First Old World Tarantula

[Poec54]

if you don't already have some long tongs, get 'em.

Mandatory with OW's. I use 6" forceps, as fingers are big and clumsy, and can get bitten in a food response.

While most NW's rely on the passive defense of urticating hairs (throwing projectiles from a safe distance), OW's employ a variety of tactics against potential predators: remaining motionless and then exploding, running fast in random directions, standing in a defensive pose even to the point of falling over on their backs, and usually not hesitating to bite and employ their more potent venom. Some may hold on and not let go, others may give rapid multiple bites. It's a whole different ball game than NW's. Stay on your toes.

 

[viper69]

Any tips?

Get a Ceratogyrus instead of a Poki for your first OW, what a bad idea your purchase was.

Pseudhapalopus sp. "blue" is quite stunning

Only the females.

 

[ErinM31]

@viper69 Good to know, thank you! It’s interesting how some tarantulas are more sexually dimorphism than others and that either gender may be the colorful one. Phormictopus sp. “purple” had been high on my wish list until learning that only the males are that stunning (maybe another reason will put that back on my list but oh that color!). Do you know whether the Pseudhapalopus sp. “blue” females start looking different from the males early on or if one sex or the other changes dramatically upon maturing?

 

[Graves6661]

Poki for your first OW.... Treat it like a loaded gun whenever the enclosure is open.

 

[viper69]

@viper69 Good to know, thank you! It’s interesting how some tarantulas are more sexually dimorphism than others and that either gender may be the colorful one. Phormictopus sp. “purple” had been high on my wish list until learning that only the males are that stunning (maybe another reason will put that back on my list but oh that color!). Do you know whether the Pseudhapalopus sp. “blue” females start looking different from the males early on or if one sex or the other changes dramatically upon maturing?

the word is dimorphic

I believe it's like some Ts, where the males become drab upon maturity, but don't quote me. I haven't owned them. I spoke to a breeder and he told me enough to indicate I would pass on slings of these guys.

 

[ErinM31]

the word is dimorphic

I believe it's like some Ts, where the males become drab upon maturity, but don't quote me. I haven't owned them. I spoke to a breeder and he told me enough to indicate I would pass on slings of these guys.

Yeah, I have to change the autocorrect settings on my new phone!

You wouldn’t want any of these because the mature male is drab? There must be additional reasons as well I assume since most people get slings with the hope of getting a female. I’m just wondering as this is one of the species I was considering getting — I have to have at least one blue tarantula!

 

[ErinM31]

Get a Ceratogyrus instead of a Poki for your first OW, what a bad idea your purchase was.

Can’t one just be extra careful? I’m certainly not disagreeing that some things are better ideas than others or some roads more challenging, but I would think one could take extra precautions.

 

[viper69]

There must be additional reasons as well

Not for me there isn't.

Can’t one just be extra careful? I’m certainly not disagreeing that some things are better ideas than others or some roads more challenging, but I would think one could take extra precautions.

IME, no.

 

[miss moxie]

The problem is that nothing replaces experience. Because experience builds reflexes and instinct. So you can be really careful, and that's definitely better than not being careful but experience trumps it all.

 

[Jmanbeing93]

The problem is that nothing replaces experience. Because experience builds reflexes and instinct. So you can be really careful, and that's definitely better than not being careful but experience trumps it all.

How do you develop the experience required for polkies?

 

[miss moxie]

How do you develop the experience required for polkies?

Dealing with faster and more defensive species. I think Psalmo is a good way to see if you're ready. If you can properly care for an adult Psalmopoeus (for a few months), you're ready for a Poecilotheria. Psalmos still have amped up venom, but not as severe as Poecilotheria.

 

[viper69]

How do you develop the experience required for polkies?

By doing what we call the "ladder system", getting faster species than the basic NW T, eg B emilia.

For example Psalmo's are a good choice because their venom is more potent than many NW, they are faster than Avics for example, but not the fastest NW T. I would also say it isn't about owning a sling either. As Moxie said above, it's about owning an adult, and to be more specific, going through some rehouses with the faster species. If you are just own a fast species, and feed it but haven't rehoused it, that's NOT owning one completely.

Also, my OW terrestrials are faster than my Psalmo's. If you get an OW, the best to start with is a Ceratogyrus.

Remember, having an arboreal T be it NW or OW, but esp OW Poki's adds a 3rd dimension. I'm not worried about my emilia scrambling up my arm and across my shoulders before I blink, as a Poki can do. Arboreals are exceedingly nimble compared to most of their terrestrial cousins.

 

[Jmanbeing93]

By doing what we call the "ladder system", getting faster species than the basic NW T, eg B emilia.

For example Psalmo's are a good choice because their venom is more potent than many NW, they are faster than Avics for example, but not the fastest NW T. I would also say it isn't about owning a sling either. As Moxie said above, it's about owning an adult, and to be more specific, going through some rehouses with the faster species. If you are just own a fast species, and feed it but haven't rehoused it, that's NOT owning one completely.

Also, my OW terrestrials are faster than my Psalmo's. If you get an OW, the best to start with is a Ceratogyrus.

Ok, what about Heteroscodra maculata, what kind of experience is needed before getting that particular species or even Pterinochilus murinus?

 

[viper69]

Ok, what about Heteroscodra maculata, what kind of experience is needed before getting that particular species or even Pterinochilus murinus?

I've owned both, the same advice I gave you earlier. I won't tell you another genus as a first.

 

[Poec54]

Can’t one just be extra careful? I’m certainly not disagreeing that some things are better ideas than others or some roads more challenging, but I would think one could take extra precautions.

Sure, being careful helps, but if you don't build your skills in stages, you will be surprised and caught off guard at some points(s). That's why jumping into the deep end isn't a particularly good idea. Look, this isn't a race. You can get stressed out working with a fast, unpredictable animal with an unpleasant bite, especially if it gets loose, all the more so if you live with other people. What have you proven by getting a species that's beyond your skill level? We're not impressed by that. Either are the people you live with that have to tip toe around the house until the escapee is found. Take your time and enjoy what you have as you work your way up. Do they let Driver's Ed students drive in stock car races, even if that student insists he's ready and can handle it?

 

[cold blood]

Ok, what about Heteroscodra maculata, what kind of experience is needed before getting that particular species or even Pterinochilus murinus?

H. mac is of the very most advanced tarantula species. Not for the inexperienced at all...exceedingly fast, very reclusive, exceedingly skittish and photosensitive....on top of that, they tend to panic at times and almost seem schizophrenic at other times.

They are also slower growers and can be a little tougher than most to raise as slings. They are also willing to bite and possess some of the most potent venom.

 

[Jmanbeing93]

I've owned both, the same advice I gave you earlier. I won't tell you another genus as a first.

Why so defensive? I am not stupid enough to barge into Bug.net and order an H.Mac as my first T, I was,/am doing information gathering so that I don't jump into something beyond my skill level because I didn't know anything about it.

That being said, thank you for telling me about the Ladder system. It was really useful and I have a better idea of what to do when getting my first T.

@cold blood Thanks for the info, it is amazing how fast these spiders move! I was blown away on YouTube and wanted to know what kind of experience is involved.

 

[darkness975]

Thanks for the info, it is amazing how fast these spiders move! I was blown away on YouTube and wanted to know what kind of experience is involved.

Just when you think you have seen it all they manage to do something that could shock you to no end. It is amazing how unpredictable they can be.

The ladder system is necessary to avoid complications for yourself, the Spider(s), and the hobby as a whole.

Few things make me cringe more than Youtube videos of idiots holding a P. murinus on their arm or a Leiurus quinquestriatus on their head. It endangers us all and our hobby.

As stated, the ladder system is the best way and some day there is no reason to believe you won't have an H. maculata . Slow and steady wins this race (unscathed).

 

[Venom1080]

Why so defensive? I am not stupid enough to barge into Bug.net and order an H.Mac as my first T, I was,/am doing information gathering so that I don't jump into something beyond my skill level because I didn't know anything about it.

That being said, thank you for telling me about the Ladder system. It was really useful and I have a better idea of what to do when getting my first T.

@cold blood Thanks for the info, it is amazing how fast these spiders move! I was blown away on YouTube and wanted to know what kind of experience is involved.

No idea what your problem with viper is there. He said he thinks Ceratogyrus is the best beginner ow and he stuck with it. Not rude in the slightest.

Heteroscodra are at the top of the spectrum. Fast, defensive, etc. Slow growing and hard to keep alive when young too.

P murinus is almost there with them. But much faster growing and more defensive IME. Like to bolt too.

You should have experience with delicate arboreals and fast spiders before getting a H mac.

P murinus are basically bulletproof, so youd do fine with prior experience with very defensive OWs. Like Ceratogyrus

 

[Jmanbeing93]

No idea what your problem with viper is there. He said he thinks Ceratogyrus is the best beginner ow and he stuck with it. Not rude in the slightest.

Heteroscodra are at the top of the spectrum. Fast, defensive, etc. Slow growing and hard to keep alive when young too.

P murinus is almost there with them. But much faster growing and more defensive IME. Like to bolt too.

You should have experience with delicate arboreals and fast spiders before getting a H mac.

P murinus are basically bulletproof, so youd do fine with prior experience with very defensive OWs. Like Ceratogyrus

Oh ok, I see, I misunderstood. I thought he was irritated with me and I couldn't understand why. I am not mad at him or anything. Again, knowing about the ladder is useful and I am beginning to have an idea on how to pace myself in the hobby.