Agressive Tarantulas, what is the attraction?

[charm271]

I have owned some more common and more docile species B. smithi. B.vagans, B. albo, A. avic and G.rosea for a bit, but I do not fully understand the attraction to the more aggresive species. Is it because they are "pretty," having nice color. Is it because they tend to be more rare. It is because people like the "evil" behavior of some of these tarantulas. What exactly am I missing here?

 

[Amoeba]

Like many before me I will state there is a hairsplitting difference between aggressive and defensive. Like I just stated in your other thread Ts act just fine and calm when they aren't being harassed with paintbrushes, tongs, or hands so they must be reacting to negative stimuli. I have a ~3" Haplopelma lividum and right now she isn't all that pretty **when** I see her as her only purpley blue is on her back two legs. She really is my easiest T to maintain as she just sits deep in her hole and does her mysterious tarantula stuff. When I do see her she runs back for the cover and safety of her hole and doesn't come back out for quite a bit so I really would never describe her as evil.

I don't feel some machismo gusto owning a T that I know is a Thai multibiter with some potent venom, and I really wouldn't care if she was a plain brown Selenocosmia with more potent venom and less appealing colors. I own the Ts I own because I appreciate them for being Ts.

Your Mileage May Vary.

 

[Hobo]

Beacause variety is the spice of life.

 

[RoseT]

Because most of the more "Aggressive" ones are the cooler looking ones. Hobo, thats an ill gun...The grey one is the OG duck hunt gun, then they came out with the orange after...you got a classic piece there man.

 

[Amoeba]

Because most of the more "Aggressive" ones are the cooler looking ones.

That is all opinion based. I happen to like NWs more than OWs.

 

[creepa]

I like old wolders because they dont kick them damn hairs...

 

[JadeWilliamson]

I don't think any of us can resist how arguably undeniable Pokies' beauty is. Lately I've been racking up on adult females of this genus and I'm simply entranced by them.
Then there's the OBT. Such a perfect shade of orange! It's so cool to watch them dig, and they're fascinating eaters.
B smithi/G rosea is actually extremely extremely boring and lifeless compared to many OWs in my experience (<-- at the risk of getting flamed). They don't do much more than stand, and since they're handleable all that typically ends up happening is that I get kicked at and have a rash for the rest of the day.
I realize the question at hand here isn't NW vs OW, but many of the OWs tend to be more frisky than many of the NWs based on what I know. We could compare Tappies or Psalmos to Avics: I definitely prefer Psalmopoeus cambridgei as my favorite species. They're just too cool to resist. I love the web tubes and tunnels they make given the opportunity, and they're not always shy about coming out; when they do, it's a treat!

I don't like OBTs or Pokies because they're a potentially defensive species when bothered (it's just an added bonus!). In fact, I can't say that just about every day of this chapter of my life I wish Pokies were handleable (some people argue that, but it's a "Don't try this at home" kind of thing). Spiders aren't meant to be handled. They're meant to be admired through glass/plastic. So what does it matter what's on the other side looking back?

 

[Dr Acula]

We could compare Tappies or Psalmos to Avics

If you're referring the Psalmopoeus genus to be OW, then you're mistaken. They do lack urticating hairs but their location of origin places them as NW.

On topic, as far as defensive behaviors go, there are plenty of NW species that are far more defensive than some OW species. Ever try picking up a N chromatus or P cancerides?

I love the variety in OWs not only in species but in colors, behaviors, ect. Pokies have that signature pose we all love, OBTs have their web labyrinths, H maculatas have their lightening speed attacks, Haplos have their entrances to hell, I could go on and on.

I still love my NWs just as much though. My B smithi and G pulchripes are the only ones in my collection who will put their fangs through the KK vents, Avics are gorgeous and don't tend to flick hairs as often, and Theraphosids are just gigantic. It goes without saying that there is no T that is safe from the contents of my bank account.

 

[jbm150]

I find that most of the most interesting looking Ts are OWers. I have an appreciation for both but there's just something about the looks of Asian/African/Aussie Ts

 

[swithers]

I think this also comes down to what you define as aggressive. People define it differently and I've heard some argue that this or that species is defensive if anything. Personally I think it's more a matter of an individual owners comfort zone and definition. If aggressive is not being being ok to handling than that applies to most ts, the only difference is if you'll get haired or bit for trying.

 

[Protectyaaaneck]

What's not to like about a tarantula that just wants to give you a hug?

I mean come on, these guys even rolled over to get their bellies scratched:

 

[skar]

Defensive/Aggresive - I kinda wanted some more interaction and it's cool to witness.
One that runs around attacking everything is alot more entertaining /
If you are nervous about it then I see your point in not desiring one. However when you're ready for a meanie it's cool to have a change.

 

[Jared781]

I get the more "aggressive" species because i enjoy spreading out my collect so to speak... In other words i like having a vast range of species, yet doesnt mean Ill be going on handling missions with some of em'

also, i think witnessing their different behavior(s) helps give the best understanding of the species?

 

[BrettG]

It just wants its belly scartched,I swear...

 

[SamuraiSid]

Am I sensing a little arachnophobia from the OP?

 

[Ben Oliver]

the reason i picked up my H. lividum and my obt is because is because of there colors and their attitudes. my obt is calmer then my G. rosea ( what a shock right ). now i have to get a pokie to balance off my arboreal species.

 

[Bill S]

I tend to ignore the "aggressive/defensive" labels. I choose the tarantulas I like on a variety of other factors, from how attractive they look to what interesting behaviors they may have (such as being communal). If the spider also happens to be a bit aggressive or defensive, then I adjust the way I deal with them accordingly. I wouldn't pick a tarantula BECAUSE it's "aggressive", but I wouldn't necessarily reject one for that reason either.

 

[cacoseraph]

I tend to ignore the "aggressive/defensive" labels. I choose the tarantulas I like on a variety of other factors, from how attractive they look to what interesting behaviors they may have (such as being communal). If the spider also happens to be a bit aggressive or defensive, then I adjust the way I deal with them accordingly. I wouldn't pick a tarantula BECAUSE it's "aggressive", but I wouldn't necessarily reject one for that reason either.

pretty much how i feel. i do think the crazy and quick spiders tend to be a bit more interested in maintenance and playing with them, though

 

[Anonymity82]

All the above!

 

[LV-426]

In my collection the only T that ever became agresssive and actually charged charged at me was my S. calceatum.