Tag Archives: Lasiodora parahybana

Lasiodora parahybana: The Gentle Giant of the Tarantula World

Often admired for its impressive size and surprisingly docile nature, Lasiodora parahybana, more commonly known as the Brazilian salmon pink bird-eater, is one of the world’s largest species of tarantula. Despite its intimidating common name, this terrestrial tarantula is a popular pet among enthusiasts for its hardiness, calm temperament, and awe-inspiring growth. Native to the humid forests of Brazil, this gentle giant brings a unique presence to the world of arachnids.

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SO HOW DO TARANTULAS GROW?

Tarantulas, like all arachnids and insects, must shed their skin, or molt, to grow. This is because they have an exoskeleton. Since this exoskeleton is hard, the only way these invertebrates can grow is by breaking through their old skin, revealing the pliable new skin underneath. Once the shed is complete, the new and larger skin is then allowed to dry. What I present for you here is a pictorial guide to one of the world’s largest species of tarantulas, the Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-eating Spider (Lasiodora parahybana), named for the beautiful pink hairs on this massive spider’s abdomen.

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After making a bed of silk, the spider turns onto its back to start the molting process.

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