Hello, first let me introduce myself. My name is Sean I am 32 married with 2 children and I have a problem, im a arachniphobe. There I admitted it.:8o But im going to get over it with your help. Now my question, what is a good tarantula for a begginer? Of course I want a T. Blondi but realize that thats probably not the best choice for a first spider. But the North and Central America species ive seen just dont get me excited. So what outher choices do I have? My main criteria are bright colors and or interesting pattern, large size, it being an opportunistic burrower, not known for being a hair kicker or haveing very strong venom and doesnt hide constantly. I can deal with aggression to and extint I just dont want a T that is so fast that I cant get out of its way if it decides to attack. Also I have no plans of handling my T at all I just want to look at and observe it. Well there you have it, I know its a tall order but im sure you all can help. Again hello to all, and I appologize for the long post. Sean L.
Help an arachniphobe...
- Thread starter Sean L.
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Hi Sean
Just as a starter point, my father's girlfriend is an Arachnophobe, and has recently started having hypnotherapy treatment to overcome it - and it seems to be working. Worth bearing in mind
You want bright colours (or pattern), large size, opportunistic burrower, not a renowned kicker, non-potent venom and a non deep burrower - speed is also a factor.
Unfortunately choosing a tarantula is fraught with compromise.
There are many beautifully coloured tarantulas that kick hair, and many beautiful tarantulas which burrow, or have venom that may be considered more potent than some. There are some stunningly patterned spiders out there that lack in size.
I would definitely start off with a New World (North & South American) tarantula. These are generally not so fast, defensive, don't all burrow, but they do have hairs that they can kick or rub into you.
One genus that posesses the hairs but can't kick them is Avicularia. Avicularia are generally docile but a little nervous and are arboreal (tree dwelling)
They are generally green with little pink toes though obviously there is some variation within species. Spiderlings are generally totally different to the adults. A.laeta and versicolor spiderlings are bright electric blue, A.avicularia, A.geroldi, A.minatrix and A.braunshauseni spiderlings are pink with black feet, and A.purpurea spiderlings are a deep bottle green colour.
If you want a large Avicularia then you might want to consider Avicularia braunshaunseni. CLICK FOR PICTURE This is a large version (possibly even just a variant) of the common Avicularia avicularia.
Although smaller in size, Avicularia avicularia is just as attractive and just as easy to keep - as well as being more commonly available.
CLICK FOR PICTURE
Another interesting one is Avicularia versicolor - though these often command a somewhat higher price than many Avicularia (at least as adults). They begin life as electric blue spiderlings CLICK FOR PICTURE which gradually turn into bright green, purple and red adults.CLICK FOR PICTURE
Or maybe Avicularia purpurea is more tempting? CLICK FOR PICTURE
All Avicularia are broadly similar in their behaviour and husbandry. They need medium to high humidity, a tall tank with bark or similar which they will anchor their tree web from, and good ventilation - as spiderlings they are particularly easy to become dessicated (dried out) or at the other end of the scale killed by stagnant air and lack of ventilation. Once they begin to get a little larger they become far more resilient
Hope this is of some help
Just as a starter point, my father's girlfriend is an Arachnophobe, and has recently started having hypnotherapy treatment to overcome it - and it seems to be working. Worth bearing in mind
You want bright colours (or pattern), large size, opportunistic burrower, not a renowned kicker, non-potent venom and a non deep burrower - speed is also a factor.
Unfortunately choosing a tarantula is fraught with compromise.
There are many beautifully coloured tarantulas that kick hair, and many beautiful tarantulas which burrow, or have venom that may be considered more potent than some. There are some stunningly patterned spiders out there that lack in size.
I would definitely start off with a New World (North & South American) tarantula. These are generally not so fast, defensive, don't all burrow, but they do have hairs that they can kick or rub into you.
One genus that posesses the hairs but can't kick them is Avicularia. Avicularia are generally docile but a little nervous and are arboreal (tree dwelling)
They are generally green with little pink toes though obviously there is some variation within species. Spiderlings are generally totally different to the adults. A.laeta and versicolor spiderlings are bright electric blue, A.avicularia, A.geroldi, A.minatrix and A.braunshauseni spiderlings are pink with black feet, and A.purpurea spiderlings are a deep bottle green colour.
If you want a large Avicularia then you might want to consider Avicularia braunshaunseni. CLICK FOR PICTURE This is a large version (possibly even just a variant) of the common Avicularia avicularia.
Although smaller in size, Avicularia avicularia is just as attractive and just as easy to keep - as well as being more commonly available.
CLICK FOR PICTURE
Another interesting one is Avicularia versicolor - though these often command a somewhat higher price than many Avicularia (at least as adults). They begin life as electric blue spiderlings CLICK FOR PICTURE which gradually turn into bright green, purple and red adults.CLICK FOR PICTURE
Or maybe Avicularia purpurea is more tempting? CLICK FOR PICTURE
All Avicularia are broadly similar in their behaviour and husbandry. They need medium to high humidity, a tall tank with bark or similar which they will anchor their tree web from, and good ventilation - as spiderlings they are particularly easy to become dessicated (dried out) or at the other end of the scale killed by stagnant air and lack of ventilation. Once they begin to get a little larger they become far more resilient
Hope this is of some help
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Hello and welcome to the boards Sean! I must say, there should be more like you!!! First of all, you're right a T.blondi would not be a good choice for a first T. While they are absolutely beautiful Ts, they have some of the worst uriticating hair there is. If you're looking for bright colors and/or interesting patterns combined with a more "gentle" attitude (anyone please correct me if I'm wrong here...) I would suggest Aviculaira.Versicolor, (Antillies Pink Toe) they are beautiful from the time they come out of the egg, they are blue and havepink toes. When they get older their colors increase to pinks, blues and purples. Also, they're very "fuzzy" looking. While they can be fast movers, they are not generally known to be aggressive. They don't get huge like a blondi but they're awesome to look at but...they are not burrowers, they're arborel. Another good one for color is the C.cyaneobescens (Green Bottle Blue). These can be a bit more nervous, but usually don't attack. Adults have blue legs, an orange abdomen and green carapease(sp). You're wise, IMO, for not wanting to handle tarantulas, they don't need or care to be handled and are commonally considered a "display pet" like fish. There are plenty of other really good choices for a first T that meets at least some of your criteria....as I'm sure pleanty of others will be more than happy to suggest....Again, welcome to the boards, we're glad to have you.
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An avic would certainly be a good choice for you. I have found that even people who are morbidly afraid of spiders melt at the sight of a juvenile Avicularia avicularia! They are nervous Ts, but *most* are really non defensive, and quite beautiful as well. Just little jewels in my book. They build amazing webs and mine is always will to accept a cricket from a pair of tweezers. As a first T I don't see how you could go wrong with this species!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Oh~oh~oh!!
Pick the versicolor! They're so beautiful with the glittery blue!
Or there's the Pink Zebra Beauty, this is a picture of mine
it has nice, pastel pink hairs and a soft black coloring.
Or there's the Mexican Red Knee, I know you said the North American ones don't get you excited but look at the colors!
They can be kinda flicky but I heard they calm down alot when they get bigger/older.
And then there's the Chaco Golden Knee or Chaco Mustard Stripe, sorry no photo of mine cause they're still small and naked but I heard they make great starters and they grow huge!
All of the above (except the versicolor) are good burrowers, all of mine do a great job of burrowing!
It's good that you don't plan to handle your T's. They're at their best when left alone. I still haven't been able to really "handle" a T since I had a bad experience with my Rose Hair but I can now touch the leg or abdomen without much anxiety. That's as far as I'll probly get.
Good luck finding the perfect T for you! Don't forget to post pictures too!
Pick the versicolor! They're so beautiful with the glittery blue!
Or there's the Pink Zebra Beauty, this is a picture of mine
it has nice, pastel pink hairs and a soft black coloring.
Or there's the Mexican Red Knee, I know you said the North American ones don't get you excited but look at the colors!
They can be kinda flicky but I heard they calm down alot when they get bigger/older.
And then there's the Chaco Golden Knee or Chaco Mustard Stripe, sorry no photo of mine cause they're still small and naked but I heard they make great starters and they grow huge!
All of the above (except the versicolor) are good burrowers, all of mine do a great job of burrowing!
It's good that you don't plan to handle your T's. They're at their best when left alone. I still haven't been able to really "handle" a T since I had a bad experience with my Rose Hair but I can now touch the leg or abdomen without much anxiety. That's as far as I'll probly get.
Good luck finding the perfect T for you! Don't forget to post pictures too!
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This may sound stupid to you . I was freaked by spiders bad. I got into the hobby buying an Emperor scorpion. ( I now have 10 Ts and 6 Scorpions ) The problem I had was that " a Good beginner T " just wasnt out there for me. Avics are great as far as docile goes .. but very fast . Versicolors are kinda hard to care for for a novice. Thats why I chose the scorpion. Its in the Arachnid family , move slow , cant climb glass ( a big plus ) , easy to care for and rarely ever sting. They can pinch but as far as dealing with a Invert they are in my choice the best starter . Dont get me wrong .. I really like my Ts , but I feel just to get in the hobby the $10 Emperor gets a person "Familiar" with Ts and the way they react. Just my 2 cents ...
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Aphonopelma bicoloratum
Hi Sean,
There are only a few tarantulas that meet most criteria:
Aphonopelma bicoloratum (Mexican Bloodleg Tarantula): only fails the "large size" option. But this is one of the most beautiful tarantulas out there.
Grammastola aureostriatum (Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula): fails your "bright colors" option but its golden striped knees are certainly the interesting patterns you are looking for.
Eupalastrus campestratus (Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula): similar to Chaco Golden Knee with slightly brighter colors, but it fails your "not hiding constantly" option. But this tarantula has an advantage of being inexpensive.
All Avicularia species (All Pinktoe Tarantulas): fail your "not too fast" option and are more difficult to keep than all the above. However they are among the most beautiful tarantulas and their prices range from prohibitory expensive to inexpensive. You can probably get one that suits you most.
Hi Sean,
There are only a few tarantulas that meet most criteria:
Aphonopelma bicoloratum (Mexican Bloodleg Tarantula): only fails the "large size" option. But this is one of the most beautiful tarantulas out there.
Grammastola aureostriatum (Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula): fails your "bright colors" option but its golden striped knees are certainly the interesting patterns you are looking for.
Eupalastrus campestratus (Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula): similar to Chaco Golden Knee with slightly brighter colors, but it fails your "not hiding constantly" option. But this tarantula has an advantage of being inexpensive.
All Avicularia species (All Pinktoe Tarantulas): fail your "not too fast" option and are more difficult to keep than all the above. However they are among the most beautiful tarantulas and their prices range from prohibitory expensive to inexpensive. You can probably get one that suits you most.
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What about A.Geniculata guys?? They're big, colorfull and from what I've seen with my SLING (So correct me as I'm probably wrong) they're not very fast, stay out most of the time and dont kick hair.
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Sean,
First of all, welcome to the arachnoboards!
Secondly, for your criteria, you might want to have a look at the following species :
Acanthoscurria geniculata - this T gets to about 7 - 9 inches in legspan, so it definitely fits the "large" criteria; it has a wonderful, striking coloration/ patterning; it is active and doesn't hide all the time, and isn't overly fast moving. They may throw hairs if disturbed, but how much "disturbance" they will flick at varies between individual spiders- some will allow you to work in the cage without kicking hairs, others will flick if you even open it- that depends on the individual spider's temper. Overall, these are fantastic display tarantulas, with a great appetite.
links for this species:
http://www.redwineexotics.com/moretarantulas2.html
http://www.arachnopets.com/tarantulas/tcaresheets/ageniculatac.htm
http://www.petbugs.com/caresheets/A-geniculata.html
Lasiodora difficilis- huge. At up to ten inches these are one of the largest T's available. They have a charcoal grey/black coloration overall, with long red hairs highlighting the legs, and especially the abdomen where they are profuse. They stay in the open quite a bit, and have great appetites. For their size, they are relatively docile in temperament- less defensive than the geniculata above, and don't flick as much. A very impressive display animal, and not too fast, as they are large and heavy-bodied.
Link for this species:
http://www.e-spiderworld.com/gallery/pages/Lasiodora difficillis F.htm
Lasiodorides striatus- these aren't as large as the other two, but still attain a good size of 7+ inches. They have a black/brown coloration with cream/ orange stripes running lengthwise down the legs. From what I've read, however, they are the most docile of the three listed here, and rarely flick hairs. They may use a retreat, but aren't overly reclusive or shy. Again, these are not overly fast.
Link for this species:
http://www.e-spiderworld.com/gallery/pages/Lasiodorides striatus.htm
Sorry, that's about all the pages I could find for these last two. There aren't a lot of pages for them as they are less common than the geniculata. But you can use the search function on this forum to find more.
First of all, welcome to the arachnoboards!
Secondly, for your criteria, you might want to have a look at the following species :
Acanthoscurria geniculata - this T gets to about 7 - 9 inches in legspan, so it definitely fits the "large" criteria; it has a wonderful, striking coloration/ patterning; it is active and doesn't hide all the time, and isn't overly fast moving. They may throw hairs if disturbed, but how much "disturbance" they will flick at varies between individual spiders- some will allow you to work in the cage without kicking hairs, others will flick if you even open it- that depends on the individual spider's temper. Overall, these are fantastic display tarantulas, with a great appetite.
links for this species:
http://www.redwineexotics.com/moretarantulas2.html
http://www.arachnopets.com/tarantulas/tcaresheets/ageniculatac.htm
http://www.petbugs.com/caresheets/A-geniculata.html
Lasiodora difficilis- huge. At up to ten inches these are one of the largest T's available. They have a charcoal grey/black coloration overall, with long red hairs highlighting the legs, and especially the abdomen where they are profuse. They stay in the open quite a bit, and have great appetites. For their size, they are relatively docile in temperament- less defensive than the geniculata above, and don't flick as much. A very impressive display animal, and not too fast, as they are large and heavy-bodied.
Link for this species:
http://www.e-spiderworld.com/gallery/pages/Lasiodora difficillis F.htm
Lasiodorides striatus- these aren't as large as the other two, but still attain a good size of 7+ inches. They have a black/brown coloration with cream/ orange stripes running lengthwise down the legs. From what I've read, however, they are the most docile of the three listed here, and rarely flick hairs. They may use a retreat, but aren't overly reclusive or shy. Again, these are not overly fast.
Link for this species:
http://www.e-spiderworld.com/gallery/pages/Lasiodorides striatus.htm
Sorry, that's about all the pages I could find for these last two. There aren't a lot of pages for them as they are less common than the geniculata. But you can use the search function on this forum to find more.
Hello everyone, thank you all for the replys I appreciate them very much. I have thought about Avicularia but the idea of having a fast moving aborial spider waiting that close to the top of the cage every time I open it makes me a bit nervous. But I must admit the pink toes are very cute looking. Ive thought about green bottle blues or tiger rumps (sorry about the use of common names still working on my latin) but they seem prity small, when I think of a T I visualize big, maybe its a guy thing. Any way I just looked at Venoms and genious_gr's suggestions and am very interested in those. Not saying I am not taking everyone elses suggestions into consideration though. Does anyone have any personal experience with the T's Venom and genious_gr suggested? As I said earlier I can deal with some aggression just as long as the spiders nerve impulses arent faster than my perception of reality (does that make sense ). Again thanks for all the suggestions and keep them coming I need all the opinions I can get (why do I suddenly feel like I opened Pandora's Box). Sean L.
). Again thanks for all the suggestions and keep them coming I need all the opinions I can get (why do I suddenly feel like I opened Pandora's Box). Sean L.
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I think the A. Genic would be a great starter - provided you are NOT planning on handling it. They can be very quick when inside the cage, and are great lookers - but I don't know if I'd want to get it out of there as a newbie.
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Hi!
I have a Lasiodorides striatus, and she's wonderful. She is quite big (and still growing...), not fast, doesn't hide (in fact; she comes slowly towards me when I open the cage door as to meet me) and she eats a lot! She takes pinkies, crickets, meal worms, flies, actually everything I offer her.
I also have a Chromotopelma cyaneopubescens (Greenbottle Blue), and she is great, too. She DOES flick her hairs, but its decreasing with age. Opposite from what I heard before I got her, she is visible all the time. She has her burrow, but she often walks around.
I have a Lasiodorides striatus, and she's wonderful. She is quite big (and still growing...), not fast, doesn't hide (in fact; she comes slowly towards me when I open the cage door as to meet me) and she eats a lot! She takes pinkies, crickets, meal worms, flies, actually everything I offer her.
I also have a Chromotopelma cyaneopubescens (Greenbottle Blue), and she is great, too. She DOES flick her hairs, but its decreasing with age. Opposite from what I heard before I got her, she is visible all the time. She has her burrow, but she often walks around.
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as for the criteria you mentioned i'd also think chaco golden knees, pink zebra beauties, and pink toes would all be good.
if you want something that is inexpensive and you can get through most pet shops i'd go for a pink toe.
if you want something that is inexpensive and you can get through most pet shops i'd go for a pink toe.
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Personally I'd have to disagree with the Acanthoscurria and Lasiodora suggestions. While they are great spiders and can be a good first spider for some people, we're dealing with an arachnophobe here ( no offense Sean ).
There are times that I am still surprised by the feeding response of individuals of these genus. I don't think a T that is gonna pounce on everything that goes in the tank (including the water you pour in their dish ) is gonna be good for helping Sean rid himself of his arachnophobia.
Personally I would definitely go with something that is a little less "jumpy" when it comes to feeding time. I would probably suggest one of the Grammostola such as G. pulchra or G. aureostriata.
Scott
).There are times that I am still surprised by the feeding response of individuals of these genus. I don't think a T that is gonna pounce on everything that goes in the tank (including the water you pour in their dish
) is gonna be good for helping Sean rid himself of his arachnophobia.Personally I would definitely go with something that is a little less "jumpy" when it comes to feeding time. I would probably suggest one of the Grammostola such as G. pulchra or G. aureostriata.
- Both get to very nice sizes, G. aureostriata being the bigger of the two.
- They both eat well, but without the pouncing of the previously mentioned genus.
- Both are said to be fairly calm species not prone to biting (although there are exceptions).
- Neither of them have the quirks that G. rosea have.
- They're also both amazing looking when in their full blown adult glory and sizes.
Scott
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you can be creative with your choice of tank setup. it doesnt have to sit right side up. a couple people here have their arboreal setups so that the tank opens from the side.
thats what i'm going to do as soon as i get motivated enough to clean out my avics tank.
thats what i'm going to do as soon as i get motivated enough to clean out my avics tank.
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I agree with Scott too. Given Sean is an arachniphobe, he is a beginner keeper at best and A. geniculata is not a good beginner species, not to mention a good arachniphobe species.
Sean, A. geniculata is an itchy hair flicker, quite aggressive and skittish species. Even the equally large and beautiful Nhandu colloratvillosum (Brazilian Giant Black and White) would be a better choice due to its more docile temperament, slower speed and calm nature although it is also flicky. So, it isnt good for you too.
No offense but please note that you are new to this hobby and your own judgments and decisions may not be the best. You think you can deal with aggression and always emphasize that you are looking for "slow reacting" tarantulas. But, actually there is no such thing as a slow reacting tarantula. Please differentiate between "slow running speed" and "slow reaction". All tarantulas are lighting fast in attack, and actually it is a general characteristic of almost all spiders. When hobbyists talk about "slow speed" they generally refer to their running speed.
However, all tarantulas can definitely respond faster than us and most other inverts. Remember, the muscle pumps controlling their legs are situated directly under their huge brains. An adult 8" Brazilian Giant Black and White can catch a tiny jumping cricket in mid-air with one leg. And even the so-called slow running tarantulas are not really slow and they are fully capable of suddenly bolting for a few inches.
So, aggressive species are bad choices for you.
I greatly appreciate your courage to face your own problems. You are unlike someone who conceals his cowardice by killing the helpless spiders and made a homepage to tell everybody.
Sean, A. geniculata is an itchy hair flicker, quite aggressive and skittish species. Even the equally large and beautiful Nhandu colloratvillosum (Brazilian Giant Black and White) would be a better choice due to its more docile temperament, slower speed and calm nature although it is also flicky. So, it isnt good for you too.
No offense but please note that you are new to this hobby and your own judgments and decisions may not be the best. You think you can deal with aggression and always emphasize that you are looking for "slow reacting" tarantulas. But, actually there is no such thing as a slow reacting tarantula. Please differentiate between "slow running speed" and "slow reaction". All tarantulas are lighting fast in attack, and actually it is a general characteristic of almost all spiders. When hobbyists talk about "slow speed" they generally refer to their running speed.
However, all tarantulas can definitely respond faster than us and most other inverts. Remember, the muscle pumps controlling their legs are situated directly under their huge brains. An adult 8" Brazilian Giant Black and White can catch a tiny jumping cricket in mid-air with one leg. And even the so-called slow running tarantulas are not really slow and they are fully capable of suddenly bolting for a few inches.
So, aggressive species are bad choices for you.
I greatly appreciate your courage to face your own problems. You are unlike someone who conceals his cowardice by killing the helpless spiders and made a homepage to tell everybody.
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I highly recommend G. aureostriata...very beautiful species IMO!
Later,
Jake
Later,
Jake
Earth Tiger is correct I do need to clarify what I mean by fast. Fast in the sense of running speed. I keep a Boa and have kept a Ball python a Coastal Carpet python and one outher Boa. All at one time or outher have tried to tag me and my first boa did manage to get me (my fault stupid feeding error). So I am used to dealing with quick animals with teeth. I've learned to judge strike range, threat postures and body movement to keep from getting taged. Hopefully I can learn spider body language and be able to judge my T's intentions and juge his strike range and stay out of it. Thats why I was stressing movement speed in the sense of closing the distance on me before I can react. Basicly I need time to react if I screw up and misjudge the T's intentions and or strike range and need to get out of the way. Oh and I almost forgot if you want to see a strong feeding response you should see my boa take a mouse from my forcepts. She is so quick and hard hitting it still makes me jump everytime. Thanks again. Sean L.
Well, the most commonly sold T's in the petstores are the Chilean rose T's (Grammostola roseas), which I absolutely love. I think they are underrated, because they make such good and hardy pet. But, from what I've read, that's not what you want. Rosies aren't that colorful, except for the metallic pink carapace on some, and some are coppery brown, which is hard to come by in a normal petstore (you may have ordered it online). The next one I think that will make a 1st great T's are the pink-toes T's. Now, I hear there are many species of Avicularia genus, but a lot of them are colorful and hardy (great choice for beginer); and I think you can find them at your local petstores. I would go with these first, until you've gain about 2 years of experience; then you may consider getting some of the more agressive and colorful one. Oh, yeah, Brachypelma smithis (or the Mexican redknee T's) are good for beginners, also, but they are so expensive.
"You have given away your life's grace! I can no longer protect you!"
"You have given away your life's grace! I can no longer protect you!"