island of Socotra, nestled in the Arabian Sea, hails a tarantula of exceptional beauty and fascinating social dynamics – Monocentropus balfouri, commonly known as the Socotra Island Blue Baboon or Socotra Blue Baboon. Revered in the arachnid hobby for its stunning coloration and communal living tendencies, this species offers a unique glimpse into the complex world of tarantulas.

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Tarantulas

Beyond the Red Knee: Discovering the True Flame of Mexico’s Tarantulas

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The Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula, Brachypelma auratum, is a visually striking species of New World terrestrial tarantula known for its vibrant black coloration accented by fiery red-orange markings on its patellae (knees). Its history is intertwined with the broader understanding and classification of the Brachypelma genus, particularly its close resemblance to the well-known Mexican Red Knee tarantula, Brachypelma hamorii (formerly often referred to as Brachypelma smithi).

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Tarantulas

“The Tarantula Keeper’s Log Book”: The Perfect Gift for the Tarantula Enthusiast in Your Life!

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Do you have that one friend that likes tarantulas and you just don’t know what to get them for their birthday of Christmas? How about my “The Tarantula Keeper’s Log Book?” A brand-new book designed by a tarantula keeper for tarantula keepers! Featuring 200 pages, this book covers 87 species of the most-commonly kept types of tarantulas with plenty of room to keep track of your feeding regimen, molting records, rehousing dates and even breeding records. The book is spiral bound so keeping it open flat is a breeze as you work with your eight-legged kids. The book is in full color featuring a beautifully painted cover by artist Laura Airey Le. Each species also features a full color photo featuring images by top photographers such as Rick C. West and Danny de Bruyne. This is definitely a book that you will use again and again!

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Tarantulas

The Majestic Ornamental: Unveiling the Beauty and Mystery of Poecilotheria regalis

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From the shadowy depths of the tropical deciduous forests of India emerges a spider of breathtaking beauty and captivating allure – the Indian ornamental tarantula, scientifically known as Poecilotheria regalis. Revered by arachnid enthusiasts for its intricate patterns, impressive size, and arboreal lifestyle, this species embodies both the elegance and the enigmatic nature of the spider world.  

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Tarantulas

MONOCENTROPUS BALFOURI…AN EXPERIMENT IN COMMUNAL TARANTULAS

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I am always on the lookout for new and exciting tarantula species that I can add to my ever-growing collection. In 2014, one species in particular stood out for me…Monocentropus balfouri, the Socotra Island Blue Leg Baboon Spider. For the most part I have never had an interest in baboon spiders but this one certainly struck my fancy. First off, it is stunningly beautiful with its tan and blue coloration. Next, from what I have read, they are generally pretty docile, a trait not often found in baboon spiders. Then, since they live in a dry climate, their humidity requirements are minimal. Finally, word has it that they can be kept successfully in groups, something that is rare in tarantulas.

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Species Spotlight, Tarantulas

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: Brachypelma albiceps, the Mexican Golden Red Rump

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I may have mentioned it before; Brachypelma is my favorite genus of tarantulas. They have everything going for them. They are long-lived, have amazing colors and for the most part, don’t have an aggressive bone in their body. Brachypelma albiceps is also one of my favorites, as it seems to be the odd man out when it comes to coloration.

Juvenile just starting to show adult colors.
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Tarantulas

BRACHYPELMA KLAASI…A Pink Tarantula? YEP!!!

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When it comes to tarantulas, the genus Brachypelma is by far my favorite. The first tarantula I got, in 1976, was Brachypelma harmori and its gentle disposition and long life instantly made it a favorite. As I added more tarantulas to my collection, I found that the Brachypelmas were the ones I enjoyed keeping the most.

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Tarantulas

The Highly Underrated Grammostola pulchripes, the Chaco Golden Knee

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With over 900 species of tarantula worldwide, most keepers are always on the look out for the new and exciting must-have species that just recently became available, after years of being absent from the hobby (or never available at all). Tarantulas that feature larger-than-usual sizes or stunningly beautiful colors are always in high demand and while this is fine and good, some staples of the hobby take a back seat. Other species, that should be popular, just never achieve that must-have status. The subject of this blog, in my opinion, is one such species.

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Tarantulas

Old World Versus New World Tarantulas

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As of this writing there are 954 known species of tarantulas in the world, with dozens upon dozens of described genus names. As research continues on these fascinating animals, new genus and species names are created and animals are being shifted into new nomenclature. You just never know when what you had yesterday as a Brachypelma smithi could now be Brachypelma hamorii tomorrow. What one day was Avicularia versicolor is now Caribena versicolor. As new species are discovered and more research is done, I am sure these shifts will continue.

Old World Tarantula
New World Tarantula
Old World Tarantula

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